With Christmas fast approaching, Santa Claus is trying to visit as many children as possible before the big day.

Here are five of the best places in and around Norwich to meet Father Christmas in 2024. 

1) Winter Wonderland

Where: Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, New Costessey, NR5 0TT

Santa is returning to Winter Wonderland at the Norfolk Showground (Image: Denise Bradley) Guests at Winter Wonderland at the Norfolk Showground will have a chance to meet Santa again this year.

The new grotto experience takes punters through elf headquarters and a Christmas tree-lit pathway featuring Santa's train and a huge letterbox where children can post their wish lists before meeting the main man.

The grotto will be open on November 23, 24 and 30 before opening every weekend in December as well as on December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Visits with Santa are priced at £20 per child between the ages of 12 months and 12 years old.

2) Norwich Puppet Theatre

Where: St James Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN

Children will be gifted their very own puppet at the Norwich Puppet Theatre Grotto (Image: Simon Finlay) Father Christmas will be visiting his festive toy workshop at the Puppet Theatre in the run-up to the big day.

Children can visit the spot and choose a puppet gift from his magical tree to take home.

Santa will be at the theatre on selected dates between December 7 and 23 and tickets cost £12 per child.

3) Maids Head Hotel

Where: 17 Tombland, Norwich, NR3 1LB

Families can enjoy a three-course meal before meeting the big man himself at the Maids Head Hotel  (Image: Maids Head Hotel) The Maids Head Hotel will be hosting its magical Santa's Sunday Lunch event on December 8.

The whole family can enjoy a three-course meal and receive a visit from Father Christmas afterwards.

Every child will receive their very own gift.

Tickets cost £45 per person but children under 12 can join for half price and under-twos eat for free. 

4) Highway Garden Centre

Where: Loddon Road, Norwich, NR14 7PW

Guests can embark on a time-travelling adventure to meet Santa 
(Image: Highway Garden Centre)

Children can jump inside the garden centre's "magical time machine" and see everything from dinosaurs to knights on a search for Santa's missing key.

Come the end of their quest, guests can meet Santa himself in his grotto and receive a gift to commemorate their heroic journey.

Tickets cost £15.95 per child and the event will run on select dates from November 23 to December 24.

5) Jarrolds

Where: London Street, Norwich, NR2 1JF 

Children can post a letter to Santa before meeting him in his grotto at JarroldsFather Christmas and his elves will be visiting his new grotto in the toy department on the third floor of the store on weekdays between December 1 and 24.

Children can even post their wish lists in Jarrolds' festive postbox to ensure Santa receives them before Christmas Day.

Those who meet Santa will also receive their very own special gift.

Tickets can be booked for £10 and the department store is also offering a 'Very Festive Breakfast' full of treats which costs £20 per person.