There's not that many sleeps until Santa now. Father Christmas will be winging his way from the North Pole to visit grottos in and around Nottinghamshire ahead of the big day to find out who has been naughty or nice.
Santa will be a busy man, flitting between garden centre grottos, theme parks, pubs and attractions. Remind your little ones to take their Christmas list for Santa to pass on to his elves, who are already busy at work making this year's must-have toys.
Here's a round-up of events for families to enjoy. Don't delay in booking as some grottos, like the one at Brookfields Garden Centre in Mapperley, are already sold out.
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National Ice Centre - Bolero Square, Belward Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
It's not quite the temperature of the North Pole but it's the chilliest spot in Nottingham to visit Santa and enjoy a whole host of Yuletide events. Skaters can join festive characters on the ice and have a photo with them on Saturday, December 17.
A quieter session with no music or flashing lights and low-level lighting will take place on Sunday, December 4. The big man in red will be at a grotto on December 17 and 18 and 21 to 24.
Robin Hood's Wheelgate Park - Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, NG22 8HX
Santa's Grotto and Elves Workshop, from Saturday, December 3. Explore the festive illuminated grotto before meeting Father Christmas.s
Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 17. Enjoy a magical breakfast with Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves, followed by a trip to see Santa in his grotto. Take a golden ticket from Santa to the elves' workshop to choose a gift. Tickets available from wheelgatepark.com
O'Neill's Tattoo Studio - Tudor Court, Bulwell, NG6 8FE
For one day only, Monday December 19, the tattoo studio will be transformed into Santa's grotto. Children can visit for free, from 4pm to 6pm but to receive a goodie box there's a £4 charge - with a limited number of tickets available from the business. Treats such as flapjacks and muffins will be handed out to parents in the courtyard.
Studio owner Stephen O'Neill will make sure Santa is out and about in the market place beforehand, from 3pm, for a meet and greet and photos.
Sundown Adventureland - Treswell Road, Rampton, near Retford, DN22 0HX
Take a magical ride through the enchanted forest and visit Santa in his home to receive a special gift, from November 19 to December 24. A new purpose-built Four Seasons Arena will be transformed to take you back to a traditional time with beautiful festive lights and the smell of non-alcoholic mulled wine. For prices and bookings go to sundownadventureland.co.uk
White Post Farm - Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, NG22 8HL
An outdoors event, deep in the Enchanted Forest a secret world awaits at the Once Upon A Fairytale Christmas and a private audience with Father Christmas, The festive fun starts on December 3 and runs each weekend until December 21 when it's every day until Christmas Eve.
Daytime and 'twinkle' sessions at dusk with magical fairy lights are taking place and there's also autism-friendly sessions. For prices and to book visit whitepostfarm.co.uk
The Old Vol - Caythorpe Road, Caythorpe, NG14 7EB
Families will be greeted by elves and children can write their own letter to post to Santa, before heading into the magical grotto to meet Santa Claus himself. Father Christmas will be there until Christmas Eve.
It costs £15 per child to visit the grotto and receive a gift. Opening day (Saturday, December 3) has already sold out. The grotto is open at weekends from 12 to 4pm and Wednesday to Friday from 1pm to 5pm. Tickets must be bought online, go to events at oldvolpub.co.uk
Woodborough Green Garden Centre - Lowdham Lane, Woodborough, NG14 6DN
Santa will be visiting every weekend between now and December 24. The grotto is just one of the festive treats planned, and is fun for all the family at £14.95. The grotto experience starts with Santa’s elves, followed by a meeting and photo opportunity with Santa, where he will present each child with a special gift.
They expect more than 5,000 children to visit. Tickets are on sale at britishgardencentres.com
Just outside the county:
Midland Railway - Butterley Station, off B6179, Ripley, DE5 3QZ
The Santa Special is back. Take a train trip where the youngsters get to meet Santa and there's entertainment for the whole family. As well as a gift for each child plus a colouring book an crayons, there's a miniature bottle of spirits for every adult and cookies for both. After the journey passengers can watch Pinxton Puppet Show in a heated and decorated marquee.
New for 2022 is the first class compartment experience with added luxury for groups of up to six. Go to .midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk to book.
Belvoir Caste - Grantham NG32 1PE
Meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle during Christmas at the Engine Yard. Surrounded by the Engine Yard's chalets decorated with elves' workshops, a visit to Santa and his friends at the cosy grotto is sure to create special memories. There's no need to book.
It's also a good opportunity for a spot of Christmas spotting in the winter wonderland style setting up until December 23. Opening times are 11am to 5pm every day.
Twinlakes - Melton Spinney Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1SQ
See Santa in his magical grotto at the theme park. The big man in red will be there on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays then each day from December 16 until Christmas Eve, when he will be getting on his sleigh to deliver presents around the world.
Travel through the fairytale forest, hop on Santa’s magical sleigh ride to meet Santa in his cosy log cabin. All children’s grotto tickets receive a unique token from Santa which can be taken to the gift shop to choose their own gift.
A photograph with Santa is also available to purchase. Grotto tickets are £12.95 per child. Customers can only purchase a grotto ticket if they are either Season Pass holders or are purchasing a Twinlakes day ticket/Twinlakes at Christmas Winter Wonderland ticket.
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