Santa's Grotto at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum continues to raise money for charity
November 25, 2022
Pupils from Tonagh Primary School met with Mayor Carson and Councillor McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman to hear what Santa thought of his new Grotto at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Lisburn.
Santa Claus will take up residence in his beautiful grotto with festive Christmas trees from Thursday 1st December to help raise money for the Mayoral Charities, the Atlas Centre and Helping Hand at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
The Santa’s Grotto will be open to the public from Monday to Friday 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 4.00pm, Saturday 10.00am to 4.30pm. All children visiting Santa and his elves will receive a complimentary gift, courtesy of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
Santa and the Mayor welcome a minimum donation of £1 per child to these two worthwhile charities.
The Mayor, Councillor Scott Carson, speaking about Santa’s visit to the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, said: “I am delighted Santa has once again found the time to mark the season with us in Lisburn & Castlereagh this year. He was definitely pleased with his specially designed grotto and looks forwarded to welcoming parents and carers with their ‘little ones’ who can’t wait to tell him what they would like this Christmas. You will be able to take your own photos and capture memories to look back on.
“Many of us know Christmas as a time for kindness, celebration and remembrance. I would hope everyone visiting Santa donates to my Mayoral Charities to mark the occasion. All contributions will go towards the delivery of vital services to local families to help support them in their time of need.”
There is also a special mailbox outside Santa’s Grotto until Monday 19th December. Children can post their letters to Santa and they will be sent, every day to his workshop in Lapland, so his elves can prepare presents.
Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman added: “As Chairman I am delighted with the range of events the council and our local communities have organised to allow us to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Now that the Christmas lights are turned on across the city, I have no doubt many of our young people will be starting to write their letters to Santa!
“We are delighted as council to host Santa’s Grotto and give children the opportunity to chat with him about their plans for the festive season. I would like to thank everyone who visits, in advance for their donation to these worthwhile charities that work with all ages to provide support, guidance and friendship to those in need.”
Schools and other group bookings are welcomed but to avoid delays in seeing Santa, please ring the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum on Tel: 028 9266 3377 or email: ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk in advance.