Posted: 27 November 2025
Santa Claus and his woodland elves are set to arrive at Lakeside Village in Doncaster next week, for the first of a special series of evening grotto sessions taking place throughout December.
The grotto experience, on the outlet shopping centre’s Village Green, will be open to welcome young visitors from 4-7pm on Thursday 4 December, Thursday 11 December and Thursday 18 December, coinciding with Lakeside’s festive late night shopping events.
Entry donations are encouraged, with all money raised going towards Cast’s Youth Theatre, helping children and young people build confidence, explore creativity, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Cast’s Youth Theatre offers young people across Doncaster a safe, welcoming space to develop their talents, perform on stage and discover new skills. Every donation, no matter how small, helps keep these opportunities alive. Suggested donations are £3–£5 per visit, but all contributions are welcome.
Lyndsey Parry, centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Santa to Lakeside Village for another truly magical festive season.
“Every child that visits the grotto will receive a gift to take away and we hope our kind-hearted shoppers will donate generously so that we can raise funds in the spirit of Christmas for the
wonderful Youth Theatre at Cast, Doncaster.”
One lucky family will get the chance to be first to meet Santa, as the centre is holding a competition to win a Meet & Greet experience at the Grotto on Thursday 4 December. The winners will have a professional family photo taken in the grotto, followed by hot drinks and festive sweet treats from Etto Café and Christmas books to take home, courtesy of The Works.
For further information about Lakeside Village’s Christmas programme and to enter the competition, which closes on Monday 1 December, visit www.lakesidevillage.co.uk
