Join the new Storytime with Father Christmas and celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hillier Garden Centres

As the festive season approaches, Hillier Garden Centres warmly welcomes visitors to celebrate the Christmas spirit with a host of exciting events designed to delight all ages. From indulging in seasonal treats and getting hands-on with creative workshops, to making magical memories with the family, Hillier offers something for everyone at selected centres.  

Hillier is thrilled to introduce Storytime with Father Christmas – a magical new experience for families! From 7th December, bring your little ones for an enchanting afternoon as Father Christmas reads delightful festive tales. Kids will enjoy tasty treats, a special goodie bag and the chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. Adults can relax and indulge in a festive cream tea during the event. Tickets cost £10. 

The popular Breakfast with Father Christmas will return every weekend in December, and every day from 16th December where guests can make magical memories with a festive breakfast and a special visit from Father Christmas! Children will enjoy a fun session filled with Christmas activities, a delicious meal, and a memorable gift from Santa himself. Children’s tickets are from £20, and adults are £15, which includes breakfast and a hot drink. 

There will be a series of late-night shopping events running from 5pm to 8pm, giving shoppers the chance to be the first to explore the exclusive 2024 Christmas ranges, enjoy an enchanting atmosphere with seasonal entertainment and take advantage of special offers available only during the event. The Truly Scrumptious Food Evening takes place on 14th, 20th and 21st November, (at selected centres) for an evening filled with festive cheer and food! Indulge in an array of tasty treats and delightful drinks. Embrace the warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with seasonal spirit, as well as family-friendly entertainment and fun that is bound to help make the evening magical for all.  

The Hillier Christmas Shopping Evening takes place on 4th December and is an opportunity to shop the range of Christmas trees, festive decorations and unique gifts while soaking in the festive spirit. Exclusive discounts will also be available throughout the evening. 

The tasty Hillier festive menu will launch in restaurants from 25th November with a traditional two-course lunch featuring classic Christmas dishes like roast turkey or venison pie, or relax after a spot of shopping with a festive afternoon tea. 

Finally, Hillier experts will also be imparting their knowledge and leading Christmas Wreath Making Workshops, teaching guests how to craft their own wreaths using fresh mosh, foliage and festive decorations while enjoying seasonal refreshments. The workshop lasts two hours and is £45, which includes all materials and refreshments. 

Key dates: 

• 14th, 20th, 21st November: Truly Scrumptious Food Evening 
• 25th November – 22nd December: Festive Lunch & Afternoon Tea 
• 7th – 24th December: Breakfast with Father Christmas 
• 2nd – 7th December: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 
• 4th December: Christmas Shopping Evening 
• 7th December – 23rd December: Storytime with Father Christmas 

Events vary per centre so please check online for specific details. 

For further information and to book, please visit www.hillier.co.uk or visit your local Hillier Garden Centre. 

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.