WHERE’S SANTA?

W e’ ve tracked down the man i n r ed .Where’s Santa?

Reports of Santa travelling by train

Santa Express

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 21 - 24 Step aboard West Somerset Railway’s festively decorated heritage carriages and take a journey through winter woodlands. Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them. A round trip to Williton means there will be plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience. At 10.30am or 1pm, tickets £20, must be booked in advance. Plus:

Santa Specials

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 22 - 24 Take a 30 minute ride on the special East Somerset Railway trains then cross the line to the North Pole Station where you can visit Santa and receive a gift (if you have been good, of course). There will be a Goody Bag for every child to take onto the train containing colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet. There will also be a balloon modeller on the platform. Refreshments will be served at the North Pole - including mulled wine and mince pies. Book online. Plus:

Santa By Starlight

December 12 & 19 Young guests receive a goody bag on arrival before going on a 30 minute ride to the North Pole Station where Santa’s elves and a balloon modeller will greet you. Then you get your special time in Santa’s grotto where you can tell him how good you’ve been and receive your gift. Must be booked in advance.

Yeovil Santa Specials

December 5, 13, 18, 19, 23 Children can ride a train behind a steam locomotive travelling in a decorated heritage carriage to the Yeovil Railway Centre. There Santa will be ready to receive visitors in the ex GWR Transfer Shed. Adults and children £10, must be pre-booked.

Santa Specials

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19 The Santa service on Somerset and Dorset Railway will feature a round trip on the railway in heated carriages hauled by one of the hard-working steam locomotives “Joyce” or “Austin 1” assisted by a diesel locomotive due to the very steep climb away from the station. Santa will be on the platform before your train departs so give him a wave. After the train ride Santa’s helpers will make sure all the children receive a wrapped gift and a goody bag containing festive treats and a drink.

There will be refreshments for the grown ups as well. Must be booked in advance.

Avon Valley Santa Specials

December 4 -6, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 21 - 24 Enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit on your trip on the Avon Valley Railway as you travel the line and when you return to Bitton Station you’ll meet Santa and have the chance to take family photographs with him. All good boys and girls will receive a present from him too. Don’t forget to look out for the festive Christmas Donkeys on the station lawn. Must be booked in advance onlne.

Grotto at Sea

Until December 24 See Santa in his magical grotto a quarter of a mile out to sea on the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare and receive a Christmas gift. £7.50 per child and one supervising adult, extra adult £2.50. Must be booked.

Magical Experience

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Puxton Park. Cowslip Lane, Hewish. Then take part in the Magical Christmas Experience where children can meet the Christmas Fairy on her quest to find her magic wand; partake in Christmas biscuit decorating with Mrs. Claus and follow the 3D Christmas Tree Trail. From 10am to 4pm, adults £16.95, children £20.95, under 2s free. Plus:

Supper with Santa

December 18 - 22 Enjoy a feast and dance the night away with Santa together with a gift for all children. From 6 to 8pm, children £14.50, adults £6.50. Book in advance online.

You can join Santa in his Grotto

Santa is spotted with the animals

Visit the Enchanted Village

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Visit the Enchanted Village at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Keynsham and explore a magical land. The Reindeer Rocket Check-In is waiting to whisk you to the North Pole over Clifton Suspension Bridge. Once there, take a snowy walk to see Mrs Christmas and her talking reindeer before meeting Father Christmas himself in a timed session. After you let him know your most special wish for Christmas he will present you with a magical item to take to his toy shop to choose your own gift. You will be transported back to the park where you continue or begin your festive day out. The Post Room will be open to post your letter to Santa and the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train is ready to ride you through the Snowy Forest. Meet Donner, Blitzen and Vixen the resident reindeer and make some reindeer food. See the live nativity scene, but watch out for the Grinch causing mischief on the Tractor and Trailer ride while the Dinosaurs will be putting on a show. From 10am to 4pm.

Christmas at the Zoo

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Go on a festive adventure around Paignton Zoo and meet Santa in his magical grotto. Join Mrs Claus as she reads a magical Christmas story and then make reindeer food at the elf workshop – sprinkle it on your lawn at night, the moon will help it sparkle bright, as Santa’s reindeer fly and roam, this food will guide them to your home. From 10.30am to 4pm, children £12 (does not include entry to the zoo). Must be booked in advance online.

Enjoy a magical experience at Hestercombe

December 4 - 24

VISIT Hestercombe Gardens to enjoy a magical Father Christmas experience where every child can meet the man in red and receive a special gift. When you arrive you will be greeted by a friendly elf who will hand you a special activity pack full of festive fun.

When Father Christmas is ready you will wander through the winter gardens to meet him in front of a roaring log fire in his magical garden folly. After your visit you can enjoy the Christmas garden trails. From 10am to 7pm, £11.

A visit is extra magical in the evenings, as you can wander along the illuminated pathway to his garden hideout and enjoy the special Christmas illuminations around Rook Wood and the Victorian Shrubbery.