Festive season to bring joy and Christmas spirit to Centrale & Whitgift
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in Croydon, with the launch of this year’s Christmas programme spreading fun, cheer and community spirit to Centrale & Whitgift, everything from Christmas Carols to giant Christmas Puddings.
Sing for a cause this Christmas
Centrale & Whitgift are inviting schools and community groups across Croydon to take part in their new Christmas Carolling Programme, giving local performers the opportunity to spread festive cheer while supporting a charity of their choice.
Performances will take place in The Whitgift opposite River Island with morning and afternoon slots available. Participating groups must provide proof of their chosen registered charity, and collections must be digital only. Applications are open now and will be accepted until Christmas Eve. Interested schools and community groups can download the application form here and submit it to enquiries@centraleandwhitgift.co.uk to secure their slot.
Step inside Croydon’s biggest festive photo moment – The Giant Christmas Pudding
This Christmas, The Whitgift will be bringing a brand-new festive experience to Croydon with the Giant Christmas Pudding Installation – a free, family-friendly activation located opposite River Island. Take a seat on the plush red throne hidden beneath its icing and let the cheeky neon sign decide whether you’re sugar or spice! With dazzling lights, playful sound effects and plenty of festive cheer, it’s a Christmas photo moment you won’t forget.
But that’s not all – The Giant Christmas Pudding will also be delivering the 12 days of Christmas Crafts, bringing even more fun through the festive period.
Families can get creative with FREE Christmas craft workshops taking place, from pudding spoon decorating to gingerbread biscuit decorating, there is something for the whole family to enjoy together.
Adding even more sparkle, there will be live performances and interactive workshops across the 12 days alongside some of the Christmas Craft activity.
Santa’s Christmas Skyride
Back by popular demand, Santa’s Christmas Skyride returns to Centrale for another season of magical festive fun!
Families are invited to step inside an enchanted elevator (located opposite House of Fraser) and join Santa’s friendly team of elves on a virtual journey to the North Pole. Soar through twinkling clouds, peek into Santa’s home, and enjoy an unforgettable meeting with Santa himself.
Each family will receive a special reindeer soft toy gift from Santa – with a new 2025 design to add to last year’s collection. Guests can also purchase photos and mementos of their adventure, making it a Christmas experience to treasure.
New for 2025: Group bookings are now available! Families and friends can enjoy discounted group rates, with tickets priced at £5.50 per child for groups of four or more. Each booking includes two free adult tickets, with additional adults just £2 each.
For more information visit: Santa’s Christmas Skyride – Centrale & Whitgift
Make a difference this Christmas – donate to the Giving Tree Appeal
Centrale & Whitgift is once again inviting the Croydon community to come together and make a difference through its much-loved Giving Tree Appeal – now bigger than ever thanks to a new partnership with Croydon Business Improvement District (BID).
Running from 29 November to 24 December, the initiative encourages visitors to play Secret Santa and donate gifts to vulnerable children and families across Croydon in partnership with Reedham Children’s Trust.
Following last year’s success – which saw over 700 gifts donated – the 2025 appeal will expand across the wider town centre, with ten Giving Tree locations including local businesses and community partners. This expansion creates even more opportunities for local residents, shoppers, and businesses to get involved in spreading the festive cheer.
Pick a tag from the tree, which details a gift for someone in the local area. Purchase the gift and bring it back, unwrapped, to the Giving Tree boxes. Your thoughtful donation will be collected by Reedham Children’s Trust, a local charity supporting vulnerable children and families in Croydon, and delivered in time to brighten their Christmas.
Visit the Giving Trees located at Centrale (Ground Floor Mall, next to the Grotto) and Whitgift (opposite River Island), as well as at selected town centre partners including The Ludoquist Café, Leonardo Hotel Croydon, The Green Dragon, Crown & Pepper, and more.
For more information visit: The Giving Tree Appeal 2025 – Centrale & Whitgift
Croydon’s festive season is set to bring the community together once again, celebrating the joy of giving, connection and togetherness at the heart of the town centre.
