Drake Circus to open its first Santa's grotto this Christmas

Santa and his elves are to open Drake Circus’s first ever Christmas Grotto at 11am, November 16 2013.

Families who would like to visit Santa, as they enjoy one of the West Country’s most popular shopping malls with over 70 shops, will be able to book online at www.drakecircus.com, with visits starting on 23 November 2013.

Children visiting the Grotto will receive a present from Santa and also be able to climb inside a special Christmas Bauble to create perfect festive photo opportunities.

A visit to Santa costs £5 per child, with 50 pence of each visit going to The Children’s Happy Hospital Fund at Derriford Hospital to help buy much needed lighting and equipment for the new sensory room currently being built.

Greg Lumley, Drake Circus Centre Director, said: "Christmas is the perfect time to visit Drake Circus for shopping with the family - but this year we thought we'd make it extra special for the kids and get Santa to come along. To avoid disappointment book your appointment ahead online, or you can even use our new free WiFi to book while you're shopping. We’re also delighted to be able support The Children’s Happy Hospital Fund by giving some of the proceeds from each visit to this worthy local cause."

Christmas at Drake Circus is set to be better than ever for family shopping - as well as its usual line-up of top retail names, Drake Circus is now home to The Entertainer toy shop, Fat Face fashion and men’s casual fashion wear, Old Guys Rule - who have all opened in time for Christmas.

To book visits to Santa go to www.drakecircus.com. The Grotto will be officially opened on November 16 and 17 and then visits to Santa will begin on November 23 up until December 24 2013. Please check online for opening times.