TOWN CENTRE festive entertainment will see Santa ride into St Helens this weekend, with visitors given the chance to play in a winter wonderland.

The Hardshaw Centre is housing a giant snowdome and from now until Christmas Eve shoppers can revel in a flurry of artificial snow in the 15-foot sphere.

Centre manager Gary Mitchell said: “The snow globe is perfect for families, young friendship groups, work colleagues or anyone wishing to capture the magic this festive season.

“The snow globe definitely has the wow factor our shoppers deserve.”

Entry will cost £8 for up to six people, inclusive of photograph.

On Saturday, Santa is due to arrive in town with his team of reindeer and elves.

A Christmas train will be in town on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22.

Meanwhile, the Visual Ministry Gospel Choir will entertain with festive songs on Saturday, December 21, in Church Square.

Motorists can enjoy free parking on December 14 and 21 at council car parks at Chalon Way, Tontine, St Mary’s, Hardshaw Centre and Birchley Street (but not the Millennium Centre).

The free-after-three scheme is running on weekdays.

Shops will be open until late today, Thursday, and between December 16 and 23.