Rudolph and friends help Santa arrive in style

Ho, ho, ho! Families watched Father Christmas arrive here by reindeer and sleigh in November.

We were thrilled to welcome Santa to the garden centre. It was great to see him on his sleigh with his reindeer.

He was also greeted on his arrival by cast members from the Wayfarers Pantomime Society, which this year is performing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton in January.

Once he had arrived and posed for photographs he went into his grotto and started meeting the children who were booked in to see him.

Santa will be in his grotto from 10am until 4.30pm on both days every weekend and on late night Thursdays from 4pm until 7.20pm in the run up to Christmas.

He will also be in residence on Monday and Tuesday 23rd December from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

This year we’ve launched an online booking system so that you can book slots to visit our festive VIP before the big day. You can to log on to www.tiny.cc/elmgrotto to book a place.

It would be great if you could book in advance for the grotto in order to reduce queuing, however if you cannot use the advanced booking system for any reason you are welcome to turn up on the day but should be aware there may be a waiting time.

A visit to Santa’s grotto will cost £6 per child and includes a great gift, sticker and colouring card.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets to the grotto will go to the our charity of the year, Children’s Hospice South West.