CHRISTMAS
Where to visit Father Christmas this year ...
The pure joy in a child ’ s face when they go and visit Father Christmas in a grotto decked out with twinkling lights , snow and , of course , elves , is something that lives on in parents ’ memories for life ; it ’ s an image that never fails to produce a smile ( even throughout the teenage years !). In the past , grottos were only to be found in shops or shopping centres - the very first grotto in the world was created at Lewis ' s Bon Marche Department Store in Liverpool in 1879 - but now there ’ s a wealth of Santa experiences to try out across the county . Take your pick .
Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park www . drusillas . co . uk 19-20 & 26-27 Nov , 3-4 , 10-11 Dec & 15-23 Dec
Enjoy the magic and enchantment of Christmas at Drusillas Park as the dazzling Winter Wonderland returns to the award-winning family attraction in East Sussex . Of course , no festivities would be complete without the star attraction and visitors will not be disappointed as Father Christmas makes a welcome return to the zoo . Visit him in his cosy Christmas Cottage on weekends from November 19th and then daily from December 15th to 23rd . For an additional charge of £ 11 , children can meet Santa and receive an early Christmas gift . There will also be the opportunity to hug a husky and meet two of Santa ’ s reindeer on selected dates .
Drusillas will also be lighting up their Winter Wonderland illuminations . The dazzling display incorporates an animal-themed light show synchronised to music . Young revellers can expect to see a host of magical creatures in the ice-capped kingdom , adding some extra sparkle to the festive season from Saturday November 19th until Monday January 2nd .
Bluebell Railway www . bluebell-railway . com 3-4 , 10-11 , 17-18 & 23-24 Dec
Combining steam trains with Father Christmas will take excitement levels to boiling point – for adults and children alike ! Father Christmas must be a steam enthusiast too because you can meet him on the train . Every child he meets will receive a gift , and the adults needn ’ t worry , the elves will be on hand to serve mince pies . Departing from Sheffield Park station in East Grinstead , you will travel on a five-mile trip to Horsted Keynes station , where there will be Dickensian-themed activities to enjoy . Disembark with Santa and have your photo taken with him , or why not play on the traditional fairground rides and watch the Victorian street entertainers ? There will be plenty of treats on sale as well , including roasted chestnuts and mulled wine . After an hour , you ’ ll climb back on board for your return trip .
The Llama Park www . llamapark . co . uk 26-27 Nov , 3-4 & 10-24 Dec
For a truly wonderful visit to Father Christmas – complete with big white beard and a proper ‘ ho , ho , ho ’ take a trip to Sussex ’ s Llama Park . You can book in advance , or turn up on the day , and both options give you the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer , as well as receive a great gift . When your little ones have told Father Christmas exactly what they would like for Christmas , why not take a wander around the rest of the park to see the donkeys ( and donkey rides ) and horses ; listen to Christmas carols ; admire the decorations ; and enjoy the traditional nativity scene . There is a restaurant on site that will be serving lovely Christmas lunches , and lots of shops to get your lastminute gift buying done .
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