A Real Community

Christmas at

Newgate Centre

Get Involved This Christmas

Schools, charities, and community groups can help make Christmas magical at Newgate by taking part in our "Carolling Around The Giving Tree" event.

( Limited slots available – book early to avoid disappointment! )

Carolling Around The Giving Tree

Bring your choir, group or just some friends to perform festive songs and spread joy around the whole community at our "Carolling Around The Giving Tree" event.

  • Saturday 13th December

  • 10am - 3.30pm

How Your Group Can Take Part

in Carolling Around The Giving Tree

Click the button below to register your interest in taking part and to let us know the time slot you are interested in. We will confirm receipt of your enquiry and if that time is available.

If, for any reason that slot is unavailable, we will let you know the closest ones available.

Slots are for typically around 20 minutes.

Also on the 13th November,

Little Lantern Walk and Lantern Making Crafts

  • Saturday 13th December

  • Leaving Newgate at 3.30pm

Limited to 100 participants maximum

And while you are with us

Come Post A Letter To Santa

Encourage your little one to post their letter to Santa in the centre at our North Pole Delivery Service approved postbox, located next to our Elf Service Kiosk, just next to the giving tree.

While Santa can't reply to every letter, if you wish to receive a reply then ask our Elves to book you a reply for £3.50.

Your child will then see their letter get the official delivery service stamp and our Elves will ask you to confirm the address for the reply which will be delivered before Christmas.

Note - this reply is not as detailed as those booked with your Santa Tickets as an add-on. The Letters to Santa reply is a different type of letter.

Charity Stations

We want to support all of our community groups and local charities, so if you have an idea of something you’d like to do in the centre over Christmas then get in touch.

One of the options available is for various community groups or charities to make some extra income by manning our Charity Gift Wrap Station.

Local shoppers can bring their gifts in for you to wrap and make a donation for your services.

Get Involved – Community Group FAQs

What types of groups can get involved?

We welcome schools, choirs, dance groups, theatre clubs, youth groups, and local charities. If you can bring festive cheer, there’s a place for you at Newgate.

What activities can we take part in?

✅ Carol singing or performing around the Giving Tree

✅ Running the Charity Gift Wrap Station to raise funds

✅ Other community-led activities — we’re open to ideas!

Is there a cost to take part?

No – there is no fee for community groups to participate.

How does the Charity Gift Wrap Station work?

Charities can book a slot to staff the gift wrap station in the centre. All proceeds go directly to your cause. We provide the wrapping station setup; you just need to bring the paper and your volunteers.

What dates and times are available?

Community activities will run throughout the festive period but carolling around the giving tree takes place on 13th December 2025 from 10am - 3.30pm. We’ll work with you to allocate a suitable slot based on your group’s availability

Do we need to bring our own equipment?

For performances: you bring instruments, props, or costumes. We provide space and a festive backdrop.

For the gift wrap station: we provide tables and basic setup. You bring your own wrapping paper and decorations if you’d like.

Do groups need insurance?

Yes, if you are a registered organisation, we ask that you hold Public Liability Insurance. For smaller informal groups (like a school choir), the school’s insurance usually covers you. If you aren’t sure, then let us know when you apply and we can review what you have in place and if you are covered for your ideas.

Can parents or carers attend with children?

Yes – parents and carers are encouraged to watch and join in the festive atmosphere.

Will our group be promoted?

Yes – we’ll include your involvement in our event promotion where possible, including social media and centre posters.

How do we apply to take part?

Complete the short Get Involved Form on our website, telling us about your group and the activity you’d like to take part in. A member of our team will be in touch to confirm your slot.