The former Whitehall Garden Centre in Whitchurch is set to reopen its vast and dazzling Christmas shop for the 2025 season, now under the new ownership of Otter Garden Centres. Bringing the festive spirit back with renewed energy, the centre will present “Whitehall Christmas with an Otter twist,” promising both tradition and fresh excitement for customers.
The celebrations will launch on the evening of October 22, from 3pm to 7pm, with free admission for all visitors. Attendees will enjoy complimentary drinks shortly after arrival, and the garden centre’s restaurant will be open until 6pm, serving a selection of hot and cold meals to enhance the festive experience.
Known as a firm favourite in the local community and beyond, the Whitchurch location continues to impress visitors with its spectacular Christmas displays. Adele Rodgers, the site manager and festive expert with 12 years of experience, shared insights with Bristol Live about this year’s preparations.
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“We’re still in a transitional phase,” Adele explained. “Though we’re now trading as Otter, the stock this year was ordered under Whitehall, so it’ll be just as grand — but with a unique Otter twist.”
A notable change this year is how the decorations are being unveiled. In previous years, the extensive preparations and stocking began months in advance during summer, all kept secret until the official launch. This year, however, visitors may already spot Christmas merchandise in certain areas of the garden centre.
“This year, we’re opening the shop department by department instead of keeping everything under wraps until the big reveal,” said Adele.
Last year’s Christmas shop was renowned for its extraordinary scale — with 8-foot-high walls packed floor-to-ceiling with decorations, a festive walkway, a massive Santa, Lemax village displays, soft toys, illuminations, decorated trees, woodland scenes, and even singing reindeer. The extensive displays were a collaborative effort between the Whitchurch and Lacock Whitehall teams, meticulously arranging each piece to create a magical holiday environment.
The transition follows Otter Garden Centres’ acquisition of the Whitchurch branch of Whitehall, increasing Otter’s portfolio to eight sites. Alongside Whitchurch, the Woodborough Garden Centre in Pewsey also transferred to Otter’s ownership earlier this year.
This Christmas, shoppers can anticipate the same festive magic they’ve long cherished — with a delightful new Otter-inspired twist to refresh the experience.