THE most magical time of the year is on its way, and Ongar Garden Centre is thrilled to announce the launch of its Christmas Department with a spectacular opening weekend on 4th and 5th October.

As part of the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, British Garden Centres, Ongar Garden Centre is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s celebrations bigger and brighter than ever. From enchanting decorations to festive family fun, the launch weekend promises to be the perfect start to your Christmas countdown.

Kicking off the festivities in true seasonal style, Father Christmas or his head elf will be cutting the ribbon on Saturday at 9 am, with more festivities happening at 10 am on Sunday, officially opening the Christmas wonderland. Visitors attending will have festive treats and a singer to put everyone in the festive mood. There will also be a golden ticket for the first 50 people through the door with some exciting offers.

Shoppers will be among the first to explore the exclusive new additions to the popular Fern Christmas and Lighting range, available only at British Garden Centres. This year’s collection is bigger and better than ever. It features stunning decorations, dazzling lights, and beautiful home accessories, designed to help you transform every corner of your home and make magical memories with family and friends at a great price.

Beyond Christmas décor, Ongar Garden Centre is a treasure trove of gift inspiration. To celebrate the launch weekend, Family Card holders will enjoy an exclusive 15% off our Christmas range, including decorations, artificial trees, lights, cards, and wrapping paper. Whether you dream of a cosy traditional Christmas or a sparkling modern look, there’s something to suit every taste both indoors and outdoors. If you are not a Family Card member, do not worry; you can sign up in-store on the day.

The festivities don’t end there; bookings are now open for Ongar Garden Centre’s much loved Christmas events and experiences. From indulgent festive dining to magical meet-and-greet experiences with Santa, families can create unforgettable moments together this season.

For full details and booking, visit the British Garden Centres website: https://www.britishgardencentres.com/events/?location=ongar-garden-centre

And don’t forget—share your festive adventures with us using #LightUpChristmas

Helen Clay, Centre Manager, said: “We are excited to welcome people into our centre and show off our team’s hard work and inspirational, magical displays. Christmas at British Garden Centres is about so much more than decorations; it’s about bringing people together and making the season the best experience for everyone. Alongside our expanded Fern Christmas range and a fantastic selection of gifts for all ages, we’re proud to host festive events that families can enjoy year after year. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect present, finding inspiration for your home, or making memories, there’s something special for everyone.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 73 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 73 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.