CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and children will need to give their present requests to Santa sooner rather than later.

As we are still in the midst of a pandemic some organisations have decided to hosts ‘Christmas grotto’ events this year, where you can enjoy hours of festive fun but might have to see Santa while still social distancing. 

However, if you want to attend one you will need to book quickly as they are proven to be popular.

Here are seven Christmas grottos that you can visit around Lancashire in 2021:

1. Highfield Congregational Church, Edmund Street, Darwen
When? 27 November, 11am-2pm
Cost? Free
Description: “Father Christmas will be socially distanced at one church’s Christmas Fair this year.

“Santa will be the VIP the children most want to meet at Highfield Congregational Church’s event this Saturday (November 27), but although they’ll be able to see the great man in his grotto, they won’t be able to sit on his knee as the church is keeping covid risks in mind.

“The event is in the church hall in Edmund Street, Darwen, from 11am to 2pm. Other attractions will be bacon butties served in the refreshment room and a wide variety of stalls selling Christmas gift ideas and other items as well as games.”

2. Owd Barn at Bispham, Spencer’s Farm, Ormskirk
When? 9am or 10.30am on Saturday 4th, 11th and 18th December
Cost? From £8.14
Description:

“Santa is visiting us again this December but this year to make it extra special you can share breakfast time with him. Enjoy a cosy family breakfast next our homely log fire and have a chat with Santa.

“Afterwards visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift to take home. Breakfast with Santa is £12.00 per child and includes a child’s mini cooked breakfast and a carton of fruit juice.

“Santa will share breakfast with you and other families where there will be opportunity to chat with him and then you will get a personal visit to the grotto and receive a gift from him.”

Get your ticket on Eventbrite.

3. Darwen Market, Croft Street, Darwen
When? 27 November
4 December
11 December
18 December
24 December 

Cost: £4
Description:

"The Darwen Rotary Club is hosting a festive grotto event.

Father Christmas is coming the Darwen Market and the grotto will be open from 27 November.

Discover more on Darwen Market's Facebook page. 

4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool
When? 20 November – 24 December
Cost: From £13.99


Description: “Visit Santa Claus in his Grotto and enjoy the festive fun experiences, guided by our magical elves through our winter wonderland. Then enjoy a delicious warming hot chocolate with marshmallows.

“Stroll along Heidi Strasse and enjoy our Christmas themed games

“A full range of drinks plus hot and cold snacks and amazing Bubble Waffles are available from the café bar at the Grotto and the Ice Lounge.

“We also have a fully licensed bar where adults can enjoy a chilled glass of wine, beer or perhaps a warming glass of spiced mulled wine to chase away the winter chills.”

Tickets avaliable online.

5. Blackpool Winter Gardens Wonderland, Winter Gardens Blackpool, 97 Church St, Blackpool
When? November 26 – December 22 from 9am – 7pm
Cost: £15 per child

Description: “With Bavarian Style Christmas Chalets, Winter Gardens Wonderland will spread right throughout the Blackpool resort, both inside the historic Grade II listed Winter Gardens and outside in the main square and surrounding streets.

“Featuring a magnificent Santa’s Grotto and live entertainment complete with fairground rides for the little ones, retail traders selling an array of quality products, food and drink plus much more, Winter Gardens Wonderland will be a spectacular event for the whole family this festive period!

“There will also be a magical Festive Village in front of the iconic Blackpool Tower courtesy of Visit Blackpool, including free ice skating, falling snow, a Magical Forest, and festive lights. Christmas Polar Express Tram tours, West End Style Shows, Illuminations and the jewel in the crown – Blackpool Promotions incredible Winter Gardens Wonderland — Blackpool’s Christmas Market, adding to the seasons wonder.”

Get your tickets via Blackpool Promotions.

6. Ribby Hall Holiday Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, Fylde

When? 12 November – 3 January December
Cost: £22 per child
Description:

“The magic of Christmas comes alive with a visit to see Santa.

“Climb the staircase high into the Magical Tree House where Santa's team of hard working elves will greet you and introduce you to the big man himself. A must-do enchanting experience!

“Children will receive a special gift from Santa as well as a picture to remember your visit.

“Be dazzled by the lights and the snow-stopping performances at our Winter Wonderland Spectacular... it's the merriest of Christmas shows!”

7. Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Clifton, Preston

When? 10 December from 2:30

Cost: From £11.99

Description: “Santa's Grotto is one of our most-loved festive experiences at Dobbies, and from 2.30pm on Friday 10th December, we're pleased to be able to offer visits for children with additional needs. 

“These sessions can only be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending in each slot.

"During your visit, we'll make sure:

  • All music is off
  • Twinkling lights are removed or switched off 
  • You can choose to have your child’s gift wrapped or not
  • Prior to your visit, we’ll email a photo of your specific Grotto to prepare children for what they will see on the day

“Should you wish, you can also purchase a lasting memory of your visit to Santa’s Grotto with a special photo. There is a reduced price for pre-ordering or you can also buy on the day."

Tickets are available to purchase online.