Families have already been flocking to take photos
New Christmas lights at the Trafford Centre – including a new Santa in The Orient(Image: MEN)
The Trafford Centre has officially switched on its Christmas lights – and there are some big changes and new additions for shoppers to look out for on festive shopping trips.
Centre bosses had announced earlier this year that they would be “refreshing and reimagining” their Christmas lights for the 2025 festive run in.
And on Friday, shoppers got their first look at the new scheme which was lit up at the Trafford Centre.
One of the big changes this year is set to be a big hit with families – as Santa has made an appearance for the first time.
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He can be seen riding on top of a new, bigger red sleigh across The Orient food hall, and if you look closely, you’ll even see Santa waving.
Santa waves at shoppers from his sleigh in the new display(Image: MEN)
His sleigh is being pulled across the sky by nine reindeer, and if you look closely at the display you’ll see Rudolph with his bright red nose leads the fleet in the magical display.
Meanwhile in the main malls, there’s an entirely new sparkling scheme in gold and red.
The old displays of hot air balloons have gone, and replaced instead by seven stunning new chandeliers with dripping baubles and red presents.
The biggest of the chandeliers has taken pride of place in the Main Dome by Selfridges, where it’s so huge it feels like you can almost touch it as you go up and down the escalators.
The huge new chandelier at the Main Dome(Image: MEN)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “Trafford Centre is now shimmering with festive magic as our spectacular Christmas lights illuminate the centre once again.
“This year, we’ve refreshed and reimagined our much-loved display to bring even more sparkle and wonder to our guests.
“Santa can be spotted waving from his sleigh in The Orient, pulled by his nine reindeer – including Rudolph with his bright red nose – while cascading chandeliers of shimmering presents light up the malls and the Main Dome in a rich palette of red and gold.
“We can’t wait to see our visitors’ reactions as they experience the magic of Christmas at Trafford Centre come to life.”
The spectacular lights are now on(Image: MEN)
On Friday afternoon the sparkling lights were already causing a stir – with a number of families seen stopping to take photos and selfies around the Santa’s sleigh display at The Orient.
There was no official switch on event at the shopping centre this year, but there is a big free festive event planned for next weekend when a Christmas Parade will take place at The Orient.
New lights in the mall(Image: MEN)
Taking place on Saturday November 15 at 11.30am and 2.30pm, a host of family favourite characters will join a cast of festive dancers and singers in a ‘magical extravaganza to kickstart the Christmas season – including an appearance from Father Christmas.