Christmas decorations in shops and festive ads on TV signal the start of Christmas for people in Thurrock.
Christmas decorations in shops and festive ads on TV signal the start of Christmas for people in Thurrock.
The countdown to Christmas day may have already begun for thousands of shoppers in Essex.
According to research by intu Lakeside, shops putting up lights and decorations in shops or starting to play Christmas music now marks the beginning of the Christmas season for 21% of people in Essex.
intu’s research also found that for 24% of Essex shoppers, the festive season begins when Christmas adverts start hitting screens.
And the start of November heralded an influx of Christmas shopping this year, with 14 per cent of local shoppers saying they commenced their present hunting for the first time on Wednesday (November 1st).
At intu Lakeside, the Christmas season will start on 11 November, with a week of fun festive events until 17 November; kicking off with a firework display and light switch-on at 6pm on Saturday. Customers will be treated to activities such as bauble personalisation and toy testing, as well as the chance to glide on the ice rink and visit Santa at the Grotto.
Ben Leeson at intu Lakeside, said: “One of the most exciting things about Christmas is the build-up and preparation ahead of the big day. Our mission is to make this sense of anticipation even more enjoyable by creating the perfect Christmas shopping experience at intu Lakeside for customers and stores.”
“At intu Lakeside we are excited to have lots of Christmas activities for all the family to enjoy. We have brought back the ice rink for a second year and have the chance to meet Santa and his special guest, Norbert, at our Grotto. We are looking forward to hosting a whole week of festive cheer to help get our customers Chrismassing.”
Almost 43% of people in Essex said that the season will officially begin with their first shopping trip of the year and 14% believe festive-themed drinks and cups or Christmas sandwiches appearing in shops are the biggest signs that Christmas is on its way. Restaurants introducing Christmas menus, and mince pies and selection boxes hitting supermarket shelves were seen as other important festive markers.
Top ten signs that the Christmas season has begun:
Decorating a Christmas tree
Shops put up lights and decorations and start playing Christmas music
Christmas adverts start airing
Opening the first door of an advent calendar
Going Christmas shopping for the first time
Christmas coffee menus and cups and Christmas sandwiches go on sale
Mince pies go on sale
Restaurants introduce Christmas menus
Christmas selection boxes go on sale
Black Friday
