Every year, centre:mk transforms Middleton Hall into a festive wonderland, and it’s a tradition for locals and visitors alike to soak up the Christmas spirit—even if just to marvel at the dazzling lights. This year, after a turn on the Merry-Go-Round and a quick stop for mummy and daddy to sample (and then purchase!) a rather large amount of cheese, we headed to the grotto.
This year’s experience introduces Norbert, Santa’s newest reindeer, in a heartwarming, immersive adventure that runs until Christmas Eve, 24th December. From the moment we stepped into Santa’s reindeer stable, the festive atmosphere swept us away. The story of Norbert, an adorable puppet reindeer brought to life by a talented elf puppeteer, immediately captured my daughter’s imagination. She rarely sits still, but she was completely engaged—watching, listening, and even interacting with Norbert and the elves. The tale of courage, kindness, and embracing our differences was beautifully told, and Norbert’s charm enchanted both children and adults alike.
The adventure didn’t stop there. Before meeting Santa, children got to make their own reindeer food in the craft workshop to take home—a sweet touch that we’re already excited to leave out on Christmas Eve. Then came the highlight: meeting Santa himself. We were delighted with how much time he spent chatting with our daughter, making her feel truly special. The elves were fantastic too—friendly, cheerful, and full of festive energy, ensuring everything ran smoothly while keeping the magic alive.
To top off the experience, our daughter received a lovely gift: a book about a brave little reindeer, continuing the story of Norbert. It was perfectly age-appropriate and a wonderful way to keep the magic alive after we left. She’s been so proud to share her adventure with friends, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience.
The entire journey, lasting about 30 minutes, was well-paced and thoroughly engaging from start to finish. This has truly set the bar high for Christmas traditions in our family, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend it to others. If you’re looking for a magical and memorable way to kick off the festive season, centre:mk’s Santa’s Grotto is an absolute must-visit!
