Webbs of Wychbold's hotly-anticipated Christmas shop has opened and it includes a Santa with a very relatable new look. Adorable new animal-themed decorations also emerged in the "big reveal" at the huge garden centre near Bromsgrove.
It may still be October but thousands of Christmas-loving shoppers flocked to Webbs off the M5 at Junction 5 for Droitwich last night, Thursday October 5. As one of the most popular Christmas shopping destinations in the Midlands, its glamorous displays and themes are often trend-setters for the year.
Greeting excited visitors was Louise the fairy that fit in with many of the magical forest and wildlife themed decorations given prominence this year. On top of that, Santa had gone 'casual'.
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Like many of us who work in more relaxed gear at home and wear pyjamas on Christmas Day, one of the largest Santa models at Webbs saw Father Christmas wearing comfy grey jogging pants.
It was matched with a relaxed check shirt and furry slippers, giving Santa a laid-back feel. The new casual Santa was surrounded by mini versions in the pyjama style bottoms ready to buy as toys or decorations.
Some of them had swapped his well known red and white for pastel pink and soft grey outfits too for a more snuggly fashionable look.
Elsewhere, wildlife-themed seasonal decorations including hedgehogs, owls, squirrels and toadstools were at every turn. They were combined with elves and fairies to create spectacular snowy forest scenes.
Blue is also a dominant colour among the baubles that matched a ski chalet corner. The cosy wooden hut with twinkling lights is where shoppers can take a breather between hunting for gifts.
Webbs' famous Christmas model village scenes are even more extravagant. The latest has moving hot air balloons and ski lifts in two scenes that will enchanted shoppers of all ages.
You can take a look around this year's Christmas shop in the photo gallery above and see it for yourself in the video.
Visitors were treated to free bubbly, food samples from cheese to shortbread and mince pies at the special shopping night. Live music from band Dee and The Beats brought a festive mood to the store.
Among them was excited Christmas lover and mum Jo Ford from Kidderminster. Jo admitted that she has kept her Christmas tree up all year in her bedroom and "can't wait" to get started on decorating the house for noel.
"I love Christmas and come to Webbs every year," said Jo, whose son was wearing a Christmas jumper and Santa hat as they browsed the store "If I could, I'd skip Halloween and get straight on with Christmas.
"I'll wait until mid November though as there's the stigma from friends saying I've gone too early.
"They think I'm crazy but four or five weeks in December doesn't seem long enough. My husband let me keep the Christmas tree up in our bedroom all year this time.
"I like Webbs' displays this year and that there are more modern illuminations on offer, which adds an extra element.
"Every year, we buy one new addition for our model village so we're looking at those today."
The shop unveiling is the first in a series of festive events for Webbs. A Santa's grotto and its annual illuminated walk will follow in coming months.
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Where is Webbs Christmas shop?
You can find Webbs of Wychbold off Junction 5 of the M5. The address is Worcester Rd, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG.
The store is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
