It’s beginning to look like Christmas as Derry’s Guildhall set to be taken over by elves, festive films and Mrs Claus

Derry's Guildhall is glowing with Christmas joy as final touches to its festive trimmings has made it all merry and bright.

The spirit of Christmas is set to continue to build over the coming weeks as the historic building is taken over with elves, festive films and tales from none other than Mrs Claus! On the 9, 10, 16 and 17 December the Mayor has arranged to bring some Christmas cheer to the Guildhall as it is transformed into Elfwood Forest by a special elf sent by Santa himself!

Ellie the Elf (pictured) will sprinkle her magical fairy dust throughout the city and district allowing all the good children to enter the forest which will be at the Mayor’s Parlour/Whitaker Suite in the Guildhall. For two weekends imaginations will come to life with the sounds of the forest and magical animals like Snuffleplops, the Pixielotts and the Ginormous Wrecks.

As the children arrive at the forest gates they will be greeted by Ellie.

She will tell stories of Elfwood and get the children to help wake Santa who has asleep since July as last year’s Christmas took such a toll on him with so many kids on his naughty list. The children will then be given the opportunity to walk around Reindeer Road and stop off at the ice camp fire where Santa looks into the imagination of his elves.

As each thought comes from the elves they float like bubbles around Elfwood. ‘There will be events for all ages, with festive treats, films for children and adults, tall tales from the Elves and a lady I am most looking forward to sharing the Guildhall with – Mrs Claus! I am honoured that she has chosen to make a home for herself here and share some of her experiences living with Santa and the Elves. I would like to ask everyone to give her a warm welcome during her stop over. Christmas events at the Guildhall will contine from 18t until 21s December when there will be Cosy Christmas Family Film Matinees from 3.30pm with refreshments included for children and on 20 and 21 December there will be Classic Christmas Films screened from 6.45pm with mulled wine and mince pies.

Admission to all films screened at the Guildhall will cost £2.00 per person. ‘Mrs Claus comes to town on 18 December and plans to stay until 23 December, just ahead of Christmas when she’ll be taking over the Guildhall and making a cosy living room for herself to share her tales with all the children on life with Santa and the elves and giving out traditional Christmas gifts to each child.

She will also be serving some homemade hot chocolate and sweet delights to keep everyone warm and snug. Mrs Claus can be visited in her living room at 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm and 6.00pm for 30 minutes of storytelling.

Admission is £2.00 per person (including children and adults) and pre-booking can be made via Guildhall reception or be telephoning 028 71 376510.