A Donegal dad has saved some Christmas cheer this year with a Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom.
With most of Santa’s grottos closed this year, Buncrana man Liam Kelly set out to find a way for children to ensure they got to catch up with the big man in red before Christmas Eve.
Liam, who has a family of four, starting thinking outside the box – and came up with the innovative idea of a dazzling distanced experience outdoors at www.santasdrivethroughkingdom.com.
Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom, on the Buncrana Road, Derry, invites families to see Santa, Mrs Claus, Elves and even some Reindeer from the safety of their cars.
Reindeer at Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom
There’s an extra helping of goodwill included too, as the event assists local charities Foyle Down Syndrome Trust and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Kelly put time and money into creating an entire magical kingdom within a warehouse at Elagh Business Park (BT48 8QH). Within a 15 minute experience, children get to see elves at work in the toy shop, post letters to Santa, see two real reindeer all the way from the North Pole, chat to Mrs Claus hard at work preparing for the Christmas rush and see Santa himself.
Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom, Derry
The time, effort and dedication put into this experience is next to none. And the feedback has been hugely positive.
Comments from Letterkenny Babies said: “It’s all done inside a really big warehouse – you drive in one side and they have it divided into sections with curtains and decorations. You stop the car and have a chat with the characters in each section – elves in the toy shop, an elf showing us two real reindeer, Mrs Claus and finally, the main man himself, who makes a grand entrance down the chimney! The kids were amazed!”
“All of the characters were full of chat and asked the kids loads of questions. Fair play to them for being innovative and providing a lovely santa experience for kids in the crazy year of 2020”
Another parent said: “We were there yesterday evening too. It was fantastic! The children loved it and all the elves were so entertaining. Santa coming down the chimney was so exciting. The elves sang and talked to the children and even played games with our 2 year old while we waited in line. Much better than just getting a photo with Santa. Well done to all in Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom”
Another said: “We were down yesterday evening and my wee man loved it, Mrs Claus and Santa were fab. And the elves where all great, singing their wee hearts out. Well done to all involved”
Santa’s Drive Through Kingdom is open until 23rd December.
Bookings can be made and more information can be found at www.santasdrivethroughkingdom.com
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