Santa’s Grotto open for visitors at Toitoi

Santa’s coming to town, and starting from today is looking forward to meeting children and families at his special Santa’s Grotto at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.

The elves have been busy setting up the tree and lights in the Tama Tūranga Huata room in Toitoi’s Municipal Building, getting it ready with events and activities, and of course the big man himself.

The grotto will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout December from 4pm to 7pm, except for Thursday, December 15, when Santa has to quickly return to the North Pole to check on the other elves making and wrapping the presents.

Toitoi presenter services community manager Daniel Betty said Santa was looking forward to meeting many whānau and tamariki while he’s in Hastings.

“We warmly welcome everyone to come along, meet Santa, post letters to him, and take a photo with him or get a polaroid snap taken for a koha.

“We are also very happy to be offering our low-sensory option again this year for our sensory-sensitive tamariki.”

People can book to meet Santa with no music and low lights on December 12, from 4pm to 7pm, and there’s also a chance to meet him without crowds around on December 5 and 12 from 10am to 2pm. Bookings are essential for all these sessions and can be made by phoning 871 5289.

The grotto will also have a Giving Tree for Hastings Women’s Refuge where people can leave a gift and spread the Christmas cheer to others.

Please keep all gifts unwrapped, clothing items plain (no brands, images or red) and gifts for men and boys are also welcome (but please no toy weapons). If donating long-life food, please ensure its use-by date is later than March 2023.

To get to the Tama Tūranga Huata room head down Municipal Lane on Hastings St, between the Opera House and Municipal Building.

Santa will be receiving visitors from 4pm to 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays, December 1, 2, 8, 9, 16, 22 and 23, and from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays December 3, 10 and 17.

1 December 2022

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