Santa returns to Doncaster's Lakeside Village with festive grotto

Santa Claus and his helpful elves are preparing to make a magical return to Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping in Doncaster this December.

The popular Santa’s Grotto will open for the first time on Saturday 5 December, with pre-bookable sessions taking place across three weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.

Families will be able to visit Santa on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, and Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December.

The grotto will be open from 10am until 4pm on each date.

And for the first time, a dedicated SEND session will also take place between 3- 6pm on Thursday 10 December, giving children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families the opportunity to enjoy the festive experience in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The session is open to children who have a SEND diagnosis or are on the pathway to diagnosis, with no proof required. Parents and carers can attend free of charge, enabling children to bring the support they need to enjoy their visit.

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Entry donations to the grotto are encouraged, with all money raised going to Cast’s Youth Theatre, which gives children and young people across Doncaster the opportunity to build confidence, explore their creativity, develop new skills and experience performing on stage.

Suggested donations are £2.50 to £5 per visit, although all contributions are welcome, and every child visiting Santa will receive a special gift to take home.

Abby Chandler, deputy centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “Christmas is always such a special time at Lakeside Village and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Santa and his elves back to the centre.

“The grotto is a lovely opportunity for families to make some festive memories together, but it also allows us to support a fantastic local cause at the same time.

“Cast’s Youth Theatre does wonderful work giving children and young people across Doncaster opportunities to build their confidence, be creative and develop their talents, so we hope our visitors will get behind the fundraising and give generously if they can.

“Following customer feedback we’re also pleased to offer a dedicated SEND session, helping to make the experience as welcoming and enjoyable as possible for children and families who may benefit from visiting when the centre is quieter”

Adding to the festive atmosphere at Lakeside Village, the centre’s 30th birthday floral installation will also receive a Christmas makeover, complete with festive lights. There will also be a schedule of festive music and activities running throughout the period.

Santa’s Grotto is pre-bookable. To book, please visit: https://lakeside-village.co.uk/santas-grotto/