Father Christmas Has Returned! Havering’s Much loved Santa’s grotto returns to The Mercury!

A very popular Santa’s grotto has re-opened its doors at The Mercury shopping centre in Romford yesterday.

The grotto which has been running for nearly thirty years and the longest running grotto in Havering was officially opened by Havering Mayor Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan who did the honours by cutting the red ribbon with a little helping hand from one of our younger visitors his gorgeous granddaughter Penelope Alexander, aged four months. Also to lend a hand at the opening was the grotto’s nutcracker Ian Courtier, Deputy Centre manager Natalie Bays and her handsome pup Pom- Poko and The Mercury’s kids club mascot Marvin the monkey.

Natalie Bays deputy centre manager told the Havering Daily: “The grotto at The Mercury is one of the friendliest in town, we also welcome our animal friends, it’s certainly inclusive, young and old are all welcome.”

The grotto will be open everyday from now until Christmas Eve and no prior booking is required. Tuesday’s will offer sensory grotto sessions which are calmer, more inclusive visits to see Santa for children or adults with additional needs to sensory sensitivities. These sessions may include reduced crowds or quiet music. Bring your doggies to see Santa in his igloo grotto every Wednesday or Thursday, yes we are dog friendly, Santa Paws! Stop by the helpdesk when you visit with your pooch for an additional doggie treat and a chance to enter our doggie competition at no extra cost.The Mercury has a fun packed host of activities this Christmas kicking off a month long of festive favourites to enjoy with Marvin, Elfie, Zen Tuesdays, choirs, crafts and Christmas themed entertainment is just a sprinkle of what’s to come, for further information of what’s on and when visit http://www.themercurymall.co.uk.

A visit to the grotto costs just £5 and a proportion of proceeds as always will go to a local charity.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.