Meadowhall unwraps Christmas 2026 plans with leisure parade, cirque performances and new Santa's magical grotto

Christmas will officially launch at Meadowhall this November, with a packed programme of family activities including its annual Christmas Parade, live circus performances and the chance for little ones to meet Father Christmas.

The festivities will kick off on Thursday, November 12 with Meadowhall's Christmas Parade, starting at 5pm and featuring a host of familiar faces, festive characters and a surprise performance.

The free hour-long parade will see Father Christmas joined by Miller Bear from Rotherham United, Steely Dan from Sheffield Steelers, Errol the Eagle from Sheffield Eagles and Captain Blade from Sheffield United, alongside Percy Pig and the mischievous Sticky Bandits.

Meadowhall's popular Christmas Cirque will also return from Saturday, November 14, bringing an impressive line-up of acrobats, jugglers and aerial performers to the centre.

A brand new Santa's Grotto will also be coming to Meadowhall, letting families across Yorkshire meet the man himself and soak up the festive magic.

Adding a local touch to this year's festivities, Sheffield artist Pete McKee has designed an exclusive Christmas wallet for Meadowhall's gift cards, available from the customer service desks and online from October 26 for an additional £1, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Meadowhall will be extending its work with Weston Park Cancer Charity, partnering on a special remembrance initiative to give visitors an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed away.

Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “We’ve got an action-packed programme of festivities this year with something for everyone, whether that's lining the malls for the parade, meeting Father Christmas or simply enjoying the Christmas shop in a buzzing atmosphere.

“We’re looking forward to revealing more details over the coming weeks, and can’t wait to help even more people create special memories.”

For more information and to plan your visit, go to https://meadowhall.co.uk.