Five Minutes with Father Christmas...

It looks as though Santa Claus has already settled into his grotto at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre to meet the children of Nottinghamshire, and finish his naughty and nice list. We asked the cheeky Broadmarsh Elves to pass on our questions to Father Christmas, who kindly answered them for us, during his busiest time of year. Are the boys and girls of Nottinghamshire on your nice list this year? Very much so – especially the polite ones. The children of Nottinghamshire are very nice indeed and some of them even draw pictures for my elves and I. What kind of gifts have people been asking for? The children who visit me have been asking for scooters, bikes, and doll houses this year. Although iPads seem to be very popular on the Christmas lists of the boys and girls in Nottinghamshire too. What can visitors expect from a trip to your grotto at the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre? We have a very special film about one of my good friends, Rocket The Reindeer. It is in 3D which means it feels like Rocket and his friends are coming out of the screen; just watch out for Cheeky Snowman throwing snowballs at you! We also have bubbles and wind so you can pretend you’re flying with Rocket through the air in my special sleigh. After the film, it’s the time that the boys and girls come through to sit on my knee and we have our photo taken together. That’s also when I find out from them what they’re hoping to get for Christmas too before I give them a little present to take home with them. Where do you park your sleigh in Nottinghamshire? My sleigh has to be kept in a top secret location in Nottingham. Although I always make sure my parking is fully paid up because even Father Christmas can get a parking ticket you know! What are your favourite places to visit in Nottinghamshire? I like to visit the caves because they remind me a little bit of my grotto in the North Pole. Sometimes the elves and I go out in disguise and visit the Christmas Market. If you’re really clever, you may be able to see through my disguise next time I’m wandering through Market Square with my tub of hot peas. It’s also nice to visit Wollaton Park so Rudolph and Rocket can see their relatives at the deer park. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Visit Santa and his elves at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, and partake in a little Christmas shopping, too. You can see Santa, right up until Christmas Eve.  Prices are £2.00 per adult, £2.95 per child and £8.00 per family (four people, must include at least 1 adult) For more Festive information, or for other places to visit Santa across the county, see our Christmas page. [Pictured: Suzanne Shaw looks on in awe at Father Christmas, as he opens his grotto at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre]