We recently had the pleasure of visiting Intu Lakeside and their brand new Christmas Grotto.
One of the first to experience the new grotto, Lamb was welcomed by Santa’s lovely elves who escorted him through the grotto offering yummy treats along the way and playing different games.
This Christmas Grotto is different to others we have visited. It’s much more like you would imagine a grotto to be like, toys and bright colours, lots of elves. Grottos at garden centres are often made to look like winter wonderlands, so this one was a nice change to what Lamb has seen before.
After playing the fun games, pressing the button to find out if he has been naughty or nice, and talking to the elves, Lamb was escorted to meet Father Christmas.
Lamb was given around 10 minutes to chat to Father Christmas, telling him what he would like him to bring on Christmas Day. He of course asked for Paw Patrol toys (as I’m sure most kids are this year!) and Father Christmas ensured he would bring some as long as he stayed on the nice list.
As we were leaving Santa gave Lamb a little present to which he replied “where’s my Paw Patrol toy?” We had to explain that this was a little gift from Father Christmas early for being good, but his main presents would of course arrive on Christmas Day. Not easy to explain to a nearly 3 year old!
We really enjoyed our evening at Santa’s Grotto. There’s something really magical about watching your child’s eyes light up as they meet Father Christmas. This is the first year Lamb truly understands and it’s so lovely to see.
As Lamb had been such good boy I let him open his present from Father Christmas. To all of our surprise he had been given a Paw Patrol sticker book! He was absolutely blown away, as was I! He got exactly what he asked for! Either that was an amazing coincidence, or we really did meet the real father Christmas!
As we left the Grotto we met up with the PR team and had a group photo with all of the other bloggers. It was really nice to go in a large group. It made the evening much more enjoyable and exciting for the kids. As you can see, Lamb ran straight to the front of the group holding his sticker book which he was so proud of.
Outside the grotto there’s lots of yummy food stalls, treats and a fun ride for the kids. All lit up with music playing, I strongly recommend visiting at night, the atmosphere is really magical.
One thing I think is great about Santa’s Grotto at intu Lakeside this year is the fact you can book online. I know from previous years the line can get quite long, so being able to book online ensures you won’t waste a journey if it gets too busy.
You can buy personalised photo products after you have seen santa. We paid £6 for a mounted photo.
If you want to find out more about the grotto you can read more on the intu Lakeside website here.
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Judith Luscombe says
Its a month now since Xmas cant believe the time has gone so fast, Im glad you had such a wonderful time, my family and I did too. It was my baby grandson’s first Xmas so it was very special this year.
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Kay says
So lovely! We took Darcie to meet Santa and he was brilliant and spent lots of time with her. I think that’s the key thing from these kind of experiences, they need to not be rushed! Even if he is so busy lol xxx
Rebecca says
That looks like a fab grotto. We have been to see santa too. I cannot wait until both of mine are able to enjoy it. Did you get some shopping done there too?
Debs @ Super Busy Mum says
This looks and sounds like a really great Santas grotto!!!
Stephanie says
What lovely photos, really captured the moment. He looks like a great Santa too!
Natalie Ray says
This looks like a lovely grotto and how nice to meet all the other bloggers too. I’ve been to a few events but never really got to know any other bloggers.x
Kat | Beau Twins says
This looks like so much fun and how cost does everything look. Your pictures are gorgeous. What a lovely memory you will always have. Xx
Jodie says
This looks like a lovely grotto. I’m surprised it’s outside, it’s normally indoors isn’t it?!
Ickle Pickle says
Oh wow, this looks amazing – we have nothing like this near us. Kaz x
Vikki Holness says
WOW – Looks like you and Lamb had a wonderful time at Santa’s Grotto. This brings back so many memories for me because my mum and took took me there every year as a child – i would love to return with my boys one day! Great that it has rides, stalls etc. outside the grotto too, really makes it a magical experience for the kids! xx
Sian @ QuiteFranklySheSaid says
What a fab experience! This Santa’s Grotto looks brilliant and your photos are lovely. I took my boys to see Santa for the first time last week. I tried with Noah last year but he screamed the place down, oops x
Jenna says
Oh it’s so much easier when you can book online. We waited for hours in the cold to see Santa last year and it’s put us off going this year. I think we’ll leave it until my girl is a bit older as she doesn’t know what’s going on anyway.
They are some gorgeous photos. 🙂 xx
The London Mum says
Wow, it looks really good!! I’ll have to swing by on the M25 and take Little London. I’m so impressed he got a paw patrol sticker book too, what a great coincidence! x
Rebecca U says
This looks fab. I wonder if there is one similar to where we are? To be fair, lakeside isn’t that far so might be worth a trip!
Alice says
Sounds like such a lovely experience!! It looks like such a cool grotto too. Amazing that he got to paw patrol present in the end. Amelia’s obsessed with paw patrol too!!! Lovely photos xx
Claire Witt says
Ah how lovely and traditional! And wow what a beard Santa ha! Were off to a grotto on Sunday i can’t wait!!! 🙂