Every year, the faces of thousands of children light up when they get to see Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas.
To remind you of great grottos in years gone by, we have these photos from the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail archives.
Take a look and re-live some festive memories.
1. The Bridges in 2006
Kaitlin Pringle meets Santa in his grotto in The Bridges in 2006. Photo: TY
2. Magnificent at Marsden in 2008
Santa Claus settled into the Grotto at Marsden 12 years ago. Did you pay him a visit? Photo: IB
3. Santa settles in at Middleton Grange
Santa Claus in his grotto at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, in 2018. Photo: Kevin Brady
4. Pack to 2012
Lul Muir, 2, visits Santa Claus and his elf in his grotto at Ford, Pallion and Millfield Community Project in 2012. Remember this? Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady
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