The Bridges Shopping Centre
Sunderland's main city-centre shopping centre, with high-street stores including TK Maxx and the official SAFC Store, plus seasonal events and a Christmas grotto.
About The Bridges Shopping Centre
The Bridges is the main indoor shopping centre in Sunderland city centre, a short walk from Sunderland station and Keel Square. It brings together high-street fashion, homeware, food and service stores under one roof, and in 2026 welcomed a new TK Maxx and the official SAFC Store, which opened in June. The centre is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, with some individual stores keeping their own hours.
Through the year the centre hosts seasonal events and pop-up markets. For Christmas 2026 the seasonal World of Christmas shop has returned with decorations, Santa's Grotto runs from 22 November to 24 December, and a Makers and Bakers Market with handmade gifts and home bakes takes place on Saturday 5 December. Check the centre's website for grotto times and prices.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature The Bridges Shopping Centre.
Christmas in Sunderland 2026: Lights, Panto, Markets and New Year
Christmas in Sunderland for 2026: the Keel Square lights switch-on, markets, the Empire panto, Santa visits, trees, Christmas Day dining and New Year's Eve fireworks.
Christmas Markets in Sunderland 2026
Christmas markets and fairs in Sunderland for 2026, from the Riverside market at City Hall to the BIC fair, a night market at STACK Seaburn and makers at The Bridges.
Sunderland Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026
Sunderland's Christmas lights switch-on is on Keel Square on Thursday 19 November 2026. What is confirmed so far, how to get there and where to eat nearby.
More Retail in Sunderland
Bethany's Florist
A Sunderland florist on Kayll Road offering everyday bouquets, wedding flowers and a dedicated range of funeral tributes.
Flower Angels
A florist on Sea Road in Fulwell offering bouquets, arrangements and funeral tributes for local delivery.
British Heart Foundation, Sunderland
A British Heart Foundation charity shop on Blandford Street in the city centre, open seven days, selling clothing, books, toys and homeware.
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