Inside the Magic World of Santa
What better way is there to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, than by telling him in person? A visit to Santa’s grotto can do just that.
Probably one of the most significant icons in a child’s life is Santa Claus. For those planning to spend the holidays in the United Kingdom, a visit to Santa’s grotto is highly recommended. There, kids can climb up on Santa’s lap, tell him how good they have been, and ask him for the gift they want for Christmas.
Who First Thought of Bringing Santa to the Kids?
The first recorded Santa’s grotto was in 1879 in Liverpool. Set up in Lewis’s Bon Marche Department Store, the first grotto was called “Christmas Fairyland.” The tradition of setting up Santa’s grotto in Lewis still carries on up to this day. This tradition spread to Australia and North America throughout the 1890s. The first “Magic Cave” came to Australia in 1896 in John Martin’s Department Store in South Australia. Today the tradition is being continued by David Jones Stores in Australia. Santa’s grottos are now built in all sizes, some even large walk through “caverns” where kids can play games as they await their turn. Santa’s grottos are popular across the United Kingdom and it has become a traditional activity to visit them every Christmas season.
Each Grotto is Unique
Each grotto has its own distinct characteristics. There are grottos that are free, and there also ones that charge to see Santa. Most grottos have special playing areas for children to play while they wait for their turn to meet Santa. In some places, a visit to Santa’s grotto is not just for the chance to see him since there are also grottos that offer educational and interactive activities such as craft making workshops. Parents get a spot to enjoy too. In some grottos, parents can shop and look around the adjoining mall areas; while in others, they are given a special lounge for them to relax as their children enjoy. Some stores have made a tradition of letting children share breakfast with Santa Claus. Hamleys and Selfridges are only two of the department stores in London that traditionally set up Santa’s grottos for the season.
Inside Santa’s Magical World
Nothing beats the experience of actually walking through Santa’s magical world. Inside the grotto, it feels as if it is a winter wonderland, with its decorated trees and brilliant lights. For the lucky ones, the grotto may even have an express train for a family ride to meet Santa. Of course, the experience is not complete without Santa’s elves. Inside the grotto, the elves help him out by guiding little children to meet him.
The main event is getting to meeting Santa face to face. Santa carries the kids on his lap and asks them for their last minute requests for their Christmas gifts a toy truck, a pair of skates, even the latest video game. Some little ones even promise to leave some milk and cookies for Santa if he visits their house. They can also have their picture taken while they are on Santa’s lap as a remembrance of their visit. The final bonus of the visit to Santa’s grotto is the gift received once the trip is over.
Charging to see Santa is wrong. It never use to be that way. I remember when I was a kid going to see santa at the department store. They found a jolly fellow with a real white beard and it was about as authentic as you can get. Anyways, thought you’d enjoy a similar post.
December 15th, 2010 at 1:02 pm