November 20, 2023

Christmas festivities begin this weekend at Clacton Pier with the arrival of Santa in his North Pole grotto.

The attraction has lined-up a magical experience for all ages which includes animatronic characters, singing reindeer in their stables and the chance to enjoy supper with the main man.

The entire pier has been decked out in colourful festive fayre and transformed into a winter wonderland with a giant Christmas tree at the entrance to the site.

Pier mascot Sidney the Seagull will also be around greeting his young fans in his festive outfit.

Supper with Santa will be available on December 16, 17 and 23. It involves a festive Christmas platter of a Turkey Yorkshire pudding wrap with potato nuggets, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, gravy dip, soft drink and a self-decorated gingerbread man. Adults can enjoy a mulled wine or hot drink.

The package also includes meeting Santa at the table along with Mrs Claus, singing elves and Sidney, a soft toy for the children and a voucher for free entry to soft play on a date of your choice.

The grotto opens on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 25 and 26) and then December 2 and 3, December 9 and 10 and from December 16 to 24.

Pier director Billy Ball said the Christmas Festival is one of the attraction’s main events of the year and a very special one.

“Over the past few years we have invested heavily in the purpose-built grotto with the reindeer stables and animatronic characters such as Frosty the Snowman and elves,” he added.

“The new addition this year is Supper with Santa which be available on the three dates next month and is a package we believe will prove popular so make sure you don’t miss out.

“Our staff have worked very hard to transform the pier to create a magical environment and experience.”

Among the offers available are the Grotto Adventure and Christmas Cracker deal. All details and prices are available at clactonpier.co.uk

Ends