A Santa’s grotto is opening at Creswell Crags every weekend, from Saturday, 26 November until Christmas 2022. Every child who visits will receive a gift and be able to take part in Christmas crafting sessions, all included in their Santa ticket.

There will be a new festive family trail, allowing children of all ages to hunt for hidden handmade reindeer. Each reindeer will have a secret letter children can use to spell a festive word. Everyone taking part in the trail will receive a treat on completion.

The Creswell Crags Café will be serving food from local suppliers, including Bakewell Bakery and 4eyes Patisserie, and the museum gift shop will be stocked with a range of Ice Age-inspired gifts as well as local products.

Hannah Steggles, head of Public Engagement said: “It’s sure to be an incredible Christmas, and we cannot wait to welcome all our visitors to Creswell Crags this year. Obviously, we’re very grateful to Santa for setting up his grotto in our museum building once again; he really does seem to like visiting here as he’s been coming for over 20 years! We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to see him – it’s always wonderful to see the same families back again, and often with new children in tow!

“We appreciate the cost-of-living crisis will have an impact on Christmas for many, but we’re committed to keeping the cost of our activities as low as possible to ensure everyone can support local and have an amazing festive period.”