Leicester City Council is putting the finishing touches to Santa’s Christmas grotto, which will be topped with snow and surrounded by Christmas trees in New Market Square.
On Saturday 7th December from 11am, children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto free of charge. They’ll also receive a small free gift when they meet him.
Any child who’s written a list for Santa will be able to hand their letter over in person – or they can post it in Santa’s special post box next to the grotto.
Markets business manager Sonya Spink said: “Santa’s told us that he’s looking forward to meeting lots of children in Leicester in the run-up to Christmas – and he’s very happy to pose for photographs!
“It’s going to be chilly, so my advice to families is to wrap up warm, as they may have to queue outdoors before it’s their turn to meet Santa.”
Santa will be in the square from 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, 11am to 4pm on Sundays and from 11am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.
He will be in his grotto every day from Saturday 7 December until Sunday 22 December.
Santa in the Square is a free Christmas experience for local children provided by Leicester City Council and run by Leicester Markets.
On Thursday 12 December, another free festive attraction will open in the new market square alongside Santa’s Grotto.
LightWeight, a four-metre high illuminated sphere will interact with its audience with some stunning video and animation effects.
Last year, the shimmering globe entranced visitors to Cathedral Gardens – and this year it’s back in Leicester, thanks to funding from BID Leicester.
BID Leicester director Simon Jenner said: “We’re pleased to be bringing LightWeight back to the city this Christmas.
“It proved a popular attraction with all ages last year, and its location in the new market square – close to Santa’s Grotto and other Christmas activities – will make the area a must-visit destination for families in Leicester this festive season.”
LightWeight can be enjoyed from dusk every day from Thursday 12 – Saturday 21 December.
More information about Leicester’s Christmas events and attractions is available at christmasinleicester.co.uk
