TWO days of festive fun Scandinavian style took place in Reading at the weekend.
The IKEA store welcomed shoppers for an early Christmas party, as part of its countdown to the big day.
Attractions included a DJ, a balloon artist and face painters.
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There were also games and contests, and activities in the restaurant.
The store said it aimed to offer a low-cost day out to help entertain children and make Christmas preparations a little merrier.
It says recent research shows that three-quarters of parents and guardians are concerned about the cost of a family day out, and the in-store activities for children and families are a response to that, with the aim of sparking moments of joy and encouraging more affordable living.
On Thursday, December 7, it is holding a Christmas jumper day for ages three to 10, inviting any child visiting the store’s Smaland zone to enjoy games and crafts while showing off their festivewear. The event runs from 11am to 5pm.
A similar event takes place on Saturday, December 9, across the same times, with staff saying places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On Wednesday, December 13, a family party celebrating the Swedish tradition of Santa Lucia with be held. There are two sessions: 4pm-5.30pm, and a fully booked one starting at 6pm.
The store says this is based on Sweden’s biggest festive celebration, and sees IKEA Family members able to enjoy a three-course meal for £8.95 rather than £13.45, with children’s meals from 95p.
A festive family film in a pop-up cinema will be screened, for free, on Thursday, December 14. This session has been fully booked. Short films will be screened the following day, and again these places have been booked.
On Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 18, IKEA Reading will offer two events. For small people, there will be tree and wreath decorating sessions, while all ages can have a go at gingerbread decorating. All events run between 11am and 5pm, again on a first-come, first-served basis.
Again, fully booked, running on Monday, December 18 and Friday, December 22, the store is offering a free Christmas Eve plate decorating session, for those children who want to leave some goodies out for Santa.
Santa is visiting for breakfast on Saturday, December 23, between 9.30am and 11am. Space have been booked and those who have signed up will receive an early gift from the red-suited jolly man, but he will almost certainly be wiling to say ho ho ho to good boys and girls on the day.
Throughout the month, staff will help children create a letter to Santa. These will be collected and, on Friday, December 22, sent via polar express delivery to the North Pole, just in time for Christmas Eve.
For more details, on all these events, log on to www.ikea.comand search for the Reading store.
