Nothing quite captures the magic of Christmas like a visit to a really fantastic Santa’s grotto.

The experience of shuffling in to meet Father Christmas is something that youngsters remember, and there are plenty of spots across south Essex to do just that.

Here are some south Essex’s Santa’s grottos for you to try this Christmas:

Southend – The Royals Shopping Centre

Santa’s grotto has returned to The Royals Shopping Centre and will be available for enchanting encounters until Christmas Eve.

The grotto at the shopping centre is a magical experience for young children, and families can even choose to purchase professional souvenir photographs of their visit.

Tickets to the grotto cost £7.50 per child and include a gift from Santa.

Rochford – Rochford Christmas Festival

Taking place at Rochford’s Back Lane Market on Sunday 1 December, the Christmas Festival has been organised by Rochford Parish Council and will include it’s very own Santa’s grotto.

In addition to visiting the grotto, attendees will also be able to enjoy live entertainment, a Christmas market, activities and crafts.

The event will run from 1pm – 5pm.

Wickford – Alton Garden Centre

A focal point of Alton Garden Centre’s Christmas festivities, this is a grotto unlike many others.

The staff at Alton’s spend weeks preparing their grotto, which also includes the added excitement of a VR sleigh ride.

Visiting children will also receive their very own Christmas tree sapling that can be planted and will grow alongside them.

Tickets to the grotto cost £15 per child with adults going free.

Basildon – Eastgate Shopping Centre

Santa has arrived in Basildon and has been busy delighting youngsters at the Eastgate Shopping Centre’s free grotto.

While the grotto is free to visit, booking is essential. Once inside, a range of optional purchases are available to remember the experience – think keyrings, baubles and snow globes.

The Eastgate Shopping Centre’s Santa’s grotto will be open daily until Christmas Eve.