Marlowes grotto returns supporting National Children’s Air Ambulance

Christmas magic is returning to The Marlowes Shopping Centre, as Santa’s Grotto makes its much-anticipated return for another festive season and this year, it’s supporting an incredibly special cause.

For 2025, The Marlowes has chosen The National Children’s Air Ambulance as its official Grotto charity partner. All donations raised throughout the festive period will help this vital service continue its lifesaving work for critically ill babies and children across the UK.

This year’s Grotto will be open on selected dates between Saturday 6th December and Christmas Eve, offering families a truly heart-warming festive experience. Each child will receive a free treat to make their visit even more special, and to ensure every child can enjoy the magic, SEN-friendly sessions will take place every Sunday at 10:30am, providing a calmer and more inclusive environment.

Humphrey Mwanza, Centre Manager at The Marlowes Shopping Centre, commented: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Santa back to The Marlowes for another magical Christmas. The Grotto is always such a special part of our festive celebrations, bringing joy to families across Hemel Hempstead. This year, we’re proud to be supporting The National Children’s Air Ambulance, a charity that does truly incredible work helping children and families in need. We know our visitors will join us in giving generously and helping to make a real difference this Christmas.’

The National Children’s Air Ambulance provides rapid helicopter transfers for young patients in need of urgent specialist care, flying them up to four times faster than by road. Working in partnership with NHS paediatric and neonatal transport teams, the service ensures children receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible, wherever they are in the country. Importantly, the charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations to keep its helicopters flying. Community support from initiatives such as The Marlowes Grotto makes a real difference to families in their most difficult moments.

Robert Oram, Community Fundraising Executive, The National Children’s Air Ambulance: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to The Marlowes for choosing to support The National Children’s Air Ambulance through their Grotto this year. Every donation helps us to keep our helicopters flying and ensures that children across the UK can reach the specialist care they need as quickly as possible. It’s wonderful to have the community’s support, especially during the festive season.’

Families can visit Santa and his elves at The Marlowes Grotto throughout the Christmas season to enjoy a magical festive experience while helping to raise funds for this life-saving charity.

For further details on events at The Marlowes Shopping Centre, visit The Marlowes website.