At Hilltop Garden Centre we're all about making this Christmas one to remember. Whether you’re a family with little ones excited for Santa, or a couple looking to soak up the holiday spirit, we’ve got something for everyone. Our upcoming Christmas events will be packed with festive fun, heartwarming activities, and plenty of opportunities to create magical memories. The Hilltop elves will be working hard over the next few weeks to transform our garden centre into a Winter Wonderland, but we can't wait to share what we have in store for you this Christmas - so here's a teaser of what you can expect.
Family Christmas Launch Event: Friday 25th October 5-8pm
Kick off the holiday season with our Family Christmas Launch Event on Friday, 25th October from 5-8pm at Hilltop Garden Centre in Weeley, Essex. This is a must-attend event for the whole family: Imagine twinkling lights, festive music filling the air, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. We'll also be serving complimentary nibbles as a special gift to thank you for your support! Here's a roundup of what will be happening on the night:
Christmas Grotto: Children can step into our Christmas Grotto and sit on Santa's sleigh to capture magical moments and a photo with our moving reindeer!
Feast on delicious festive food and drinks: Warm up with a cup of cosy hot chocolate and feast on our festive food and drinks - all served takeaway style!
Decorate a Christmas cookie: Leave room for sweet treats like our Christmas cookies, which you and your children can decorate together - it's a complimentary activity on us.
Christmas gift & food shop: Take advantage of this exclusive late night shopping event to browse our beautifully decorated Christmas shop, find unique presents and artisanal foodie gifts, and add some Christmas magic and sparkle to your home.
Send a letter to Santa: Your children can post their Christmas wish list to Santa and we'll make sure he gets it!
Hilltop's Family Christmas Launch Event is free to attend and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy all that we have to offer.
Christmas Calendar of Events
Saturday, 23rd November - ‘Wreath The Halls’ Workshop
Get creative this Christmas with our ‘Wreath The Halls’ Workshop on Saturday, 23rd November. Hosted by our talented team members Carmel and Caroline, this workshop is all about bringing the beauty of the festive season into your home. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lifelong skill to make your own Christmas wreath or festive table centrepiece, using fresh, seasonal materials that capture the essence of Christmas. If you have a sentimental or personal decoration that you would like to use on your wreath, you are most welcome to bring it along, and please remember to bring along a pair of secateurs.
During the workshop, we’ll be serving hot drinks and Christmas treats to keep you warm and merry. It’s a lovely way to spend a wintery Saturday, crafting something beautiful while enjoying good company and festive cheer.
This unique workshop with our expert team will give you all the necessary skills to be able make your own Christmas wreath year after year - and you can also apply those skills to create spring, summer and autumn wreaths if you wish.
We have two sessions available to book: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, and the cost of a place on this unique workshop is just £49.99. Pop in now to book your place with a member of our team, as places are limited and spots will fill up quickly!
Saturday, 7th December - Meet Santa & Christmas Face Painting
The Christmas magic continues on Saturday, 7th December from 10 am to 2 pm, when Santa himself comes to Hilltop! Bring your children along to meet Santa in his workshop — a magical experience that they'll talk about for weeks. Every child will receive a special free gift from Santa, and your voluntary donation will go to charity, making this a feel-good event for everyone.
While you’re here, let your little ones transform into their favourite festive characters with our Christmas-themed face painting. Whether they want to be a reindeer, an elf, or even a snowman, our talented face painter will bring their imaginations to life - and it won't cost you a penny.
Saturday, 14th December - Balloon Modeller & Meet Santa!
We’ve got more festive fun on Saturday, 14th December from 10 am to 2 pm. This time, not only can you meet Santa in his workshop once again, but you can also enjoy a performance by our amazing balloon modeller. Watch in awe as they create fantastic balloon sculptures right before your eyes, perfect for entertaining the kids while you take a breather - there's no charge, we're simply happy you've chosen our garden centre to celebrate Christmas.
Whether you missed the first Santa visit or just want another chance to see the big man himself, this is a great opportunity to soak up even more Christmas cheer.
Saturday, 21st December - Face Painting & Santa’s Workshop
As the big day approaches, join us on Saturday, 21st December from 10 am to 2 pm for one final festive hurrah. Christmas-themed face painting will be back by popular demand (it's free!) and Santa will be in his workshop, ready to meet your little ones one final time before his busiest night of the year.
This is the perfect opportunity to wrap up your Christmas preparations, grab any last-minute gifts, and enjoy the festive family atmosphere at Hilltop. The countdown to Christmas has never been so exciting!
Christmas Shopping & Late-Night Fun
Throughout the festive season, Hilltop Garden Centre is your go-to destination for all things Christmas. Our Christmas gift & food shop will be stocked with a wide range of gifts, decorations, and treats that will delight everyone on your list. From stunning Christmas trees to twinkling lights and beautifully crafted snow globes and wintery scenes, we’ve got everything you need to make your home merry and bright.
And remember, our late-night shopping on launch night on Friday, 25th October between 5-8pm is the perfect time to browse, enjoying the festive ambiance and ticking off your Christmas list in one go.
Christmas Menu Launch
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we’re also excited to announce that our Christmas menu at Floral Days restaurant will launch one week after Hilltop's Family Christmas Launch Event. Keep an eye out for updates on our festive specials and seasonal delights, served with a side of countryside charm and stunning views.
So, whether you're visiting for our exciting Christmas events or simply to enjoy a day out at Hilltop, we can't wait to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with you at our upcoming Christmas events. Visit us, and let’s make this Christmas the best one yet!
For more information and to reserve your spot at our 'Wreath the Halls' workshop, please speak to a member of our team or email us at steve@hilltopweeley.co.uk.
Happy holidays from all of us at Hilltop Garden Centre!
