Santa’s arrived at Grand Central

The best time of year is here – Christmas! It’s officially ok to start talking tinsel because Santa has arrived at Grand Central.

There’s a BUNCH of Christmas fun happening at Grand Central this season. Read all about it here.

SANTA PHOTOS – November 17- December 24

Christmas memories often start with the annual photograph with Santa.

Come along to Santa’s magical fairytale grotto in Centre Court to meet the jolly man, tell him your present wishes and capture the memorable moment for the whole family to enjoy.

This year you also have the choice to book in advance with Fast Pass.

Visit grandcentralshopping.com.au to view the photo packages and price list, or to book your Fast Pass.

Ayva Lilly Willmot-Mack was excited to meet Santa!

SANTA LETTERS – November 17–December 17

Our smaller visitors can write their very own wish lists and stories to Santa and send them straight to the North Pole through Grand Central’s special mailbox!  Be sure to include a return mailing address to receive a personalised response from Santa himself.

Location:  Level 1, outside Body Shop (near Santa’s Grotto).

SANTA PET PHOTOGRAPHY – November 18 & 25, December 2, 9 & 16

Don’t let the furry member of the family miss out on seeing Santa!  This year Santa has taken a few language courses to decipher the woofs, meows and squeaks from the family pet.  He will know exactly what they are wishing for this Christmas, whether it be an extra juicy bone, a new toy, or a year’s supply of catnip.

The pet photography sessions will be held on Sunday afternoons from 4.30pm-6.30pm in Grand Central’s outdoor community space, Central Square.  Bookings are essential and can be made through www.grandcentralshopping.com.au.

Santa and Toby (so cute!)

MRS CLAUS STORY TIME – Each Wednesday from November 21 – December 19, 9am-12pm

Christmas is all about magical stories, so Mrs Claus will be reading festive-themed books in Grand Central’s community library space each Wednesday.

Also, if you have any books for the community library, pop in and donate or swap books – take one, leave one, give one – as we all share the joy of reading and storytelling.

Location:  Grand Central Community Library, Ground Level, outside Best & Less.

CHRISTMAS FOOD TASTINGS – Saturday Nov. 24, Thursday Dec. 6 and Saturday Dec. 22

In the lead up to Christmas, Grand Central will be running sampling sessions in The Market Room. Head into the centre to try tempting treats and dishes that may well end up being the talk of your Christmas table.

Plus, on Saturday November 24 there will be Christmas seafood sampling and cooking demonstrations. Sample dishes such as baked salmon with parmesan herb crust, seafood risotto, and salmon quinoa patties with rocket and citrus salad – perfect for those who want to inject a little Aussie twist into the traditional roast dinner.

Dates & Times:  Saturday November 24, 11am-2pm; Thursday December 6, 5pm-8pm; and Saturday December 22, 11am-2pm.

Location:  The Market Room, Level 1.

SENSORY SANTA – November 25, December 2 & 9 

Not all children can cope with the sensory overload of lights, queues, people and noise – but they all deserve a chance to meet Santa.

To ensure each and every child has the opportunity to meet Santa, Grand Central is working with Sensory Souls to provide three sessions outside of trade hours on a Sunday to allow families with special needs children to get a photograph of Santa and their child in a quiet and calming environment.

There will be no background music, spotlights or noise, and both Santa and the photographer have experience with special needs children, and will ensure they are as comfortable as possible.

Bookings are essential.  Sessions will be held between 7am-9am on November 25, December 2 and December 9.  There will be 10 minute time slots for each booking.

For more information and to book go to www.sensorysouls.com.au/sensory-santa/bookings/

Location:  Santa’s Grotto, Centre Court, Level 1.

Note – BCC Cinemas Grand Central will also be showing a Sensory Friendly Movie on Sunday December 9 at 10.30am, ‘The Grinch’.  Tickets are $6 and can be brought online or at the Box Office. Lights are dimmed and sound volume lowered for sensitive ears.

THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS – November 29 – December 24

Grand Central welcomes the musical tones of Christmas Carols and live gigs to help celebrate this festive season.

Christmas Carols – Enjoy the lively and joyous sounds of carollers throughout the centre from 11am-2pm each Thursday and Sunday in December, plus Christmas Eve.  Location:  Outside Target on Level 1 and outside Wittner on Level 1.

Busking & Community Stages – Would you like to help bring some holiday spirit to the community this year?  Well, Grand Central is turning the stage over to you!  Singers, dancers, performers and anyone else with a talent to share are welcome.  Simply get in touch with Grand Central through their website, and fill out an application form: https://www.grandcentralshopping.com.au/play/busking. Performances will occur each Friday and Saturday from December 7-22 outside Target on Level 1, outside Wittner on Level 1, and outside Schnitz on Ground Level.

