With sparkling shopping opportunities for the whole family, residents are being encouraged to do their Christmas shopping in their local town centres this year. www.visitthemalverns.org/christmas 

To help make it easier for shoppers to visit the town centres across the district, Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) is offering free parking once again throughout December. 

This offer will be available in the council-owned car parks on the following dates: 

• Great Malvern and Barnards Green: all day on Fridays (5, 12, 19 December) 
• Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn: all day on Saturdays (6, 13, 20 December) 

These dates were chosen following discussion with town centre traders. 

On Saturday, 6 December, Christmas at the Tudor House Museum in Upton will include Father Christmas, festive singing, and mince pies. 

Up to 28 town centre shops will be open until 8pm on Thursday, 4 December, as part of Great Malvern's late night shopping event. There will be live festive music from the Malvern Chase Brass Band outside Belle Vue Island at 6pm, outside Connells at 6.30pm and outside Greenlink at 7.20pm. 

Tenbury's Mistletoe Festival returns with family friendly fun on Saturday, 6 December. From 9.30am there will be Christmas markets and entertainment, children's activities, and more.  

Town centre traders will still be open during the events and will be joining in with the festivities. 

MHDC has also put together a handy online guide which provides all the information needed to shop, dine, and enjoy what's on offer in the five town centres – Great Malvern, Barnards Green, Malvern Link, Tenbury Wells, and Upton upon Severn. 

The guide includes a 'shop finder' where visitors can easily search for restaurants, boutiques, galleries, florists, butchers, cafes, book shops, and more. 

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "There are so many wonderful independent shops and businesses where you can find that perfect gift or enjoy some festive food and drink. We are pleased to offer free parking leading up to Christmas once again. We hope it encourages residents to take advantage of the delights in our wonderful district, including such attractions as The Regal, Malvern Theatres, and more”. 

Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/christmas for more information on 'shopping local' this year. 

Visit: www.visitthemalverns.org.greatmalvernlatenight for a list of shops included in the late-night shopping. 

Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/christmasevents for a list of Christmas events.

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Pictured: Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources (which includes car parks) and Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council.