Santa’s arrival will kick off Christmas season at Mar Shopping Algarve
Mar Shopping Algarve in Loulé will begin its Christmas festivities with the arrival of Santa Claus and the opening of a Christmas Village on Saturday, November 16 at 11am.
The shopping centre promises a magical experience with a wide variety of activities designed to delight visitors of all ages until January 6.
The Christmas Village will feature an array of festive attractions, including a large ball pit with a slide, a giant Ferris wheel for children, and Santa’s House, where Santa will be ready to welcome children and hear their Christmas gift requests.
“At Mar Shopping Algarve, our commitment goes beyond shopping – we aim to be a meeting point for the community,” says Paulo Lopes, leader of customer experience at Mar Shopping Algarve. “Our Christmas Village embodies that spirit: a celebration space where every activity brings the holiday season to life, offering unique moments for children. We want local and international families alike to find a special place here, where Christmas magic is experienced with the proximity and joy it deserves.”
In addition to meeting Santa, families can enjoy a full schedule of activities and entertainment at the Christmas Village. Every day at 3pm, there will be a special show entitled ‘Natal Delicious com o Pai Natal’ (A Delicious Christmas with Santa), while on weekends at 5pm, children can join in on a “sweet treasure hunt,” a fun game styled after musical chairs. During the weekdays, a “lucky box” will offer kids surprises and prizes. Last but not least, the village will also include a creative and educational space, where children can write letters to Santa and take part in craft workshops that encourage creativity and holiday spirit.
A highlight of the holiday programme will be on December 7 and 8 at 4.30pm, when digital influencer Mafalda Teixeira will host interactive workshops, which will give children a chance to learn simple, healthy holiday recipes.
Alongside the permanent attractions, the Christmas Village will host a series of themed creative workshops throughout the season, offering unique experiences every weekend and week, including:
- November 16-17 – Fresh Christmas
- November 18-22 – Sweet Tic-Tac-Toe
- November 23-24 – Candy Monogram
- November 25-29 – Sweet Christmas Tree
- November 30 – December 1 – Christmas Countdown Candy Calendar
- December 2-6 – Sweet Figurines
- December 7-8 – Delicious Reindeer
- December 9-13 – Straw Markers
- December 14-15 – Sweet Santa
- December 16-20 – Christmas Donuts
- December 21-22 – Candy Christmas Decor
- December 23-24 – Gingerbread House
- December 26-27 – Wish Bags
- December 28-31 – New Year’s Look
- January 2-5 – New Year’s Candle Craft
- January 6 – Three Kings’ Crown
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
