Liverpool’s iconic St George’s Hall has now opened its doors to its second annual magical grotto and has been transformed into the magical winter wonderland of Narnia.

From 29th November to 23rd December, St George’s Hall will turn the magnificent galleries and vaults into a Christmas grotto to remember for all the family.

Visitors will be treated to live character performances along a festive treasure trail which leads to a traditional grotto. Here, they meet Santa Claus who will present them with an early Christmas gift – if they’ve been good!

In collaboration with the producers of The Narnia Experience, visitors will meet the charming Mr Tumnus , exploring an underground ice trail that takes in the delights of Mr and Mrs Beaver’s cosy snow cottage and Aslan’s Royal Lair, before a visit to Narnia’s most famous resident – Santa Claus!

Children of all ages will delight in seeing Santa’s Elves hard at work before meeting Santa, leaving with a selection box as a Christmas gift.

Last year’s grotto proved such an unprecedented success, that families queued around the hall to meet Santa – and they were full of praise for the new city grotto at St George’s Hall. To meet the anticipated demand for 2014, pre-bookable and fast track tickets have been introduced to enhance the overall experience and give families the opportunity to beat the queues and tickets are on sale now.

Pre-bookable slots are at 10am, 10.30am, 11am and 11.30am on the following Saturdays and Sundays – 29 and 30 November, and 6 and 7 December. Then the same times daily between 13 and 23 December.

Fast-track advance tickets are priced at £8 per child, with up to two accompanying adults. The ticket includes grotto entry to meet Father Christmas and gift. The price for additional accompanying adults is £1.50, which can be paid on the door.

The grotto is also open between 12pm and 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) on the same dates. These tickets are priced at £7 (payable on the door), and also include meeting Santa Claus, gift and entry for up to two accompanying adults. Queues are to be expected.

A professional photographer will be on-hand to capture the ultimate festive magical moment – when youngsters meet Santa. Families are also welcome to take their own photographs.

Alan Smith, manager of St George’s Hall said:

“St George’s Hall is once again delighted to host a grotto in the heart of the Heritage centre. This year, the characters on the trail with enthral and delight visitors on the wonder of Christmas and then there’s meeting Santa himself.”

“In Another Place have delighted families for the last ten years, on Crosby beach and at St George’s Hall. In 2011 and 2013 The Narnia Experience we welcomed more than seventeen thousand visitors to the main hall and this year, in the amazing network of catacombs beneath the city, promises to be even more spectacular”

Event Organiser Wendy Grace said:

“What better way to get into the festive mood than going into the heart of Narnia in the stunning and historic crypts? This event will give a thrilling, interactive Christmas experience for the whole family.”

 

Event Details:

Santa’s Magical Grotto

St George’s Hall, Liverpool. (Entrance via the Heritage Centre)

 

Dates:

Saturday & Sunday 29 & 30 November

Saturday & Sunday 6 & 7 December

Daily between 13 and 23 December

Pre-bookable slots available on the above times at:

10am/10.30am/11am/11.30am

 

Pre-bookable tickets:

£8 per child, up to two accompanying adults go free

Additional accompanying adults £1.50 each, payable on the door

 

How to book:

Pre-bookable tickets are available from TicketQuarter by telephoning 0844 8000 410/online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk/or in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool.

 

On the door tickets:

£7 per child, up to two accompanying adults go free

Additional accompanying adults £1.50 each, payable on the door

Available from St George’s Hall gift shop on the day, for venue enquiries telephone 0151 225 6903/6909