What would the run-up to Christmas for any Christian child – or atheist child who enjoys Christmas anyway – be without a trip to Santa's Grotto?
For kids who believe in Father Christmas, meeting Santa is a magical experience. For those who don't and who realise it's a bloke wearing a red and white suit, it's still enjoyable. After all, it's the chance to get a present before Christmas in earnest – although it probably won't be that PS5 you've been mithering Dad for.
Here is a selection of Santa's grotto events and events with Santa's grottos in Leeds.
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Some events are free, some are inexpensive and some require deeper pockets. Generally, the more you pay the more there is to see and do. Prices don't always include a gift and you may have to pay extra so Oliver and Olivia don't leave empty-handed. Christmas is all above giving, right?
Here they are in date order. Entry to most events should be booked online in advance.
White Rose Centre
When: November 11 - December 24
Where: White Rose Centre, Dewsbury Road, LS11 8LU
Cost: £6 per child plus £1.50 booking
What to expect: A meeting with Santa, an age-appropriate gift and a chance to buy various souvenirs.
More info: here
Santa at the Candy Cane Club
When: Weekends from November 19 and daily from December 17 to 24
Where: Main Mall, Merrion Centre, Merrion Way, LS2 8NG
Cost: £4 per child, gift £2 extra
What to expect: Meet Father Christmas in a sugary winter wonderland.
More info: here
Harewood House
When: Weekends from November 26 and every day from December 16
Where: Harewood House, Harewood, LS17 9LG
Cost: £25 per child, £35 on Christmas Eve (includes an extra gift)
What to expect: Meet St Nick in the pastry room below the stairs of this stately home for a story, a chat and a gift.
More info: here
Lotherton Hall
When: November 28 - December 16
Where: here
Cost: From £14.45
What to expect: Meet Santa, Snowy Flake and friends in the Elven Bivouac for stories and elf tales under the magical wishing tree. Meet Dizzy Bells inside the Reindeer Emporium and take home some reindeer feed for Rudolph.
Say hello to Postmaster Pippin McJingles inside Ye Olde Post Office Central to ensure your letter makes it to Santa. Finally, meet Papa Noel himself inside Santa’s Cabin for a special Christmas one-to-one and a little present for the journey home.
There's a shorter version for under-4s, priced £8.50.
More info: here
Stockeld Park
When: November 29 - December 24
Where: Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN
Cost: From £14.50 plus £13 more for the grotto
What to expect: Winter illuminations, a snowflake maze, an enchanted forest, a meeting with St Nicholas and plenty more. It's the most expensive one on this list but it promises the most.
More info: here
Temple Newsam
When: December 3 - 23
Where: Meet Santa inside this Elizabethan mansion. Includes a gift for well-behaved children.
Cost: Entry from £3.50, plus £8 for Santa and gift
What to expect: Christmas
More info: here
Santa's Express
When: Weekends December 3 - 24 plus December 23
Where: Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JQ
Cost: From £10
What to expect: Ride the Santa Express on the world's oldest continuously working railway. Children 12 and under will receive a present from Father Christmas on the train. Book quickly; it's almost sold out.
More info: here
Mansion House
When: December 11 - 23
Where: Mansion Lane, Roundhay, LS8 2HH
Cost: £19.50 adult, £24.50 child
What to expect: A Christmas-themed afternoon tea at this stately home, followed by a meeting with and gift from Father Christmas.
More info: here
Read more:
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