Father Christmas' Grotto at Planters Brookfields

The nights have drawn in, we’ve had a sprinkle of snow and the Christmas lights are starting to twinkle… that can only mean one thing, Christmas is round the corner and with that the imminent arrival of the big man himself!

Every year there is much excitement to visit Father Christmas in our household, coming from a long line of believers. It’s that chance to reaffirm that everyone has indeed been good and deserve their place on that all important nice list! As any parent will confirm it also ensures at least a few days with no arguments.

Each year we have visited Father Christmas when he arrives in Nottingham at Brookfields Planters Garden Centre and each year we have been blown away with the magical setting that the team here have created for him, his elves and of course head elf, Milkshake! Christmas is all about family traditions and this is certainly one of ours. This year we decided to drop in on him early and personally deliver the Christmas list.

We were welcomed to Father Christmas’ workshop by the exuberant Milkshake, who heads up Santa's operation when in town. She enthusiastically greeted each and every child, leading them into the post room; a beautiful, cosy room adorned with post boxes, letters and just a little magic!

Once all the kids found seats, Milkshake explained that this was their chance to create their own Christmas list. She worked the room as only a head elf could, chatting to each child about all their requests, what toys she liked and with the odd cheeky joke thrown in leaving the adults in stitches too.

Before we made our way on through the workshop there was only one thing left to do, learn the elf wave of course. Who knew that the elves had a special greeting? Now we do!

As we moved on, Mrs Claus and Melody the elf were waiting for us in the elf kitchen where all were invited to sit round Mrs Claus’s table, filled with jars of magic reindeer food. Here the children would be making reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve to help the reindeers fly! There were three recipes that could be made, and once decided upon, everyone got cracking with a spoonful of snowflake mix here and a teaspoon of star mix there! Our special recipe was ‘Prancer’s perfect green pudding’. Mrs Claus really captured the kids’ imaginations, our little girl commenting that it was lovely she had been able to come along this year.

With the children clutching their letters and reindeer food, it was time for the highlight... a chance to meet with Father Christmas! Upon entering the next room, we found him sitting by his fireplace with his elf Candy Cane. He was a vision in his velvet crimson suit, and from the look on the children’s faces had them enthralled from the first glimpse.

They all made themselves comfy on beanbags whilst Father Christmas regaled them with stories from the North Pole. They listened intently, as did the adults, all in the presence of a legend. He then invited each child to meet him personally so that they could explain their Christmas list to him. He made sure to listen to them, giving his undivided attention, which was a joy to see. Photos were snapped, kids were captivated, and once Father Christmas had carefully placed the letters in his bag, all that was left to do was wish one and all a Merry Christmas and let the children go and pick a toy that he had brought all the way from the North Pole.

Shelves of toys for girls and boys greeted all the little faces, with elves on hand to help them choose the perfect gift. There was also an opportunity for their adults to buy one of the photos that Candy Cane had snapped whilst the children had been speaking to Father Christmas.

As a family, we couldn’t recommend this heartwarming and magical experience more highly. The elf team were so engaging, full of fun and captured the children’s imaginations and hearts! Mrs Claus was fantastic, and Father Christmas was truly enthralling. No one was rushed, with every child afforded the time they needed in each of the rooms and especially with the main man!

The enchantment of Christmas was captured, with a wonderful mix of tradition, fun, and festive cheer. The added surprise of a toy from the North Pole and photos and souvenirs to remember the moment made it even more special.

Father Christmas, Milkshake, Mrs Claus and the elf team look forward to welcoming you every weekend throughout December and then on Monday 23^rd & Tuesday 24^th December at Brookfields Planters Garden Centre.

Click here for more information and to book now!

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This blog was written by Anna Scott for Visit Nottinghamshire.