Yahoo News 11 Santa experiences you can still book in time for Christmas
Santa and his elves are spreading festive cheer all over the region this Christmas. Children are invited to lap up the festive fun with grottos, special events, and even breakfasts available with the big man himself.
Kids can enjoy classic Christmas grotto experiences where they meet Santa, share their Christmas wish list, and walk away with a unique gift. East Lancs Railway takes the experience on the tracks with a winter wonderland journey filled with festive characters and music.
There are also unique Santa experiences catering to children with additional needs. No matter which way you want to meet Santa, you won't be short of options. Below are 11 festive experiences for kids to enjoy this Christmas.
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Christmas-shire
Liverpool's King's Dock has been transformed with three Scandinavian yurts placed under the Wheel of Liverpool. The new arrivals house an immersive Christmas-shire experience that welcomes families on a theatrical adventure.
Guests can expect storytelling, performances and plenty of photo opportunities that will lead to an encounter with Father Christmas, who will gift an ethically sourced present as a reward for rescuing Christmas.
Date: Until December 22
Location: 4 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN
More information: Here
Lapland, ice-skating and Santa
Guests can enjoy a trip to "Lapland" as they join an elf academy and help Santa spread joy around the world. Kids can meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen, join the elf workshop and take to the ice in a skating rink.
Date: Until December 24
Location: 37 Otterspool Dr, Aigburth, Liverpool L17 5AL
More information: Here
Grotto for children with additional needs
The grotto is designed especially for those with special educational needs who may find other venues too noisy, bright, or overwhelming. The child will be able to interact with Father Christmas as he reads a story and hands out presents.
Date: November 30
Location: Wavertree’s Royal School for the Blind, Church Rd N, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 6TQ
More information: Here
John Lewis' immersive experience
Last year's pop-up saw kids travel through a winter wonderland, solving puzzles and accepting calls in order to crack the code and finally meet Santa. Families can once again join the elves for a special Christmas story session, complete a festive craft activity, visit Santa and take home a special gift.
Date: Until December 24
Location: John Lewis, Liverpool city centre
More information: Here
Sefton Meadows
Sefton Meadows Garden Centre will transform into a winter wonderland for visitors to meet Santa. Each child will receive their own gift with professional photos available for purchase.
Santa at Dobbies
Shoppers can bring their dogs to meet Santa at a magical grotto and have the moment captured with a professional photograph. Before leaving, dogs will receive a toy carefully selected by Santa and tailored to their size.
Autism friendly grotto
The event is divided into 15-minute slots, allowing families enough time to chat, sing, and dance with Saint Nicholas and to take a photo at the end. Paying guests will also receive a small toy as a present to take home. All those involved have received specific training for the grotto and have experience working with autistic people.
Date: Until December 19
Location: Autism Together’s Bromborough Pool Cafe, CH62 4TT
More information: Here
Spanish breakfast with Santa
Silk Road Tapas is offering something different from the typical Christmas menu. While kids meet and greet Santa, they can chow down on the restaurant's famous tapas menu before walking away with their very own gift.
Brunch with Mrs Claus
Calderstones Park is switching things up and putting Mrs Claus in the spotlight. Guests can enjoy an immersive brunch experience in the Mansion House including American-style pancakes and a welcome drink for children and grown-ups.
Date: December 22
Location: Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool
More information:Here
A festive full English
Kids can dine with Santa in the beautiful Thornton Hall. Enjoy a full English breakfast and a special visit to Santa with a small gift for the children.
Date: Until December 24
Location: Thornton Hall Hotel, Neston Rd, Wirral
More information: Here
Christmas on the tracks
East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials have returned for the Christmas season. Families can hop onboard for a trip through Irwell Valley alongside festive characters, entertainment and surprises.
The steam train will set off to Rawtenstall and back on an approximately 80-minute round trip. The experience is filled with Christmas characters, Santa delivering gifts, and a brass band performing classic festive music.
Date: Until December 24
Location: Bury Bolton Street Station, Greater Manchester
More information: Here
