Santa's coming to Weston after Baytree get green light to open grotto

After weeks of uncertainty, the Government has confirmed that Santa’s grottos will be able to open this Christmas – much to the relief of everyone at a Weston garden centre.

Today (Thursday), Father Christmas will be officially opening the Winter Wonderland at Baytree Garden Centre and he couldn’t be more excited.

The Government’s guidance for the Christmas period states that grottos are able to open in all tiers, where they are located in venues otherwise permitted to open, and that COVID secure measures must be in place.

This year, the grotto will look and run slightly differently from previous years, due to the COVID secure measures, but the singing reindeers, polar bears and colourful snowmen will still be on display for kids big and small to discover and enjoy.

John Birch, of the Baytree Winter Wonderland, said: “The grotto is looking brilliant this year, if slightly different from years before.

“Ivan the Elf’s new Santa Sleigh ride is different in the fact that only one bubble of people can fit into it, unlike previously when a maximum of three families could go on the ride, so that’s really good as it means you will be in your own bubble all the way round.

“We are asking for people to come in bubbles of five as Santa makes six in that bubble.

“All of the scenes within the grotto usually involve buttons which make things move but all bar one of the buttons have been removed this year – the one which remains has a hand sanitiser station next to it for use.”

Those who are visiting the grotto will be given their own time slot after booking online and they will be required to follow safety measures, with adults asked to wear masks.

John says that without the help of South Holland District Council, Santa wouldn’t have been able to open the grotto this year.

He said: “The Environmental Health Department at the council has worked with us every step of the way on being able to open.

“They have been very informative and helpful during all of this and we are just so pleased that the Christmas guidance means that we can open.”

This year, the entrance to the grotto has also moved, meaning visitors enter directly, rather than via the garden centre.

Although in previous years children have received Christmas trees from Santa, along with a special gift, this year the package has changed and instead of a tree they will receive their present along with the photo of their meeting with Santa as a souvenir.

Santa and the elves have been working hard to get ready for their visitors to arrive.

Speaking exclusively to the Spalding Guardian from his lodge within the grotto, Santa said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing moments of joy and happiness to all of the boys and girls after what has been a very difficult year for us all.”

For more information, visit www.baytreewinterwonderland.com