Where can I meet Santa near Sunderland in 2020? Best grottos and breakfasts near me for seeing Father Christmas

This year has been like no other.

Yet Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa Claus.

The big man in red is still set to stop off at a handful of attractions near Sunderland on his world tour to raise festive spirits and maybe pose for a photo with kids dreaming of Christmas Day.

Youngsters will be able to meet jolly old St Nick, tell him what they would like for Christmas this year and in return they may even get a special gift to take home and place under the tree.

All while adhering to the government’s guidelines around social distancing, hand washing and face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s where you can meet Santa.

Santa's Take Away Grotto at The Palm

The Palm, Timber Beach Road, Sunderland, SR5 3XG

Enjoy time with Santa and his elves and make magical memories this festive season.

Event runs fro 19-24 December. £9.95 per child. Book ahead here.

Breakfast with Santa at The Scullery Silksworth

Warwick Terrace, Sunderland, SR3 1BP

Enjoy breakfast with Santa before he has to load his sleigh. Price includes bacon or sausage sandwich and a drink followed by story time and a little gift from Santa.

Breakfast with Santa at 9.05am on Thursday 24 December. £12 per person. Call 0191 523 5905 to book.

Christmas With Santa

Carnival House, The King's Road, Sunderland, SR5 2JD

Meet Santa in his grotto, make a decoration with the elves, enjoy a hot chocolate and cupcake.

You will also receive a special personalised bauble to take away.

The event runs on 19, 22 & 23 December (10am-4pm), £20 per person. Book here.

Enchanted Christmas at The George Washington Hotel

Mercure Hotel, Golf & Spa, Stone Cellar Road, Washington, NE37 1PH

Santa's best reindeer Rudolf and friends have travelled down from the North Pole to raise Christmas spirits. Enjoy food, gifts and an arts and crafts session.

Event scheduled to take place on Friday 18 December. £18 per child, £12 per adult. Call 0191 402 9988 to book.