Storytime with Mrs Claus and Elf Repair Café coming to Grand Arcade, Cambridge

This Christmas at the Grand Arcade, Storytime star Mrs Claus will be joined for the first time by a team of eco-friendly elves.

On select dates throughout December, Mrs Claus will be hosting cosy, 30-minute storytelling sessions in her beautifully-decorated grotto on the first floor of the shopping centre.

Also, every ticket you buy for Mrs Claus’ Storytime will support Cambridge Carbon Footprint and fund a special project that’s sure to be a hit with elves of all ages, the Elf Repair Café.

Julie Kervadec, marketing manager at Grand Arcade, said: “Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and giving back, and this year we wanted to infuse our celebrations with a sense of purpose.

“We’re excited to welcome back Mrs Claus and her heartwarming storytelling sessions, and host a new initiative, the Elf Repair Café, which brings together sustainability and festive cheer in such a unique way.”

Delivered in partnership with Cambridge Carbon Footprint, the Elf Repair Café will give broken, or well-loved items a second life.

From 1pm until 4pm this Sunday (17 November), skilled ‘elves’ (aka experienced repairers) will be inside Mrs Claus’ Grotto on the first floor of Grand Arcade to help you fix or refresh items - whether it's a beloved Christmas decoration, a broken toy or tired teddy, a threadbare festive outfit or essential festive kitchen appliance, the repairers welcome all objects.

If you're looking to give your wardrobe a festive refresh without adding to the planet’s waste, then don’t miss the Christmas Jumper Switch, also taking place in Mrs Claus’ Grotto, from 1pm until 4pm on 17 November.

Swap your old jumpers for a new-to-you festive sweater, giving your look a merry makeover that’s as good for the planet as it is for your style.

Enjoy all of this alongside Grand Arcade’s Christmas celebrations, complete with singers, dancers and choirs in the lead-up to the city centre’s Light Switch On.

Julie continued: “We are proud to lead the way with ‘Circular Christmas’, showing that festive fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.

“Whether you’re relaxing in Mrs Claus’ Grotto, scoring a new jumper at the Swish, there’s a little something for everyone.”

Following the opening of the new Everyman cinema on 11 November, Grand Arcade has been transformed into a winter wonderland packed with festive fun for all ages.

Be serenaded by Reindeer Rhapsody, meet the jolly Yuletide Yeti, who will be cooking up some winter cheer, and don’t forget to drop off your letter to Father Christmas at the magical talking letterbox.

Shoppers will also be able to enjoy late-night shopping from 16 December.