'It's more than simply a visit to see Santa': Merry Hill to host interactive festive adventure this Christmas

An all-new festive experience is set to bring a sprinkling of North Pole magic to Merry Hill in the run-up to Christmas, the team at the Black Country shopping centre have revealed.

Families will be able to step through the doors of The Toymaker's Grotto from November 20 to December 23 to enjoy a 30-minute festive adventure at the shopping mall in Brierley Hill, Dudley.

Children will be transported into the world of festive toymaking and will be able to take part in their very own toymaker's task during an interactive experience. Families will also be invited to enjoy more fun and games with the elves before meeting Santa and posing for festive family photos together.

Each child visiting will receive an official toymaker certificate and a small Christmas gift to take home.

The Toymaker's Grotto is best suited to children aged four to eight, while offering a festive experience for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be age-appropriate alternative activities for younger visitors, and dedicated SEN sessions.

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, said: "Christmas is such a special time of year for families, and we know how much our visitors enjoy making festive memories together at Merry Hill. This year, we wanted to create something that feels new and different, while keeping all the magic that makes a visit to Santa so special."

“The Toymaker's Grotto gives children the chance to step inside Santa's world and become part of the magic themselves. It's more than simply a visit to see Santa – it's a Christmas adventure that we hope families will cherish for years to come.”

The Toymaker’s Grotto will be located in Merry Hill’s central event space. For more information or to book tickets visit https://mymerryhill.co.uk/whats-on/the-toymakers-grotto/.