A Festive Season full of heatfelt moments begins at Broad Street Mall

10th November 2026

Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas at Broad Street Mall! 

Santa’s sleigh is on its way to meet lots of excited shoppers, and he’s asked the centre’s beloved mascot Topsy to join him this year, to lead a very special mission.

From Saturday 21^st November to Thursday 24th December, on selected dates, Santa’s Grotto will welcome families for an enchanting visit. For just £6.50 per child, enjoy a magical meet-and-greet with Santa and receive a special festive gift. Photos and Christmas keepsakes will be available to purchase separately, so you can treasure the memory forever. No pre-booking is required.

Then on selected Saturdays, the centre will come alive with talented local musicians performing heart-warming Christmas tunes. Visitors are invited to take a moment to pause, sing along, and let the magic of live music make their shopping trip extra special.

Plus, Broad Street Mall is asking people to spread a little extra kindness this year…

Led by Topsy, the local community is being encouraged to embrace the joy of giving this Christmas through its festive giving appeal, Topsy’s Teddy Bear Mission.

For many of us, a teddy bear is a familiar childhood companion and treasured friend, a source of comfort when life feels uncertain. For children growing up in challenging circumstances or affected by conflict, a reassuring cuddly friend isn’t always within reach.

This year, in partnership with The Teddy Trust and Danyah Miller the Storyteller, Topsy is inviting the community to donate pre-loved teddy bears at Santa’s Grotto throughout November and December. The teddy bears will then be distributed by The Teddy Trust, a charity run entirely by volunteers, to children affected by war, poverty and abuse in countries including Ukraine.

Through Topsy’s Teddy Bear Mission, each teddy bear that’s donated carries a message of love, friendship and reassurance, offering children a little comfort during uncertain times and reminding them that someone, somewhere, cares. Through the wonderful power of storytelling, Danyah Miller brings to life the power of a teddy bear’s love and what it could mean to a child who needs it most.

To donate, people should pop along to Santa’s Grotto between 21^st November and 24^th December, where his trusty elves will prepare each teddy bear to go on a special journey to their new home. Every person who donates will receive a certificate of kindness for their generosity. 

Topsy has a special request for this mission - traditional bears only please, no snakes or giraffes!

For full list of Grotto opening times, festive music schedule and further details on Topsy’s Teddy Bear Mission, customers should visit https://www.broadstreetmall.com/whats_on/santas-grotto-2026/

Steven Connolly, Centre Manager at Broad Street Mall says “We are delighted to welcome back Santa’s Grotto this year! It’s such a magical addition to Central Square and exciting to see the joy on people’s faces as they meet the main man in red and create magical memories with their loved ones. This year, we are honoured to be partnering with The Teddy Trust. Giving back has never been more important, and the vital work they do in war-torn countries and with those who have suffered extreme trauma is incredible. The comfort of a teddy bear is so often taken for granted, so to know how this amazing charity can help to change the lives of children living in difficult circumstances from just one teddy bear’s cuddle, is hugely moving and something we are so proud to be supporting. It is also amazing to be working with the wonderfully talented Danyah Miller again, who has brought the story for this appeal to life so beautifully.  We hope the community will get behind this festive giving appeal so that we can make a massive, positive impact on the lives of those children who need it most.”

Ellie Somme, Founder of The Teddy Trust says “When the Broad Street mall team came to us asking to partner with our charity and support our cause this Christmas, our hearts felt full. Every day we see the difficulty that so many children endure and the simple comfort that a teddy bear’s cuddle can provide is incredible. Our cause is so important in children’s lives where hope feels lost and they feel alone. We are so grateful to have Broad Street Mall on board to support our cause this year as a partner who recognises and champions the difference we can make to a child’s life, one teddy bear at a time. We know how important teddy bears are to people, but with your help, we can find all those pre-loved teddy bears that are no longer used, new homes where they will be greatly received and adored once again. We’re excited to be working with the Reading community on this donations appeal and hope that, together, we can make a huge difference.”

Danyah Miller, celebrated storyteller says “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Broad Street Mall and The Teddy Trust on Topsy’s Teddy Bear Mission. I loved creating Topsy’s story and recording it - imagining the adventure these much-loved teddy bears might have as they set off on their journeys to new homes. It’s a glorious project to be part of, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the story in person at two storytelling sessions at Broad Street Mall in December (more news to follow). I hope lots of people will get involved, donate a teddy bear and come along to hear all about Topsy’s adventure!”