WHERE TO MEET SANTA
FAMILIES SPOILT FOR CHOICE OVER SANTA CLAUS VENUES
THERE is an excitement in the air as Christmas draws ever closer and children are getting those all-important lists ready to give to the Santa Claus.
But where is the best place to find Father Christmas? After all, he is rather busy at this time of year.
We have compiled a list of some of the places where Santa will be stopping off on his travels in Burton and Swadlincote before Christmas Day.
■■ North Pole Adventure at the National Forest Adventure Farm, Tatenhill
When: Saturday, November 17, to Monday, December 24 Where: National Forest Adventure Farm, Postern Road, Tatenhill, DE13 9SJ
Cost: Prices range from £10 to £32. For a full list of prices, which vary according to dates and on-the-door or advanced purchases, visit the website.
For more information, call 01283 533933 or email info@adventurefarm.co.uk.
■■ Santa’s Grotto and Tea or Breakfast with Santa at Wyevale Garden Centre, Findern
When: Daily, 11am to 2.45pm, until Monday, December 24 Where: Wyevale Garden Centre, Burton Road, Findern, DE65 6BE
Cost: Grotto – £6 per child. Breakfast or tea with Santa – £10.95 per child, adults from £5. For more information or to book, visit the Santa’s Grotto website or the Breakfast or Tea with Santa website.
■■ Father Christmas in his Grotto at Calke Abbey
When: 11am to 6pm, every Saturday and Sunday from December 1, to December 23.
Where: Calke Abbey, Ticknall, DE73 7LE. Father Christmas will be in his magical grotto in the Stableyards. Just follow the signs to find him.
PS: Hats, scarves and gloves are recommended – Santa’s grotto can get a bit chilly!
Cost: £5
■■ Santa’s Sleepover at Alton Towers Santa, Mrs Claus and all of their friends are preparing the Alton Towers Resort for the most wonderful time of year and the only thing missing is you!
With a combination of selected rides and attractions in the theme park, including CBeebies Land, Christmas activities to keep all the family entertained, and a full schedule of festive entertainment, a Santa’s Sleepover is the perfect way to treat the family to a special getaway at the most magical time of year!
Plus, enjoy the pantomime Alice in Wonderland, new for 2018.
When: December 2, December 9 and
December 14 to December 23.
Where: Alton Towers, Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB
Cost: Prices vary according to accommodation and length of stay – to book, visit the Alton Towers Santa’s Sleepover website.
Winter Wonderland at Conkers
After arriving at Waterside Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will lead children through the Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto.
This is your chance to tell Santa that you have been good, and fingers crossed, he may share some pre-Christmas presents.
During your visit you can take a trip on Head Elf ’s Twinkle Toes Train through the tunnel of discovery, meet the Balloon Modeller (1pm-5pm) and watch Christmas shows and films.
New for 2018, tickets include access to Conkers Discovery, where visitors can enjoy a Christmas film in the 4D cinema. When: Every Saturday and Sunday from December 1 to December 16, and then every day from Wednesday, December 19, to Monday, December 24. Winter Wonderland is open 10.30am to 8pm (5pm on Christmas Eve), Discovery Centre is open 10am to 5pm. Time slots are available every 30 minutes.
Where: Conkers, Rawdon Road, Moira, Swadlincote, DE12 6GA
Cost: Adult £11.95 (members £7.95), child (2-15) £13.95 (members £9.95), family (one adult, three children or two adults two children) £50. For more information/to book, visit the website.
Breakfast and tea with Santa at Byrkley Park Garden Centre
Children can enjoy a special breakfast or tea with Santa where they will be greeted by his helpers in the Topiary Restaurant and served their meal.
Santa then arrives and takes them on a Christmas ride to his grotto and they can choose a present from his toy store.
When: Breakfast dates – December 1, 8, 15, 20 to 22, 24 at 9am.
Tea dates – December 13, 14, 17 to 21 at 4pm. Where: Byrkley Park Garden Centre, Rangemore, DE13 9RN.
Cost: £12.50 per child and £1 per accompanying adult.
Magical moments with Santa at Coopers Square shopping centre
Santa will return to the shopping centre to sit on his festive throne every Saturday of December through to Christmas.
Children receive a free goody bag to take home with them.
When: Saturday, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 10am to 5pm.
Where: Coopers Square shopping centre, Burton.
Amerton Farm in Stowe by Chartley
Amerton Farm has a variety of Christmas events for children this year. This includes breakfast with Santa where they can tuck into a full English and visit Santa and his elves with presents.
He will also make a trip to the Enchanted Village where children will have a tractor and trailer ride to see Santa in his grotto and his reindeer.
The Twilight Christmas Adventure will see children write a letter to Santa with quill pens, take the tractor and trailer ride to see Santa and Mrs Claus, the elves and reindeer.
They will see their letters being sent to Santa by an Elf Rocket.
When: Breakfast with Santa – Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, 8 and 9, 15 and 16, Friday to Monday, December 21 to December 24.
Santa in the Enchanted Village – Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, 8 and 9, 15 and 16, and Friday to Sunday, 21 to 23.
Twilight Christmas Adventure – Friday and Saturday, December 7, and 8, 14 and 15 and Friday to Sunday, December 12, to 23.
Where: Amerton Farm Ltd, Stowe by Chartley, Stafford, ST18 0LA
Cost: Various prices
If you know of any more events with Father Christmas taking place in the area, please email jennifer.moody@reachplc.com with the details.