After the spectacular festive parade on Saturday, The Potteries Centre proudly opens its brand-new Ice Palace Grotto, welcoming families for a magical and affordable Christmas experience.
The parade, organised with Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, drew huge crowds as Santa made his grand entrance and unveiled the new Ice Palace Grotto opposite River Island – the Centre’s most affordable Christmas experience yet.
Built with Love: Affordability and Community Spirit
Recognising that Christmas can be costly, The Potteries Centre has halved the price of this year’s grotto to just £3 per child. This was made possible by the dedication of our staff, who built and decorated the Ice Palace themselves, taking on extra hours and new skills instead of hiring external suppliers – a true labour of love for the community.
This affordability was made possible thanks to the generous efforts of The Potteries Centre team, who gave up their own time to build and decorate the Ice Palace Grotto themselves. By working extra hours and taking on new skills, the team avoided the need for expensive external suppliers. The resulting Ice Palace is truly a labour of love for the community.
Charitable Giving and Flexible Photo Policy
£1 from every child’s visit will be donated to the Dougie Mac Hospice – the largest per-child grotto donation in the Centre’s history. Each visit includes a photo opportunity with Santa, a goodie bag and a sticker. Families are welcome to take their own photos, or print them on-site at affordable self-service PhotoMe booths next to the grotto.
Each visit includes a special photo opportunity with Santa, a Christmas goodie bag, and a sticker.
Understanding that everyone wants to capture their experience and save those precious memories, The Potteries Centre is offering a flexible photo policy. Unlike many other grottos, families are warmly encouraged to take their own photographs. There is no obligation to purchase prints, but for those who wish to print photos on the day, affordable self-service PhotoMe printing booths are available next to the Ice Palace.
Amy Whittaker, Centre Director at The Potteries Centre, said: “The atmosphere on Saturday was incredible – the parade was the perfect way to launch our Christmas season.”
She continued: “Affordability and community focus were our driving forces this year. Thanks to our dedicated staff, we’ve created our most affordable grotto yet and are proud to raise vital funds for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice with every visit.”
Grotto Opening Times
The Ice Palace Grotto is open on the following dates in November and December:
| Date | Time |
| Saturday 29th November | 11am – 4pm |
| Sunday 30th November | 11am – 4pm |
| Saturday 6th December | 11am – 4pm |
| Sunday 7th December | 11am – 4pm |
| Saturday 13th December | 11am – 4pm |
| Sunday 14th December | 11am – 4pm |
| Saturday 20th December | 11am – 4pm |
| Sunday 21st December | 11am – 4pm |
| Monday 22nd December | 11am – 7pm |
| Tuesday 23rd December | 11am – 7pm |
| Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24th December) | 10am – 2pm |
Continuing the Festive Fun
Visitors can also enjoy Christmas shopping at top retailers such as Primark, JD Sports, and Superdrug, alongside dining options including Nando’s. The city-centre Artisan Market and surrounding market stalls provide additional festive cheer for families.
For full details and directions to the grotto can be found at www.potteriescentre.co.uk/visit-santa-in-his-ice-palace