Live Music in the Restaurant Precinct – Head on down to Grand Central’s dining precinct to tantalise the tastebuds and soak up the atmosphere that only comes from live entertainment.  Live music will be performed outside Chong Co on Ground Level each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from November 29 – December 22.

KIDS GINGERBREAD COOKIE WORKSHOPS – Sunday December 2, 10am-2.30pm

The Market Room is hosting Gingerbread cookie decorating for the kids this Christmas season. Whether they would like to decorate their cookies with icing, smarties or ‘gumdrop buttons’, Grand Central has all the festive ingredients ready for the little ones to create two gingerbread masterpieces.

Workshops will be held between 10am-2.30pm. Bookings are essential. Tickets are $5 and can be booked through Eventbrite. Each workshop runs for 45 minutes.

Location:  The Market Room Kitchen, Level 1 (outside Woolworths).

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING – December 3-24

The Salvation Army elves will be at two locations in Grand Central this Christmas to wrap your presents with love and care.  For a small donation, not only will you be supporting a wonderful cause, you’ll have the best looking gifts under the tree.

From Monday December 3 to Friday December 14, visit the booth on Level 1, outside Myer.

From December 15 through to the 24^th, there will be two gift wrapping booths:

• Level 1, outside Myer and
• Ground Level, outside Dymocks

Gift Wrapping Times:

** If anyone would like to volunteer to help The Salvation Army on the gift wrapping booths, call their office on 4632 7206 or email toowoomba.corps@aue.salvationarmy.org.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CBD TREE LIGHTING – Thursday December 6, 4pm-9pm

The annual CBD Tree Lighting will be held on Thursday December 6. From 4pm, Grand Central will have outdoor market stalls for you to enjoy in Central Square, as well as entertainment and free activities.

From 7pm, Santa will light up Town Hall and then start a procession to Grand Central, where at 7.30pm you can see the official lighting of Toowoomba’s largest Christmas tree.

Linger after to grab a selfie with Santa, and enjoy dinner at one of Grand Central’s restaurants for a perfect end to the day.

Location:  Central Square, corner Victoria and Margaret Streets.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH ALASTAIR MCLEOD – Saturday December 8, 10am-11am

The season for festive eating is upon us, and Alastair McLeod is back with his wonderful culinary skills to demonstrate how to nail the perfect Christmas lunch.

You’re invited to experience a free cooking demonstration by Alastair in Grand Central’s Market Room Kitchen from 10am-11am, where he will be showcasing a delicious dish that is sure to impress.

Location:  The Market Room Kitchen, Level 1 (outside Woolworths).

CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH ALASTAIR – Saturday December 8, 12.00pm-1.30pm

Tis’ the season for festive eating, and who better to share his Christmas dining secrets than beloved celebrity chef, Alastair McLeod.

Alastair is returning to Grand Central and would love to invite you to join him for a delicious Christmas lunch to share.

A shared style dining experience, the lunch will leave you inspired and delighted with tastings using ingredients sourced from Grand Central’s Market Room to create a mouth-watering Christmas feast.

Included in your ticket is a two-course share dining experience, including an entrée and main. The lunch will also end on a sweet note, with a take home dessert offered to each guest.

Tickets are limited, so book quickly to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience Christmas lunch, Alastair McLeod style. Tickets are $39 and can be booked through Eventbrite.

Location:  Level 1, behind Rozzi’s.

FREE CHILD MINDING – December 10-24, 10am-2pm daily

Need some peace while you get your Christmas shopping done? Let Grand Central’s qualified child minding staff look after your kids while they enjoy free craft, toys, dress-ups, books and more.

This service is recommended for children between 3 and 12 years.  Maximum 3 hours free child minding per child per day.  Please visit the Stay ‘n Play child minding booth outside Big W for more details.

Location:  Outside Big W, Level 2.

FESTIVE CRAFT WORKSHOPS – December 15-23, 10am-3pm daily

Make your Christmas a handmade affair with these fun free Christmas crafts over the school holidays.  Pop in anytime from 10am-3pm to join in.  Location:  Outside H&M, Level 1.

• Timber Tree Decorations – December 15-19. This workshop includes a variety of differently shaped timber decorations which kids will get to select from and personalise for their Christmas tree. 
• Paddle Pop Decorations – December 20-23. Kids will have fun making their own Christmas tree decorations using paddle pop sticks and other fun decorations.

EXTENDED TRADE – from December 16

Need a bit of extra time to get your Christmas shopping done?  With Grand Central’s extended trading hours throughout December, there is plenty of time to purchase those last minute gifts.

* Majors, Fresh Food, The Dining Quarter and Cinemas may be open earlier or trade later during this period. Please note the above times may be subject to change. Contact individual retailers for details.