Santa Claus to return to Newark this Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to town — now in its fifth year Newark’s Santa’s Grotto is returning this year in a new location.

Situated in Saracen’s Head Yard in St Marks, just behind W.H. Smith, the grotto will be opening on Sunday.

It will then be open every weekend until December 19 and then every day right through until December 23.

The price is £8 per child for a grotto experience which includes writing a letter to take into the grotto, a visit with Santa, an age-appropriate gift from Wizard Toys, some Christmas sweets from Simply Sweets, and a digital photo.

There will also be cakes from Davison’s Bakery and hot drinks available for the adults to buy while they wait.

From Tuesday December 21until Thursday December 23, at £16 per child, a one-hour experience can include two craft activities with Elf Crafypants and Elf Artypants, gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus, story-telling with Elf Jingle and letter writing to Santa, as well as the gift and sweets.

Even the grown-ups haven’t been forgotten with mulled wine, tea and coffee, mince pies and sausage rolls on offer, all included in the price, so they can relax while their child enjoys the Christmas magic.

For those families who feel safer in their own homes there is a virtual experience so they can enjoy the magic of a visit from Santa from their own sofa. It costs £10 per child and includes a Zoom call with Santa followed by a visit from a magical elf bringing a glittery gift and sweets to your home. These can only be booked for homes within ten miles of Newark centre.

This year’s grotto is being sponsored by Visit Newark, Saint-Gobain Formula, The Barcode Warehouse, First 4 Magnets, Shop Newark Online, Wizard Toys, Simply Sweet, Asda, Davison’s Bakery, Pro Flooring and Viking Electrical.

It is completely manned by volunteers and all profits raised will be donated to the Children’s Bereavement Centre in Newark and is in memory of Daniel Harris, 6, from Fernwood, who died suddenly on December 23, 2017.

Emma Holden, from Shop Newark Online and grotto organiser, said: “The initial idea for the grotto was to provide a quality pre-bookable Santa experience right in the heart of Newark and during the last five years it has grown and exceeded all of our wildest expectations.

“Since 2017 we have seen over 2,000 children and raised more than £11,000 for local charities.

“Last year’s virtual experience was very well received and supported but we are delighted that this year we can return to a face-to-face experience.”

To volunteer your time as a helper, contact Rachel Wilson on rachel@childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk and to book your Santa’s Grotto visit www.newarksanta.co.uk