Meadowhall is starting the festive season in style today with the return of its much-loved Christmas Parade. The family-friendly 50-minute parade begins at 5pm this evening, hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield breakfast show presenter Ellie Colton.
The parade will start from the Lower Avenue outside Frasers and make its way through the centre, finishing on the Lower Gallery with the first performance from the Christmas Cirque. Returning for a second year, the Cirque promises a dazzling display of acrobatics, juggling, and festive wonder.
Santa will wave from his sleigh as a marching band plays Christmas classics, joined by a host of mascots guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages. Football fans can look out for Captain Blade from Sheffield United, Ozzie Owl from Sheffield Wednesday, Miller Bear from Rotherham United, Toby Tyke from Barnsley FC, and Chester the Fieldmouse from Chesterfield FC.
Beloved characters including Harry and Marv, Pudsey the Bear, Dex from The Works, and Percy Pig from M&S will also join the parade, adding to the festive fun.
This year, Meadowhall is also debuting a giant LED light show outside the Oasis Dining Quarter. The show tells the story of Sparky, a star born in Santa’s workshop, as it spreads festive joy across Sheffield. The first performance takes place at 4pm today, with five-minute shows every 30 minutes until 8pm.
Looking ahead, Meadowhall’s Magical Winterland returns on Saturday 22nd November, transforming the Orange Car Park into a winter wonderland. New this year, the Winter Spectacular by Circus Cortex brings frost and fantasy under the big top, alongside Santa’s Magical Grotto, fairground rides, and seasonal food and drinks.
Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “The Christmas Parade is one of our most loved traditions and is always the perfect way to mark the start of the festive season. This year’s line-up promises to be bigger than ever, with many popular faces visitors of all ages will enjoy. With the Cirque, our light curtain show, and brand-new decorations, we’re transforming the centre into a winter wonderland for festive fun, family time, and gift shopping.”
Meadowhall’s Christmas Parade is free to attend. For more information, visit meadowhall.co.uk/event/christmas-parade
