Some Important Tips for Running a Successful Santa Claus Christmas Grotto
Do you have a Christmas Grotto this year and need to stand out from the crowd? With hundreds of Grottos now across the UK, it’s even more important to put on a good show to attract as many paying customers as possible. One of the simplest things you can do is make sure you give a great gift like your Santa toy. Whether you charge £2 for your Grotto or £20, give a toy that represents good value for money.
Whether you get wrapped grotto toys or wrap your own gifts, be sure to get a good variety of toys for all ages (up to about 10) and genders. If you want to keep it simple, you can offer a generic unisex toy like a teddy bear for the little ones and a craft kit for the older ones. Most people now get grotto toys wrapped and ready as it takes a lot of the hassle out of organizing your grotto event. Children are more likely to return the following year if they received a big toy from Santa.
You can also try adding value to your Christmas Grotto by including various side activities for the children to do along with visiting Santa. The arts and crafts areas for painting and decorating Christmas ornaments or stockings are a great way to make your Grotto experience more immersive. If you have the space, why not create a workshop space where staff dressed as elves can help kids create fun holiday creations? If you have long queues, why not organize carnival games like the Christmas ruckus or the stuffed snowball toss? Paint a large board and punch holes in it with painted scores, the kid with the highest score each day is entered into a raffle to win a grand prize at the end of the season.
Making sure you advertise your Grotto well is a must. Along with your usual signage and mailings, why not send some small gifts to some local schools to entice them to see their Santa?
Lastly, make sure to make your Grotto look as magical as possible. Use fairy lights, stuffed animals, Christmas trees and decorations, artificial snow to create a space that will make children feel like they are in a magical wonderland.
Merry Christmas!
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