Christmas will come early to intu Metrocentre this year with a massive first for the famous shopping mall.
We can't reveal too much just yet - you'll have to wait a few more weeks for ALL the details and a first look - but what we can tell you is that before long the Metrocentre will be home to a huge indoor Arctic Experience.
As well as getting some lavish new Christmas decorations this year, the Gateshead shopping centre will transform the space outside of House of Fraser into a veritable winter wonderland in time for the festive season.
Get ready to channel your inner Torvill & Dean as The Arctic Experience, which opens in November, will feature a synthetic ice rink where you can show off your skating skills.
And because all of that skating might well be thirsty work, there will be an ice bar on hand to offer some refreshments.
A snow ball pool should prove massively popular with little ones and, of course, no Christmas attraction would be complete without the man in red, so the Arctic Experience will also be home to Santa's Grotto.
Oh and we forgot to mention the fact that there will be half-hourly snowfall as well; so even if it's not snowing outside it will be indoors!
Entry to The Arctic Experience will be free of charge a turn on the ice rink will cost a £2 donation to charity (Newcastle & Gateshead Foodbanks) or free to intu Family Club members.
Santa’s Grotto costs £1 with proceeds also going to charity.
"We’re set to welcome our very own Arctic Experience to Town Square as well as brand new Christmas decorations. This is the first time we have installed a festive attraction of this size in the centre and expect it will be very popular amongst families visiting throughout the Christmas period.”
Due to popular demand, popular seasonal attractions such as the three giant reindeer will stay – one is relocating to the external red entrance, one to first floor red mall and one at the the green mall entrance.
