Santa’s grotto to open at Surrey garden centre in shape of Christmas pudding
If you're a parent of a little one, you'll know that Santa's grottos always get booked up months in advance, so it is worth bagging tickets early to avoid disappointment. One garden centre in Surrey will be setting up a grotto with a difference this December.
Ashtead Park Garden Centre near Epsom[1] will be running a series of festive activities in the run up to the most magical time of the year including a giant Christmas[2] pudding grotto.
On December 2, 3 and 9, youngsters[3] will have an opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his enormous Christmas pudding, try out his sleigh and make the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity's day by making a charity donation to see the gorgeous nativity animals including donkeys, sheep and goats.
Tickets are limited, cost £12 per child, and must be booked in advance. Tickets include an early gift, reindeer hunt and parents are welcome to take their own photos (or ask an elf to help).
Over the three days, Surrey Magic Ponies will also be at the garden centre between 11am and 3pm, offering short pony rides to children aged 2-9 years. Tickets cost £5 each.
There will also be festive face painting with Kim's Merry Balloons (December 2 and 3) and Bee Happy Face Painting (December 9), also costing £5 per face. Plus, Christmas crafts will take place from 10am to 4pm costing between £1 and £4.
The garden centre's Olive Tree will be open for festive treats and local choirs will be popping in to sing up some Christmas cheer.
On December 4, 11 and 18, boys and girls will be able to join Santa for a story, chat, a cookie, a hot chocolate and maybe even a song in The Olive tree at 3.45pm. These tickets must also be booked in advance, cost £12 for children and £5 for adults, and includes a gift.
Finally, the garden centre will also host a late night shopping event on November 17, from 5pm until 8pm with 20% discounts and a complimentary mulled wine and mince pie. A talented local Saxophonist will be playing during the evening.
How to book Santa's grotto
- Address: Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead, KT21 1HU.
- Dates: Selected dates in December.
- Price: £12 per child.
- Book: Visit ashteadpark.com/christmas.[6]
- Normal garden centre opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm.
References
- ^ Epsom (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Christmas (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ youngsters (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ The miniature railway tucked off M3 with Halloween event, hot chocolate and cookies (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Dog friendly Surrey pub with magical fairy lit garden next to gates of huge park (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ ashteadpark.com/christmas. (www.ashteadpark.com)