'I've been to some ropey Santa's grottos in my time - this is NOT one of them'

The Grotto: Dear Santa, until Christmas Eve, at the Trafford Centre Outside The Great Hall (ex-Frankie & Benny’s) We've all been there, a Santa's Grotto that promises to be magical but Father Christmas is a bit on the skinny side, doesn't sound quite right and the fake snow is 90 per cent washing up liquid. The Grotto: Dear Santa is now officially open outside The Trafford Centre, and visitors needn't worry about a festive damp squib as this one is the real deal. It promises to be bigger, better, and more festive than ever before and organisers have really nailed it with this one.

It looks the part, the elves and Santa are spot on, there's lovely attention to detail, the interactivity is charming and little ones are bound to be mesmerised. Families are welcomed by Santa’s Elves before embarking on a whimsical adventure through Candy Cane Land, The Enchanted Forest, The Merry Makers Studio, Santa’s Study, and finally, the magical grotto to meet the big man himself! We went along on opening night with three boys, age two, six and eight, and all three were enchanted by the experience. Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan visits The Grotto (Image: NICOLA_CAMPBELL_PHOTOGRAPHY) At the time of writing, all weekend slots have been booked except this weekend so book now to avoid disappointment.



Weekday slots still have availability. This magical experience can be found in a new location outside The Great Hall, in the previous Frankie & Benny’s space. There's also the Tinsel Town Funfair and ice skating rink, outside The Great Hall, that's open until January 5.

The fairground has all the rides that you would expect - a pirate ship, funhouse, the caterpillar to name a few - that smaller thrillseekers will love as well as some white knuckle-type rides for braver souls. (Image: PR) Admission costs £3 at the gate, or £2.50 (+booking fee) online in advance, then visitors must buy tokens to pay for the rides.

And if that's not enough, The Christmas Trail is open until January 2, located in Wilderspool Woods, outside The Great Hall. The experience whisks visitors into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and festive magic. Wilderspool Woods has been illuminated by a dazzling array of lights and installations, accompanied by a festive soundtrack with holiday classics and upbeat tunes.

For prices and tickets: The Grotto: Dear Santa - t hegrotto.co.uk/trafford Tinsel Town Funfair and Ice Skating - gigantic.

com/tinseltown-tickets The Christmas Trail - thetraffordtrails.co.uk/christmas Feeling peckish? Don’t miss Freight Island’s festive pop-up, with winter warmers from the likes of Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s, Voodoo Rays and special guest trader Heard.

And if you've got any energy left (and cash) after all that, then you can always head inside the Trafford Centre where you'll find 280 brands, including Selfridges, John Lewis, Zara Next, Marks & Spencer..