Kids invited to become ‘trainee elves’ at Bolton Santa’s Grotto

Children across Bolton will be welcomed into Santa’s grotto in the Crompton Place shopping centre from Saturday, December 2 until Christman Eve.

Youngsters can step into the elf workshop and enrol as a trainee elf complete with their very own hat, elf name and list of tasks.

Working their way through the workshop, they can enjoy making magic reindeer food and creating some magical arts and crafts before graduating as an honorary elf. After receiving their own lanyard and posing for photos, kids can make their way into Santa’s grotto to be greeted by the big man himself.

Keeping the magic alive, families will get to spend a short time with Santa while he finds out what they have on their wish list. Sessions last 30 minutes and parents can book their kids onto this magical experience for only £5 per child and will receive a wrapped age-appropriate gift.

The festivities in Bolton will also see mesmerising light installations at the Put Big Light On festival from Thursday November 30 – December 2 and December 9 – 11. For £1 the Jingle Bell Bus will take families for a festive ride around the town centre.

Bolton Market will also be hosting festive family activities on December 2, 9 and 16. The Albert Halls, within the town hall is this year hosting Cinderella as its pantomime. Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for culture, Coun Nadeem Ayub, said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of the Santa’s grotto this year, it’s a great addition to the town throughout the festive period.

“It’s important that we provide accessible and affordable activities that children and their families can enjoy, while also bringing people into the town centre. “It encourages people to spend at local businesses, contributes to the visitor economy and ensures Bolton is a great destination for residents and visitors.”

Tickets for the grotto can be booked online and you find out more about the light festival via the Put Big Light On website.