December 18, 2012 9.50 am This story is over 134 months old

Lincoln mum: where to find Santa in the city

Santa spotting: Looking for a place to visit Santa with the kids? Our expert mum has a few Lincoln suggestions.

With only seven days (and one more weekend!) left until Christmas Day, hopefully the shopping is all done, wrapped and under the Christmas tree waiting for the big day.

We still have time to do the lasts bits and the huge food shop — plus of course we all know there is always one more present you can buy. There is also time for the little ones to go and visit Santa in his grotto – in Lincoln we have a few options that you can take the kids too and get into the Christmas spirit!

Most of the usual haunts (your local toddler groups and the soft play areas) are decked out with decorations and have a Christmassy feel about them. However, if you’re looking for the whole Christmas experience with Santa and all, then here are a few suggestions:

Pennells Garden Centre: based in South Hykeham, with free parking and a full gift department. The restaurant has high chairs, and they will warm your milk and baby food, as well as having baby changing facilities. There is a winter wonderland with all of the decorations on show, and a story time display of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Most importantly though, there is a Santa in his Grotto. This week Santa will be there on the 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd from 10.15am to 5pm (with half an hour break at 1pm), costing is £6.95 per child.

St Mark’s Swedish Christmas Santa Grotto: open every day from 10.30am through to 5.30pm. The Grotto is in St Marks Garden, in front on Mamas and Papas, at a cost of £6.50 per child. A great place to stop with the children whilst out shopping.

Rand Farm Park: This popular attraction is holding a breakfast with Santa on December 22 and 23. The breakfast needs to be pre-booked, however Santa is still available to visit throughout the day at a cost of £4.00 per child. Children go free into the park for December with any paying adult. The park is also open as usual so you can go and see all the animals, feed them, play in the soft play area — a great day out plus Santa — what more could you want! To book, call Kay on 01673 858904.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Janie Pengilly is a Lincoln mum of two, both under the age of 4, that keep her busy. As well as being a stay-at-home mum, she is also the editor of the new online magazine, Lincoln Mums.