Free Santa's Grotto opens at The Rock Shopping Centre

The grotto, which opened on Saturday, November 30, welcomed more than 200 children over the opening weekend.

This is the first time The Rock has hosted a grotto since the pandemic.

The Rock’s Santa’s Grotto officially opened on Saturday 30th November (Image: Supplied)

The grotto is in St John's Square, alongside the centre's Christmas food fair.

The focal piece of the grotto is a magical archway of lights, garlands, baubles, and branches, creating a "standout" backdrop for the photo with Santa.

Admission is free and includes a chocolate lolly.

Visitors queued for the grotto opening and were able to step into a woodland theme wonderland for their visit to Santa (Image: Supplied)

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, centre director of The Rock, said: "We've had an excellent opening weekend at our free Santa's Grotto, and we're thrilled that so many families were able to join us.

"The grotto is open on various dates between now and Christmas Eve and is completely free to enter.

"It is important to my team and I that we offer this experience free of charge, so that all children can enjoy a festive visit to see Santa."

The "Rock Express" land train will also return this Christmas.

Visitors can enjoy a festive journey in the town from Saturday, December 14.

Santa's Grotto is fully accessible and is manned by two elves.

The grotto is in St John’s Square, alongside the centre’s Christmas food fair (Image: Supplied)

Santa will take a break daily at 1pm for 30 minutes.

There will be no admission to the grotto during this time.

For full opening hours and further information, visit The Rock's website or keep an eye on their social media pages.