All you need to know about the many Christmas events in Lutterworth

Shopkeepers and retail leaders are uniting to stage four yuletide spectaculars in the run-up to the biggest celebration of the year.

Claire Morris, who helped set up Lutterworth Retail Forum, said: “We’ve got over 50 businesses behind us now and everyone is pulling together to put the town’s best foot forward.

“Many of us are small independents and we’ve got to work hard to come out on top.

“We’re all very excited and it should be the best Christmas we’ve ever seen here in Lutterworth!”

The fun kicks off with the Christmas Lights switch-on and late-night shopping from 6pm-8pm on Friday November 29.

The event will also feature a Christmas market from 3.30pm-8pm, Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, hog roast and fun fair with a lot else besides.

Next up for grown-ups will be After Hours Christmas Shopping from 6pm-8pm on Thursday December 5.

“This is a first for us here in Lutterworth and we’re all really looking forward to it.

“It’s huge that we’ll have free parking,” said Claire, who owns a popular sweet shop called Sweet Sisters.

“Quite a few shops will be opening late and there’ll be a fashion show, free Prosecco and lots of nibbles.”

Just 48 hours later the eagerly-anticipated Festive Family Elf Trail hits town.

Super successful last year, the attraction will run from 9am-3pm on Saturday December 7 and 11am-3pm on Sunday December 8.

“We had over 750 families take part in this last year and it’s just brilliant,” said Claire.

“Kids have a fantastic time.

“For just £1 they get a map and a free hat as they head out on the trail of the cheeky elves.

“It’s a lot of fun and the kids do get hyper at times.”

Last but not least is Santa’s Grotto from 11am-3pm on Saturday December 14 and 11am-3pm on Sunday December 15.

You can go in for free to see Santa at Archway Gallery on Market Street.

“The Grotto is again all about putting a great big smile on children’s faces.

“We are supporting Lutterworth Events Community Group in making this happen,” said Claire.

“It’s very easy for local people and families to head out of town to do their Christmas shopping at Highcross in Leicester or Fosse Park.

“It’s up to us to give them every reason in the world to come into Lutterworth town centre instead and have an unforgettable time.

“And to top it all off we’ll have free parking here every Saturday in December making it even better.”