Santa’s grotto is back in town
Town centre: Attraction returns to Nicholsons Centre
The Santa Grotto in the Nicholsons Centre is back in town after a two-year absence.
The Santa Grotto, organised by Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club, can be found at Queens Square in the Nicholsons Centre next to the Christmas tree.
Santa and his elves will be visiting the grotto on Saturdays from now until December 17, from 11am3pm.
Santa is greeting and listening to visiting children’s wish lists and handing out special presents.
These are free of charge events, though the proceeds of any small donations given will be presented to local charities.
It is being organised with the support of the Louis Baylis Trust, the Maidenhead Lions and the Nicholsons Centre Management.
On the first Saturday of Santa’s visits this week, he and his elves saw 200 children visit aged from two to about 13, with age-appropriate books for each presented as gifts.
“It’s a delight to see the
children smiling and their mums and dads happy – to see a little bit of cheerfulness in the community, especially with the cost-of-living crisis,” said Santa (Rotarian Stephan Stephan.)
He expects that things will get busier as December rolls in, with likely upwards of
300 visits to Santa on each
Saturday.
Nonetheless, Santa has been sure to source more than enough books to keep giving out gifts to his young visitors.
Once Santa moves on, more festive fun from the Rotary Club can also be enjoyed in the form of Christmas Carols, inside the entrance to Maidenhead Sainsbury’s store.
These will be on Saturday, December 17 (11am-1pm), Sunday, December 18 (122pm) and Friday, December 23, (11am-1pm).
Singers will be supported by the White Waltham Brass Band. Members of the public including children are welcome to join in.