Doris: Would you please tell her that you’re not really Santa Claus, that actually is no such person? 
Kris Kringle: Well, I hate to disagree with you, but not only IS there such a person, but here I am to prove it.
Miracle on 34th Street

Precisely, Kris Kringle. Father Christmas is real and what’s more, he’ll be in various locations around Bristol. The elves can take care of everything while he meets his fans. Magically, a reindeer (with a red nose) dropped off a list to Bristol24/7 HQ comprising of 10 of his locations this December.

• Winter Wonderland at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway. Not only is Santa at The Mall, but he’s crammed in his Enchanted Ice Castle – complete with The Ice Queen and the clever ice fairies – not forgetting a magical train ride. As well as meeting Santa, there’s the chance to meet his reindeer and enjoy festive treats to nibble on. Winter food fuel will be needed, as there’s an enormous ice rink outside The Mall (complete with the penguins for the littler ones) – the largest outdoor ice rink in the south west, no less. Santa will arrive in his sleigh at 9.30am and be in his Enchanted Ice Castle, ready for visitors from 10am. He will be off on his sleigh on Christmas Eve, for his incredible annual present delivering. The ice rink is open every day until 11 January, apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  FFI: http://www.mallcribbs.com/wwl14.php#castle 

• Festival of Light at Longleat. At Longleat, you must board the Santa Express and travel through various enchanted lands, to meet the man himself and receive a present. Friday – Sunday until December 12, then daily until January 4, 2015. Trains depart from 4pm.
  FFI http://www.longleat.co.uk/christmas/santa-express 

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• A fan of trains, Santa will also be on the Avon Valley Railway. Every weekend until Christmas Eve, Santa will be on the steam train accompanied by helpers, making his way along the train – stopping to talk to all of the children, and giving them a present. Everyone gets a treat from Santa, and mince pies or festive biscuits are also on offer. Don’t forget to look out the window in your old fashioned carriage, you’ll see beautiful views of the Avon Valley.
  FFI: http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events/santa-special 

• Santa’s Grotto at The Galleries. Santa and his elves will be relaxing in his arctic themed grotto, complete with penguins and polar bears, every day in December until Christmas Eve.
  FFI: http://galleriesbristol.co.uk/

• The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare. Santa will be in his magical grotto at the end of the pier, leaving snowy footprints at the entrance. Expect moving penguins and polar bears as you walk the enchanted path to Santa’s grotto where gifts will be bestowed by Santa.
  Open 11am – see the website for available dates: http://www.grandpier.co.uk/events-guide/event/santas-grotto12 

• Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park. See Santa in his grotto. There’s a present waiting, a free photo opportunity, warm mug of hot chocolate, free grotto badge and the chance for a reindeer/tractor ride. There are also mince pies available, mulled wine and 40% off Christmas Trees for each family experience booking.
  Tickets: http://www.avonvalleycountrypark.com/news/view/christmas-grotto-tickets-now-on-sale

• Yate Shopping Centre. Santa will be at the shopping centre most days of December until 4pm on Christmas Eve, when he’s off for his important business.
  FFI: http://www.yateshoppingcentre.co.uk/Events/Current-Events/Yate-Shopping-Centre-Christmas-Grotto-2014 

• Ashton Court Railway. Trains to Santa’s Grotto, where each child receives a present. These special train rides have been running for 12 years – this year Santa will be arriving on Sunday 7th December. Tickets are available at the railway booking office. 
  FFI: http://www.bristolmodelengineers.co.uk/ashton-court-railway/santa-special2/

• Cadbury Garden Centre, Smallways, Congresbury. Santa will be here with a sack full of presents. There will also be face painters, green elves, entertainment and all sorts of decorations to marvel at. Not forgetting the reindeer, ready to hear your Christmas wishes. There’s also an ice rink until January 4, 2015.
  FFI: http://www.g-l.co.uk/

• Christmas at Bristol Zoo. Guests can choose to meet Santa in the early evening or weekend – and receive a special gift – or visit him as a group. The entire zoo site has now been transformed with festive decorations; including a Christmas tree and themed animal lights around the site. Rudolph’s friends will be relaxing in the zoo too, stocking up on fuel before their Christmas Eve sky galloping. Friends include Rudolfina, Snowflake, Twinkle and Dewdrop. Christmas at Bristol Zoo will be on until January 5, 2015.
  FFI: http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/santas-grotto-at-the-zoo