Birmingham dad creates free Santa's grotto for families
Darren Mackenzie transforms his Yardley home into a free Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto, offering festive joy to Birmingham families facing cost-of-living pressures.
Darren Mackenzie transforms his Yardley home into a free Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto, offering festive joy to Birmingham families facing cost-of-living pressures.
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet near the M5 celebrates its first Christmas with festive markets, big discounts, and family activities. Find all your gifts under twinkling lights.
Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove invites the community to a 1950s-inspired festive tea party on 17th December, reviving cherished traditions. Join residents for stories, singalongs and festive fun.
UK shoppers are urged to check festive postal deadlines now, with the first cut-off for overseas parcels on 5th December. Avoid missing Christmas with our essential guide.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
Mary Prytherch, a 55-year-old carer from Wrexham, is tackling her first-ever 5k race in a full elf costume. The festive fun run on December 7 raises funds for Alzheimer's Society and Children with Cancer UK.
Discover Cheltenham's festive magic with four unique Christmas markets, an ice rink, and independent shopping, just a 35-minute train ride from Birmingham. Plan your perfect Christmas day out.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
A family-run Christmas grotto in Cwmbran is back, aiming to beat last year's £1,400 fundraising total. This year's proceeds support the Latch Welsh Children's Cancer Charity. Book now via their Facebook page.
Discover six new retailers that opened at Birmingham's Bullring in 2025, from wellness pop-ups to major flagship stores, reinforcing its status as a top Midlands shopping destination.
Lidl launches a festive 'Wrapped' initiative with free gift wrapping and exclusive Birmingham-themed paper. Pop-up opens on December 17. Details inside.
Smyths Toys warns parents its click & collect uses clear bags, risking Christmas surprises. Plus, expert tips for the best 2025 festive food shop dates.
Supermarket expert Richard Price reveals the optimal dates and times for your festive food shop to beat the crowds and secure the best stock. Plan your trip for a stress-free Christmas.
Shoppers praise Dunelm's 'fun' £12 Santa Basket with Lid, saying it adds instant Christmas spirit. The festive storage solution boasts a flawless five-star rating online.
Amazon has slashed prices on its five bestselling toys and games just in time for Christmas 2025. Discover huge savings on LEGO, Echo Dot Kids, and viral party games.
Tesco launches its 'Gifting for Good' Christmas initiative, allowing customers to buy gifts that support multiple charities, including Stand Out Socks and March Muses. The supermarket is also running food and toy collections.
Money expert Martin Lewis urges shoppers to delay Christmas food shopping for supermarket price wars starting December 7, with veg as low as 8p. Act now to save.
Lidl is offering customers a free vegetable item through its Lidl Plus app. Learn how to claim the deal and avoid recent shopping scams.
Birmingham's two Christmas markets go head-to-head in our festive comparison. Discover which market offers the best food, gifts and atmosphere this winter season.
Asda rewards Christmas Savings Card users with up to £15 in surprise payments. Discover how the scheme works and how to get your bonus for 2026.
Winter Glow, the West Midlands' biggest Christmas event, is now open at Three Counties Showground. Experience the light trail, ice rink & Santa's Village. Book tickets!
A shopper witnessed 'disgusting' scenes of panic and staff abuse at a busy B&M store. Discover the shocking details and why retail workers deserve more respect.
Merry Hill announces extended Christmas shopping hours, a new North Pole Express with Santa, and a festive artisan market. Plan your visit to the West Midlands centre now!
Book your tickets for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's Santa Experience on 13th-14th December. Meet Santa, enjoy festive fun and support lifesaving work.
Shoppers at Merry Hill can grab huge Black Friday discounts of up to 70% off. Discover savings on fashion, beauty, toys, and more from top brands like The Entertainer and Schuh.
Experience Christmas magic at Notcutts Solihull's festive shopping event on November 27th. Enjoy late-night shopping, Santa visits, live music & seasonal food. Discover the perfect gifts!
Birmingham's Digbeth district, with Gibb Street and Floodgate Street, has been ranked among the UK's top destinations for independent shopping. Discover unique gifts and a creative vibe this winter.
The Foundry in Widnes hosts a spectacular Grand Christmas Concert on December 16. Featuring local choirs and talent, this festive event champions community wellbeing. Get your tickets now!
Join North Devon Hospice for a free community Christmas concert on Dec 18. Enjoy local choirs, festive food, and a stunning light show at Barnstaple Pannier Market.
Ice legends Torvill & Dean switched on the final Christmas lights display at Tony and Wendy Swift's Nuthall home, ending a 22-year tradition that raised £250,000 for charity. Discover this heartwarming community story.