The festive season is in full swing; the lights have been lit, the mulled wine sipped and Father Christmas is making his way to The Suffolk Coast to meet excited boys and girls. We've picked our top 5 places to see Santa on The Suffolk Coast!
1. Christmas at Africa Alive! - Until 24th December
Father Christmas will be arriving in his Grotto at Africa Alive! on Saturday 1st December and will be greeting children every weekend until Christmas Eve. To add to the festivities, a range of craft stalls will be selling gifts and there will be animal handling sessions in the Discovery Centre.
Where: Africa Alive! Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft NR33 7TF
Admission: Standard entry fees apply, plus £5.95 per child to see Father Christmas.
Click here for more information.
2. Easton Farm Park Christmas Special - Until 24th December
A Christmas treat that the whole family will enjoy! The two and a half hour experience at Easton Farm Park includes a magical sleigh ride to meet the animals, a gift from Father Christmas and children's party food. Grown ups can also enjoy tea or coffee, a slice of cake or one of the farm's delicious sausage rolls. Afterwards, head to the park to handle and feed the animals followed and let the children play on the softplay and adventure play areas.
Where: Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ
Admission: Children - £12, Adults - £8.
Click here for more information.
3. Meet Father Christmas at Dunwich Heath!
Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Dunwich Heath!
If you’ve been good all year, you can drop in to meet Father Christmas at the grotto in the Coastguard Cottages Tea Room. A little gift and a child’s hot chocolate drink are included. Afterward, follow the Reindeer Trail and see if you can find all of Father Christmas’ reindeer hiding on the heath! There's no need to book, drop in between 11am - 2.30pm - first come first served!
Where: National Trust Dunwich Heath, Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich IP17 3DJ
Admission: £8 per person
4. Santa Tram at East Anglia Transport Museum - Weekends throughout December
Climb aboard the Santa Tram at East Anglia Transport Museum on weekends (8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd) in December and travel through a winter wonderland to meet Santa and his elves. Afterwards, take a step back in time and ride on the Trolleybus and railway.
Where: East Anglia Transport Museum, Chapel Way, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8BL
Admission: Children - £11, Adults - £9, Under 1s - Free
Click here for more information.
5. Santa's Grotto at The Suffolk Punch Trust - 8th, 9th,15th,16th December
Following on from the huge success of last year The Suffolk Punch Trust are running Santa's Grotto again!
Come and see Santa arrive on his sleigh pulled by his Suffolk Punch before you meet him in his magical grotto. As well as meeting Santa, the cafe and shop will be open for a spot of lunch and you can visit the Christmas Craft Fair for unique gifts and goodies.
Where: The Suffolk Punch Trust, Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley IP12 3JR
Admission: Free entry to the farmyard and craft fair, visits to Father Christmas are £6.50 per child and must be booked online.
Click here for more information.
6. Christmas Weekend at Snape Maltings - 21st - 23rd December
The festive events kick off at Snape Maltings on Friday 21st December when Father Christmas will be arriving at approximately 12pm by Thames Barge and making his way to the House & Garden Shop where children can meet him. There's a range of festive activities throughout the weekend too; On Saturday 22nd join in with favourite carols at Sing Christmas! at 4pm and on Sunday 23rd The Snowman & Babar the Elephant's concert will take place in the concert hall on the big screen, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Throughout the weekend there will also be crafts, a Christmas Farmers Market and a children's winter trail.
Where: Snape Maltings, Snape IP17 1SP
Admission: Free admission to see Father Christmas, please see website for concert ticket prices.
Click here for more information.