Santa’s biggest Post Office opens in Belfast as 10,000 letters head to the North Pole
The magic of Christmas is in the air as Belfast One opens its biggest ever Santa’s Post Office, making sure every child’s letter to Santa gets to him in time for Christmas.
It is expected more than 10,000 letters to Santa will make their way to the North Pole from 2 Royal Avenue this year, where a host of free festive fun is available for visitors to the city centre from Sunday, November 16 until Sunday, December 21.
Visitors will be transported to a winter wonderland as soon as they arrive at the Post Office, with Santa’s Sleigh available for photos, while a special sensory wall will immerse children in the magic of Christmas. Santa’s elves are on hand with pencils and paper for children to write their letters, and will also host arts and crafts as part of the experience.
There will also be two dedicated quiet evenings that will be ticketed (December 3 and 17) designed to provide a calm, comfortable and inclusive environment for children who may find busy or noisy settings overwhelming, while Belfast One has also organised a British Sign Language (BSL) evening (December 10). Tickets are only required for the quiet evenings and BSL events; they are free and can be booked at belfastone.co.uk.
Belfast city centre’s all-new lighting installations, along with the opening of Belfast’s Christmas Market will set the scene for a sparkling festive season. CastleCourt’s Santa Parade will dance down Royal Avenue, Joy’s Entry will set a seasonal scene in association with Three Cents and Victoria Square has launched the Victoria Square Express, inviting visitors to step into the magic of Christmas with a train ride to Santa’s Grotto.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID said: “Our city centre truly lights up at Christmas, not only with twinkling lights and festive spirit, but with plenty of free family fun, beautiful décor and Christmas experiences thanks to our incredible businesses, shopping centres, retailers and restaurants.
"At 2 Royal Avenue, Santa’s Post Office is bigger and better this year, aiming to meet the huge demand we have experienced in recent years. Santa has sent his elves to help children put pen to paper, and we’re expecting over 10,000 letters to Santa to magically make their way to the North Pole, with all of their wishes for Christmas Day.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming our visitors to this completely free family event in the run up to Christmas.”