FATHER Christmas will be travelling via a surprise means of transport to a multi-award-winning Farm Shop in Somerset in time for his first 2024 grotto of the season next weekend (December 8, 2024).

Santa will arrive at Rumwell Farm Shop on December 8 at 9.30am to meet children waiting to welcome him before taking up residence in his cosy cabin for the season.

The Christmas event is free to attend and there will be Christmas carols sung at Rumwell.

Anne Mitchell, Partner at the Farm Shop, located just off the M5 on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “Father Christmas has told us that he’ll be resting the reindeer on December 8 to ensure they are fit and ready to travel the world over and deliver presents for children on Christmas Eve.

"So, 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 very exciting and we’re sure Santa will enjoy his trip and that all the children who see him arrive here with us on December 8 will find it very exciting.

"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 at home to bring along to greet Santa is very welcome to do so. 

After his arrival, Father Christmas will be in his cosy cabin grotto from 10am-4pm. He’ll also be hosting grottos on Saturday, December 14, 9am-5pm and Sunday, December 15, 9am-4pm.

Anne added: “With the help of his trusty band of elves, he’ll wish everyone a merry Christmas and give each child a wrapped, age-appropriate gift to take home.

Tickets cost £14.50 per child to see Santa in his grotto and can be purchased at www.rumwellfarmshop.com/visit-father-christmas-in-his-grotto/.

For more information, call Rumwell Farm Shop on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.