SAFARI PARK'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVENT IS BACK

From 25 November and running daily until Christmas Eve, guests will have the chance to see Santa during the day, or on selected dates, visit Santa in his grotto during the evening’s Lantern Festival event.

Ahead of the month-long celebration, Santa had a good look around the Park’s Discovery Trail, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 400 Christmas trees, lights, baubles, new photo points and even thick layers of ‘snow’.

Additionally, the Park has installed two amazing winter lantern scenes, which look incredible during the day, but really come to life when the sun sets.

Bethan Davis, PR & Events Officer, said, “We are so excited to welcome guests to this year’s Santa Safari, as the Park has never looked this magical. Our team of ‘elves’ have been working really hard to make sure everything is perfect for Santa’s arrival, with not a garland, tree or bauble out of place!

“This year, we’ve installed a whole host of brand-new features, including a gigantic Christmas tree, two photo points for children, animated characters in the grotto and our outdoor sleigh has been transformed. Children will be able to experience falling ‘snow’ and write a letter to Santa too, which they can post in our cheeky talking post-box. Santa has given everything his seal of approval, so has now retired to his cosy grotto, ready to meet families from Friday. We hope everyone has a magical and festive time with us.”

Guests to the grotto will be greeted by Santa’s team of friendly elves who will magically transport families to the North Pole on Santa’s sleigh, captained by a new welcoming owl.

Disembarking the sleigh, they will follow a path through a magical winter wonderland, busy elf workshop and reindeer stables, finally reaching the grotto to pay a visit to the big man himself.

Children will receive a memento of their day by having a picture taken of themselves with Santa which they can then take home, alongside being able to choose their very own present from the elves’ workshop.

Also included in the package is a visit to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, where children can enjoy a drink and cookie, whilst adults are treated to a hot drink and mince pie.

There is also the chance for guests to win a Family Annual Pass, by entering the ‘Letters to Santa’ competition, where children can write a letter to Santa and post it in his magical talking post box.

Additionally, guests visiting this winter can experience a virtual reality sleigh ride – a magical 4D adventure to the North Pole, helping Santa to test out his sleigh before his big journey on Christmas Eve.

As Santa Safari coincides with the Park’s Lantern Festival event, a variety of ticketing options are available, including an evening ticket which includes lanterns and an ‘Ultimate Winter Ticket’, which includes a day visit to Santa Safari, all the animal attractions, talks and shows, then Lantern Festival on the evening.

Tickets can be booked in advance via the Park’s website, where guests can also see the calendar of events: www.wmsp.co.uk/tickets.

Santa Safari runs from 25 November until Christmas Eve, and the charge is £33.00 for adults and children aged 3-64, £13.00 for under 3s and £30.00 for concessions. Adventure Theme Park rides are not open during the winter season.

Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.