POOLE’S Dolphin Centre will spread Christmas cheer through a host of events during the festive season.

All retailers in the Dolphin Centre will be open until 8pm every Thursday in the lead up to Christmas, and until 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Claus’ Kitchen interactive workshops will launch on December 1 on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre and will run on selected dates until Saturday, December 24.

Littles ones will be welcomed by Mrs Claus and her merry elves to enjoy a gingerbread decorating workshop and other Christmas inspired arts and crafts.

The free event is available to pre-book in 30-minute slots via Eventbrite and donations to support the Homelessness Partnership charity can be made on arrival.

John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Centre, said: “We’re excited to introduce Mrs Claus’ Kitchen for the first time which is a fun, interactive grotto that also gives visitors the opportunity to support a great local cause.”

The Dolphin Centre has confirmed national brands John Lewis and Rick Stein will be joining its Christmas offering for the first time with pop-up stores at the Dolphin’s Street Market on selected days.

Meanwhile, Poole-based charity, Chestnut Nursery, joins the extensive festive line-up to sell seasonal houseplants between December 14 and 16, alongside several other local artisans and creators that will be retailing until January 2023.