Christmas Grotto Visit 2018

We seem to have made it a yearly tradition to visit Father Christmas with the kids. Last year we had a day trip to Chessington World of Adventures which was just so magical as it had snowed the night before and snowed all day; perfect right?! This year we decided to keep it local as we have a busy month, so we returned to our local garden centre Ruxley Manor Garden Centre. This was our second time visiting Father Christmas here and as always it was a treat for the whole family.

This year Ruxley didn’t disappoint with their funfair themed Christmas Grotto entrance where the children received their Grotto Activity Ticket, which they had stamped every time they completed a room. In this entrance/waiting area we had the opportunity to play a snowball game (which the kids loved) while attempting to throw the soft snowballs through the holes in the wall. The festive vintage funfair feel was very creative and I loved that there was an old school popcorn machine and candy canes everywhere, this brought out the inner kid in me!

Like our visit previously, there was two elf workshop rooms where the kids took part in preparations for Christmas Day and for meeting Father Christmas at the end of the Grotto trail. The first room we entered was where the children met Mother Christmas and created a pouch of reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve. They sang songs and got to make some music with maracas and tambourines to get them in the festive spirit.

Next, the elfs welcomed us into a workshop where the kids decorated their own elf hats and were given a certificate to certify them as official elfs.

In the third and final room we weren’t allowed to take photos unfortunately as this is where the children met Father Christmas. They sat by the fireplace next to Father Christmas as they waited for their present to drop from the magical fireplace. Once every child was given a gift, we sang Jingle Bells which was then followed by a photo opportunity with the man himself.

After we got our photo we took a stroll around the garden centre, which is known for its amazing christmas displays and finished with a quick visit to see Thunder and Lightening the reindeers.

The kids had a great time and loved their pencil case set and teddy bear gift from Father Christmas. It would have been nice to see the grotto activities changed up a little more from the previous years (so for us adults, it was a little boring and repetitive) but the children had a great time and for me, thats all that matters.

Where have you taken the children to see Father Christmas this year?

Pinar xo