CHILDREN will get the chance to greet Santa when he arrives on a surprise mode of transport at Rumwell Farm Shop near Taunton in December.
Father Christmas will arrive at the farm shop on December 11 at 9.30am, giving families the chance to see him for free before he moves into his grotto.
Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the farm shop, said: “Father Christmas has told us that he’ll be resting the reindeer on December 11 to ensure they are fit and ready to travel the world over and deliver presents for children on Christmas Eve, which is why he has decided to pay a visit to us on a surprise mode of transport to meet all the boys and girls who have been nice this year.
“What vehicle he’ll arrive on will be kept top secret until the day.
“It’s free to attend and we’d like a big crowd to come along to greet him.
“While everyone is waiting, we’ll have Christmas carols and tunes playing outside that they can sing-along to.
“It promises to be a fun morning out for all the family. Once he’s arrived, Santa will spend some time chatting with the crowds and his friendly elves will be handing out sweets.
“We hope lots of people turn out to greet Father Christmas and join us as we start our countdown to Christmas in earnest.
“Anyone who would like to make ‘welcome’ banners and flags to greet Santa is very welcome to do so.
“Father Christmas’s arrival is free for anyone who wishes to come along and watch.
“Our café will be open as normal on the day serving breakfasts and other refreshments, and our shop will also be open for anyone wishing to shop on the day.”
After he arrives, Santa will take up residence in his grotto at the farm shop.
Visits to see him are fully booked for December 11 and 18, but there is availability on Tuesday, December 20 and Thursday, December 22 from 9am to 5pm.
Anne added: “With the help of his trusted band of elves, he’ll wish everyone a merry Christmas and give each child a wrapped, age-appropriate gift to take home.
“Tickets cost £12.95 per child and can be purchased at www.rumwellfarmshop.com/meet-father-christmas-here.
“Booking is essential and must be made via our website and we can only allow a maximum of four children with an appropriate adult, or two.”
Rumwell Farm Shop will also host a candlelit carvery on December 8 from 6.30pm with a collection and raffle for a charity, Love Musgrove.
Rumwell will host its first-ever New Year's Eve party on December 31 from 6.30pm, featuring a four-course meal and live music from 24K.
For more information, visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com/news-and-events/christmas-2022.
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