CHRISTMAS is a magical time of the year and there is no better way to kick off the festive season with a visit to Santa at one of his many grottos across south Essex.
Father Christmas will be at a number of locations across the county readily waiting to meet excited children.
Here is a guide of where you can meet Santa and his team of elves this month:
1. Adventure Island, in Southend:
Adventure Wonderland at Adventure Inside, in Southend, is the perfect gift and place to come and see Father Christmas.
The magical experience at Adventure Island includes a visit to Christmasville, meeting Father Christmas and his elves along the way.
Each child receives a wonderful toy which can be selected from Father Christmas’s Toy Store.
Mother Christmas can also be visited in at the Adventure Island “Post Office”, where children can listen to festive Christmas stories, do some arts and crafts, write their letter to the big man himself and make magical reindeer food to take away ready to sprinkle for Christmas Eve.
Marc Miller, managing director of the Stockvale Group, said: “It truly is an experience like no other.
“We know times are hard this year. We have done our bit by increasing the value and reducing the price to £15 for our members and £30 for non-members.
“You can join on the day from as little as £16 for a Sealife Adventure annual pass and use that and take the discount.
“We can’t say fairer than that.”
To find out more, and to view the dates available, visit adventureisland.co.uk/adventure-wonderland-christmas/
2. Scott’s of Southend, in Rochford:
Scott’s of Southend have brought a number of Christmas events to the Garden Centre this year, including “Breakfast with Santa”.
Children will be able to enjoy games, dances, and crafting before meeting and receiving a gift off Father Christmas himself.
Alice Worby, social media, and marketing manager said: “The team at Scott’s of Southend are delighted to be teaming up with prestigious entertainment company, Sophisticated Entertainment, to bring a magical event to the families of Essex this Christmas.
“Get ready for a sleigh-load of fun at Scott’s of Southend with our fantastic ‘Breakfast with Santa’ event with two hours of festive fun leading up to the big day!
“For just £37.95 per person, you will experience a fun elf show, breakfast buffet, mini disco party, festive games, elf sing along and so much more.
“Come along and create precious memories at the ultimate Christmas celebration.”
To find out more, visit scottsofsouthend.co.uk/christmas-at-scotts-of-southend-garden-centre-essex/
3. The Ironworks, in Southend:
SANTA is ready and waiting for children across Southend at the Ironworks, in Southend High Street.
After more than 1,000 visitors in 2022, Father Christmas is back for another year.
As part of the experience children will be able to spend time in the Elf Workshop, writing letter to Santa, making Christmas cards, bracelets, and Christmas trees.
The event is running every Saturday and Sunday up until December 23, as well as December 21, and 22, in the lead up to the big day.
One ticket for the Grotto experience, which is accompanied by one adult, is £12.
Ami Solomons, founder of the Ironworks, said: “We are thrilled to have Father Christmas and his creative grotto back with us this year.
“It is a pleasure to welcome so many happy smiling faces to The Ironworks. We have seen a lovely number already during our first weekend but can’t wait to see even more of you in the coming weeks.”
To find out more, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-ironworks
4. Eastgate Shopping Centre, in Basildon:
EASTGATE Shopping Centre in Basildon also has an all-month long Christmas Grotto.
They have curated a festive line-up that is bound to sprinkle joy and excitement throughout the holiday season.
Father Christmas has set up a grotto ready to meet the little ones. With twinkling lights and festive decor, it is the perfect spot for holiday cheer.
It is open throughout December, because “the magic never sleeps”.
A spokesman for the Eastgate Shopping Centre said: “Get ready for the most magical time of the year as Santa’s Grotto arrives at Eastgate Shopping Centre.
“Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an unforgettable free visit with Santa Claus himself.”
Booking is required and slots are filling up fast, to book visit bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/Eastgate
5. Alton Garden Centre, in Wickford:
ALTON Garden Centre has invited you and your family to unwrap the magic this Christmas with a trip to their Santa grotto.
Bosses say their Santa Grotto will transport you straight to the forest of Lapland where magnificent Christmas trees covered in twinkling fairy lights & our friendly elves guide your around to see Father Christmas himself.
Children have a choice of presents to take home which also includes the centre’s tradition of a seedling Christmas tree.
There is also a wider Christmas experience which includes a magical VR Ride and Santa’s Toyshop
Jay Bunker, Christmas grotto manager, said: “We love this time of year, always busy for our Alton Christmas Team.
“We have gone back to our lovely traditional grotto this year which we know is a firm favourite with our families.”
For more information and further details, visit https://grotto.alton-gardencentre.co.uk/santas-grotto-booking/
6. 401, in Rayleigh:
401 in Rayleigh is also hosting a Winter Wonderland experience which includes many festive fun activities.
The children will be able to enjoy making reindeer food to take home for Christmas Eve, writing and posting a letter with all their Christmas wishes to Santa himself as well as meeting the cheeky elves.
They will have the chance to do some Christmas colouring and hear some Christmas stories with the elves before meeting Father Christmas in his magical grotto.
After seeing Father Christmas and getting a very special token the children will then visit the toy shop to choose a wonderful gift.
Each child will also get a delicious hot chocolate and cookie to enjoy. Festive songs and elf antics are guaranteed.
There is also a separate Winter Wonderland area with Igloo Snowglobes, stalls, festive music, and food and drink options.
For more details, including dates and times, visit www.facebook.com/401.Rayleigh/
7. Marsh Farm, in Chelmsford:
MARSH Farm have created an “immersive journey” which will transport families to the North Pole for an “unforgettable” experience.
There will be a tour, packed with charming characters, jolly songs, enchanting wonderlands, goodies, and gifts.
Children can also enjoy the magic and silliness from “mischievous” Elves as they enrol you into the Elf Academy.
The experience doesn’t stop there as you can step into a “Snow Show” which is filled with a “flurry of surprises”.
Then it is time to see who is on the Naughty and Nice list at the Grotto with Father Christmas himself.
A spokesman added; “ The fun doesn’t end when you return to Marsh Farm - with festive rides, animals, indoor soft play and ice skating all included in your ticket.”
For more details, and how to book, visit www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/father-christmas-experience
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