THISTLES, STIRLING ANNOUNCES THE CHRISTMAS MARKET

LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK AND HANDMADE CRAFTS WILL TRANSFORM THE CENTRE, WITH EXTENDED CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS ALSO ADDING TO THE ATTRACTIONS

Thistles Shopping Centre, Stirling today announces The Christmas Market, an exciting new offering run by The Crafters Roadshow, running daily until Sunday 30th December.

Aiming to spotlight the next generation of great makers, the market promises to bring extra cheer and choice to what is already shaping up to be the best ever Christmas at Thistles.

Located in the unit which previously hosted the Marches restaurant, between Primark and the customer washrooms, a fantastic range of stands will transform the centre with handmade crafts and festive food and drink presented in a fantastic festive market.

Gift inspirations will range from Harris Tweed home textile décor, unique woollen scarves, candles and melts, Christmas bath bombs, handmade wooden crafts and jewellery, to tastebud-tickling Christmas bakes and cakes, cocktail pick and mix and a fudge and brownie stand. Adding to the attraction will be a prosecco van with a customer seating area as well as a caricature artist.
This year’s Christmas opening hours for Thistles have also been confirmed and will ensure the retail therapy is both enjoyable and convenient.

These extended opening hours begin on Sunday 18th November for one day with Thistles opening 10.00am – 6.00pm as part of the Christmas Lights Switch On. Black Friday on Friday 23rd November will also see the centre trade longer on this day, 9.00am – 7.00pm.

Normal times will apply between Saturday 24th November until Saturday 8th December with the exception of Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th December both extended each day 10.00am – 6.00pm.

The week commencing 10th December signals a key Christmas push with retailers counting down with the following extended opening hours:
Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 12th & Friday 14th 9.00am – 7.00pm

Thursday 13th 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday 15th December 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday 16th December 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

The Christmas extended opening hours continue week commencing 17th December with these hours:

Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th & Friday 21st 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday 20th 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday 22nd December 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday 23rd December 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Last minute gift inspiration can be found on Christmas Eve 9.00am – 5.00pm with the centre closed on Christmas Day.

Thistles will reopen on Boxing Day 10.00am – 5.00pm.

Normal trading times will apply Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th December while New Year’s Eve is open 9.00am – 5.00pm. New Year’s Day the centre will be closed, reopening Wednesday 2nd January 10:00 am – 5:00 pm before trading returns to normal from Thursday 3rd January 2019.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director of Thistles commented;

“The Christmas Market will be a fantastic new addition to this year’s retail experience at Thistles with a range of unique, handmade products and gift ideas, plus a prosecco van with seating area that is sure to be a popular pit stop for shoppers. With our Christmas opening hours, including extended trading, also announced, we are ready to welcome everyone to what promises to be the best ever festivities in the centre.”