Forum Algarve shopping centre in Faro has officially opened the festive season with the ‘Forum Algarve Xmas Experience’, a programme designed to celebrate Christmas through several festive-themed events and activities.
The festivities began with the arrival of Santa Claus on Saturday, November 8. The jolly gift-bearer will be stationed at the shopping centre’s Enchanted Forest, where children can play, write their letters to Santa and take photos with him. Each young visitor will also receive the 19th edition of the “Gui” book series – a long-running tradition at the shopping centre.
The Ice Rink remains one of Forum Algarve’s main festive attractions. This year, it introduces a new feature: every Saturday and Sunday, children can skate with Gui, the centre’s friendly mascot. The programme also includes a Paris-style carousel, completing the winter atmosphere with colour and sparkle.
Shoppers can also visit the Christmas Market, offering traditional products, local delicacies, and gift ideas courtesy of eight vendors.
The festivities also include the Creative School Contest, which invites schools and kindergartens from across the Algarve to decorate a “blank planet”, inspired by the new “Gui” story. The projects will be displayed throughout the campaign, and visitors can vote using their shopping receipts. The most voted schools, in each education level, will receive prizes of €1,200, €700, and €400.
“The weeks before Christmas are often filled with stress and rush, and people sometimes lose sight of the little details that make this season special,” said Sérgio Santos, Centre Manager, Forum Algarve.
“We considered it important to create an experience that can be lived and appreciated by all our visitors, no matter their age. The creation of a brand for Forum Algarve’s Christmas – Forum Algarve Xmas Experience – strengthens our commitment to provide impactful and different experiences to our visitors, along with a sense of social responsibility through our Creative School Contest and our Christmas Market,” he added.
