The Virtual Grotto uses YouTube to host personalised videos where Santa will talk directly to the intended recipient going through their wish list, how good they’ve been this year and confirming if they’re on the good or bad list. To take part people need to email santa@thecentre:mk with their name, age, hometown, the present they’d most like, the second best present they’d like and telling Santa a nice thing they’ve done this year. Santa’s elves will then film the personal message host it on YouTube and send the link back to the person who requested the visit.

“Santa has a truly universal appeal and the Virtual Grotto is a perfect treat for children of all ages,” commented Jackie Tracey, Events Manager at thecentre:mk. “Last year 20,000 children visited Santa here at thecentre:mk, however, some people who are just too far away to visit so the Virtual Grotto is the perfect solution.”

However, there’s no need to just have a Virtual Grotto visit, you can also book online to see Santa in person at www.thecentremk.com. thecentre:mk Grotto Opening times are 9am-7pm Mon-Sat and 10am-6pm in December. On Christmas Eve Santa's Grotto closes completely at 1pm.