Santa arrives in Lisburn to help TinyLife

The Santa’s Grotto will be open to the public daily from Saturday, December 3 until Christmas Eve.

Children can visit Santa and his helpers and they will receive a complimentary gift, courtesy of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. However, a voluntary donation to the TinyLife charity would be much appreciated by the Mayor and Santa.

Outside the Santa’s Grotto there is also a special mailbox in which local children can post their letters to Santa, and as Santa is in Lisburn he will take the opportunity to reply to each letter.

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, speaking about Santa’s visit to the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, said: “It is great news that Santa is able to visit our fantastic museum and his specially designed ‘Santa’s Living Room’. Santa will be available to meet the small children of Lisburn and Castlereagh at the following times: Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm. The last opportunity will be Christmas Eve from 9.30am - 2pm.

“Parents are free to take their own photograph of their child meeting Santa and no doubt chatting with him.”

Cllr Bloomfield continued: “Christmastime symbolises the generosity and kindness we feel in December and I would hope that everyone visiting Santa donates to my Mayoral charity to mark the occasion. All contributions, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated as all the money will go to help families with premature babies, not only over the festive period, but all year round.”

TinyLife, which is based in Carryduff, is dedicated to the support of premature babies and their families across Northern Ireland. It offers a variety of helpful and practical expertise, advice and support.

Councillor Tim Morrow, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Development Committee, added: “The council is delighted to once again offer the opportunity of a centrally located grotto to give local schoolchildren the opportunity to chat with Santa about their plans for Christmas. I would ask that those who visit our grotto leave a donation as every little bit helps this worthwhile charity continue its good work with premature babies and their families.”

Schools and other group bookings will be welcomed, but to ensure Santa knows you are coming please call the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum on 028 9266 3377 in advance.