Teesside Park at Christmas: Opening hours, festive markets and selfies with Santa

Christmas officially arrives at Teesside Park next week with the return of its popular market as well as a flying visit from the big man himself.

Festive markets will be on site from Friday, November 22, until Sunday, January 5, with stalls selling handmade gifts and a mouth-watering selection of foodie treats. For little shoppers, a snowball game will be set up near Market Cross Jewellers offering a prize every time, along with a children's carousel near Greggs.

Visitors can also enjoy Arriva’s fun day on Saturday, November 23, with the chance to snap a selfie with Mr Claus and take part in free Christmas craft sessions. Santa's bus will be located next to Costa Coffee in the main car park from 11am until 2pm.

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Catherine Furlong, centre director at Teesside Park, said: "The most wonderful time of the year is on the horizon and we’re as excited as ever for this year’s seasonal celebrations, with everything from our popular Christmas markets to an appearance from Father Christmas himself. We’ve got everything you need for a fun festive day out and we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the centre for a shopping trip, some seasonal food or perhaps to enjoy a Christmas blockbuster.”

What festive treats on offer at the market?

Festive food favourites will include Christmas cakes and brownies, fruit crumble, waffles and Yorkshire pudding wraps. Other stalls will offer wood fired pizza and a traditional German swing grill.

For those looking to enjoy a festive tipple on their shopping trip, there will be Baileys hot chocolate and mulled wine. A selection of unique handmade gifts for loved ones will also be available.

What are the opening times over the Christmas period?

Extended opening hours will be brought in Monday, December 2, until Friday, January 3. Monday to Friday, the retail park will be open 9am to 9pm, Saturdays, 9am to 7pm, and Sundays, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

What about opening hours for festive dates and bank holidays?

Here are the details on opening hours for festive dates and bank holidays:

• Christmas Eve: 9am to 6pm

• Christmas Day: Closed

• Boxing Day: 9am to 6pm

• New Year's Eve: 9am to 6pm

• New Year's Day: 9am to 6pm

Some retailers may extend or reduce their opening hours over this period and some may be closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Normal trading hours will resume on Monday, January 6.

How can I get there?

The 36, 37 and 38 Stagecoach bus services connect with Billingham, Norton and Hartlepool, while Arriva’s 16 bus runs between Middlesbrough, Teesside Park, Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick. Customers can enjoy up to four hours of free parking in the main retail car park.

For more information on Christmas at Teesside Park and details on travelling, visit https://www.teessideshopping.co.uk/christmas

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