Celebrate the festive season with Christmas shows, ice skating, Santa's grotto, shopping

The shopping centre, intu Watford, will be switching on the Christmas lights today to mark the beginning of the festive season.

There will be children’s activities and local performances throughout the mall from 4pm, with the main event presented by BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark from 6pm to 7pm on the bridge by John Lewis, followed by fireworks.

Intu will also be hosting several events and activities over the Christmas period, including Santa’s Grotto from November 23 to December 24 and will be open for late-night shopping with free parking after 6pm on weekdays from December 3 to December 21.

The events are as follows:

November 15

Light Switch On from 6pm

intu Watford, upper mall, outside John Lewis

November 23 - December 24

Santa's Grotto

intu Watford, The Gallery

November 24 - January 13

Big Skate

The Parade by The Pond

December 1 - December 30

Angels and Elves Festive Trail

Various - Watford town centre

December 1 – December 24

Santa Claus & the Magical Christmas Journey

Watford Colosseum

December 3 – December 21

Late Night Opening

intu Watford

December 3 – December 21

Free Parking after 6pm on weekdays

intu Watford

December 5 – January 5

Jack and the Beanstalk

Watford Palace Theatre

December 22 – December 23

The Sleeping Beauty

Watford Colosseum