Christmas has officially arrived at Ealing Broadway. With the switch on of its festive lights and announcement of its seasonal celebrations.

Four weekends of festive fun are lined up at Ealing Broadway, with festive characters popping up at the centre every weekend from now until Christmas, to sprinkle some Christmas cheer.

Santa and his trusty elf Twinkle will be ready to welcome visitors and listen to little one's Christmas wishes.

There will also be appearances from Frosty the Christmas Unicorn, the Wintry Frosted Fairy, and the Christmas Flower Girls!

Ealing Broadway's five-metre-tall reindeer, Broadway Blitzer, has also returned to Town Square this year, giving shoppers the perfect spot to take a festive selfie.

Visitors looking to enjoy a bite to eat can also head to the Christmas Food Market, which will open in Town Square on 4 December, offering a selection of food stalls.

This weekend visitors can head to the centre's Bauble Bar and, for a donation, design a beautiful bauble to hang on their Christmas tree.

On the last weekend before Christmas there will be a pop-up Wrapping Station to help shoppers wrap their presents.

Andrew Rollings, centre director at Ealing Broadway, said: "Christmas was a difficult time for many last year, so we want to do what we can to help make this year extra special.

"We're excited to have a range of activities and festive characters to help visitors get into the Christmas spirit."

Throughout the festive season Ealing Broadway visitors will also be able to make contactless donations to the centre's chosen charities, Ealing MENCAP and Ealing BEfriend, at the giant Giving Box located outside Tesco.

Ealing MENCAP works to influence change and ensure people with learning disabilities get their voice heard, while Ealing BEfriend supports those in the community who are extremely isolated from society, with volunteers helping them to take part in activities that improve their wellbeing.

Late night shopping returns to Ealing Broadway from December 6, with the centre open from 9am – 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.

There will also be special festive opening hours and retailers may extend or reduce their opening hours for Christmas.

Visitors are advised to check with individual retailers directly before they travel and more information can be found here.

Parking is available as usual and shoppers are being encouraged to visit outside of peak times if they can, with quieter times usually before 11am and after 4.30pm.

Cyclists and those arriving to the centre via scooter can enjoy free parking for up to 48 hours in Ealing Broadway's Ride&Park facility on the ground floor in St. Saviour's Walk, with this open from 6am – midnight from Monday to Sunday.