ONLINE BOOKINGS NOW SOLD OUT!
WALK-IN SPACES ONLY
Although all available slots have all been taken, you can still see Santa this year and no appointment is necessary. Simply visit the grotto and join the walk-in queue but as we are so close to Christmas please expect to queue for longer.
Arrive early to avoid disappointment as the queue may shut early to allow Santa and his elves to head back to the north pole at the advertised closing time.
Contact us
If you have any queries about this website, your booking or other aspect of our service please contact us by email at info@booksantaonline.co.uk. We endeavour to respond within 24 hours but this may be slightly longer as we approach our busy period (i.e., December 2022).
Where is the Grotto located?
The Grotto is inside a unit, opposite House of Fraser (right near where the Grotto normally is) inside Centrale Shopping Centre. There is large signage on the shop front so you won’t be able to miss us.
I am not able to attend on the day of my visit?
As per the terms of your booking, refunds are not available in any circumstance. If you contact us via email (info@booksantanonline.co.uk) we will try and accommodate you but this is subject to availability.
Covid-19 safety measures
Hand sanitisers will be located at the entrance and exit for the guests to use. We will be complying with applicable Government guidelines at all times.
Please contact us via email: info@booksantaonline.co.uk as soon as you can and we will try to help (subject to availability).
Do I have to pay for a baby?
Yes, the presents are all age specific and are suitable from birth. If your baby is not seeing Santa and is to remain inside the buggy throughout then they can come through but will not receive a present or be able to be in the official photograph.
Photography
Personal photography or recording of any kind is not allowed inside the Grotto. We have a professional photography team onsite who will offer the chance to purchase a photograph with no obligation to purchase. Dress to impress, including parents, as you may be lucky enough to be asked to pose for a photo with Santa and your little one(s).
Do you have to book online?
Booking online is advisable to beat the queue. We will cater for some walk ins but this is subject to availability and queuing time.
What do I need to bring with me on the day?
You will need to bring a print out of your confirmation email. If you can’t print this out then all you need is the adults name provided at the time of booking and the reference number.
I have not received my confirmation?
Please be sure to check your junk folder. You will also have received an SMS text message at the time of booking.
Can I book for more than three children?
Following our risk assessment, and to protect staff and guests alike, we have chosen to restrict the online bookings to a maximum of 4 persons to ensure we can comply with a rule of 6 (to include Santa and the Photographer) should such a rule return in 2022. If you want to book for more than three children you will have to make an additional, separate booking which is subject to availability at the time of booking. If you make back to back bookings on the day of your visit you may all enter the grotto at the same subject to any relevant government guidance.
Nursery or School Bookings
If you have 4 or more children wishing to visit this year and you are visiting the grotto on a school/nursery outing then please book a School/Nursery session. You will be able to select a booking for up to 15 children at a time of your choosing. Should you have more than 15 children you are advised to book the next available appointment i.e., back to back sessions. We will see the children in groups of 4 or 5 and at the end of the entire group the whole class/group will be invited to take a photograph with Santa. We reserve the right to see children in smaller groups if required to comply with any government guidelines in place at the time.
For all other group bookings larger than 3 you are advised to book back to back sittings.
Where do I go when I arrive at the Grotto?
There will be a queuing area for pre-booked visits which will be sign posted on your arrival.
Are we allowed to take pushchairs in?
Yes. Our doors are wide enough for most double pushchairs to fit through.
How long before my allotted time should I arrive at the Grotto?
You should arrive no more than 15 minutes before your time slot and walk straight to the pre-book queue entrance. It will be sign posted but there will be staff onsite to assist should you not know where to go and if you are not sure, ask! We don’t want you to queue up in the standard queue unnecessarily.
Does the grotto have suitable wheelchair access?
Our doors are wide enough for all wheelchairs to fit through.
