Santa’s Cave reaches 100

Manawatu¯ ’s most beloved seasonal attraction is now open at Te Manawa.

In the Collinson & Cunninghame department store on Christmas Eve, 1918, Santa’s Cave threw open its doors for the first time. One hundred years later, the museum is keeping the tradition alive and looking better than ever.

There’ve been some big changes made over the last year, in anticipation of the centenary. The Cave’s exterior now gives an insight to what Collinson & Cunninghame looked like back then, and includes collection items from 1918.

The biggest news is that the carousel has returned to operation after a twoyear restoration period.

It’s the oldest thing in Santa’s Cave — in fact, it’s older than the Cave itself. New parts, new safety measures and new paint means a new generation can add it to their memories of Christmas.

The layout within Santa’s Cave itself has changed, and here, too, old favourites once again take their place in the displays.

The mahout on his elephant is back for the first time at Te Manawa, and in full working order, an overhaul of the Cave’s illumination casts the elves literally in a new light and the Monkey Band is playing in a new venue.

On 29 and 30 November and 13 December, Te Manawa is hosting Santa’s Cave evenings for children, with hot drinks and stories read by Santa himself.

There’ll be similar nights just for grown-ups on December 1 and 20.

Bookings for these can be made on 0800 4 A MUSEUM.

■ For more information, timetable of when Santa will be in the Cave, and the history of Santa’s Cave, visit www.temanawa.co.nz/ santa