Thirteen places to meet Santa in Suffolk this Christmas including Jimmy's Farm, Kersey Mill and Africa Alive
Nothing says Christmas quite like a visit to Santa's grotto, and Suffolk has a multitude of options to get eager children into the festive spirit this year.
Here's just thirteen of the many places you can see Father Christmas in the county this year...
1. Breakfast with Santa at Dobbies garden centre
If you're looking to make a truly magical Christmas memory, this popular breakfast with Santa at Dobbies in Bury St Edmunds could be just the ticket.
Including breakfast for children and adults, followed by games and activities as well as a visit from the big man himself, this could be a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy some quality family time.
You can book your slot, here.
2. Where's Santa in the arc
From December 2 until December 24, youngsters can visit the arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds for an interactive and theatrical take on meeting Father Christmas.
Written and created by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, children will be welcomed into a magical Christmas cabin and join Älva, Santa’s Chief Elf, in a search for clues to help find Santa before the time runs out.
Tickets can be booked, here.
3. Jimmy's Farm breakfast with Santa and Santa's grotto
This year Jimmy's Farm near Ipswich is offering children a chance to have breakfast with Santa, served by his elves, as well as visits to Santa's grotto.
During the breakfast, Father Christmas will greet everyone in a fully immersive experience which includes breakfast, a free gift and entry to the farm itself.
To book a slot for either of the two experiences, click here.
4. Hollow Trees Farm
The big man will be visiting Hollow Trees Farm's cosy Farm Café with his elves for a festive breakfast and tea.
The breakfast is perfect for young ones who are not yet at school, or older children who are free during in the morning, and the tea is a great after-school treat for youngsters eagerly awaiting the big day.
Each child will also be given a Christmas gift from Santa.
Click here to book in a breakfast or tea.
5. Hilly Ridge Alpacas Wattisham
Visitors can meet Father Christmas and feed baby alpacas and goats at Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham.
Small walks with the Rein-Paccas are also on offer around the farm with Santa's helpful elves and adults get a free hot drink included.
6. Kersey Mill
Santa's Workshop is back again at Kersey Mill and is very popular with visitors with plenty to see and lots of activities to get involved in, ranging from making reindeer food to loading Santa's sleigh.
Children will be led through magical gardens by a chaperone elf to meet Santa and team of elves, Mrs Claus, the Christmas Fairy and other surprise characters.
This immersive experience, which ends with an elf disco, comes in at £40 per child.
Tickets can be booked, here.
7. Easton Farm Park
Children visiting Easton Farm Park in Woodbridge can meet Father Christmas between December 3 and 23.
There is a winter wonderland walk, Christmas crafting and even the chance to visit Santa's stables for £18.95 per child and £10.95 per adult.
The experience lasts two and a half hours and can be booked here.
8. Thetford Garden Centre
Breakfast with Santa himself will be available at Thetford Garden Centre from December 10 to December 17.
Getting children firmly into the festive spirit, with a special gift from the man himself, tickets must be purchased in-store or by calling 01842 763 267.
9. Africa Alive!
Santa's grotto experiences, as well as breakfast or afternoon tea with Mr Claus, are on offer this year at Lowestoft's Africa Alive!
The Christmas Grotto experience offers three Christmas-themed activities as well as all-day entry to the zoo, and each child will receive a special present, helping them to protect native birds this winter.
To experience the magic, book in a slot here.
10. Stonham Barns
Stonham Barns' Santa's grotto promises twinkling lights as far as the eye can see and a magical array of elves to meet before seeing Father Christmas himself.
Tickets are booked in one-hour slots and a range of food and drink will be available in the onsite restaurant, along with plenty of shops to explore in the shopping village.
11. Nowton Park
Santa and his elves will be visiting Nowton Park this year from December 10.
Children visiting the big man will be able to listen to his stories, write letters and make decorations. They will also receive a special present from Father Christmas.
Time slots are 10 minutes per family - click here to book in.
12. Kentwell Hall Christmas
This Christmas spectacular in Long Melford near Sudbury allows children to meet not only Santa, but also Mr Dickens and other Dickensian characters in the stunning grounds of the hall.
Carol singing around a Christmas tree will be sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit to finish the event.
Click here to find out more and to buy tickets.
13. Bressingham Steam
On selected days throughout the month, Santa will be visiting Bressingham Steam Museum, near Diss.
With plenty to see and do, including a ride on the Steam Train and a festive spin on the Gallopers before meeting the big man, this is not to be missed.