FAMILIES hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa and his team before the big day may be in for a treat as he hopes to make appearances across York and North Yorkshire.

In York, Santa and his elves have set up home in King's Square where his workshop will be part of York’s Chocolate Story's seasonal celebrations until Christmas Eve.

The attraction is inviting families into Santa's old-fashioned sweet shop, where they will be invited to design their own chocolate bar as they wait to see the man himself.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has special excursions for the festive season.

There will be a nativity scene at Grosmont, while the Santa Special excursions run on the weekend of December 19 and 20.

Each hour-long journey costs £16 and includes a hot drink and mince pie, an activity pack, and a visit to Santa in his on-board grotto.

For large groups or families with young children, the railway is also running two Santa Elf Trains. One departs Pickering on December 21, the other departs Grosmont on December 22. Tickets are £20 per person, with Santa moving down the train to make a personal visit to each child and family.

Santa's Grotto is one of the festive attractions at Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York, from December 5 to Christmas Eve, while Castle Howard near Malton is transformed at Christmas with candles, garlands and wreaths, along with an audience with Father Christmas.

He will also be found in the library at Beningbrough Hall, north of York, where children are invited to join him for a story on weekends from December 5 to 20.

Burton Agnes Hall is also hosting an audience with Father Christmas and jingles the Magic Elf for a magical performance on December 19.

Santa will appear at Easingwold District Lions' annual Community Christmas Carols in the Market place between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday, December 19. Music will be provided by Easingwold Town Band, while local singer Jessa Liversidge will lead the singing with members of her choirs.

York Press:

Mayor of Norton Cllr Ray King and Darren Rushworth, of The Derwent Arms, prepare for the Christmas lights switch-on                                                                                Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross

Many events have to be pre-booked. Contact the venues before visiting for further details.

If you have a Christmas event, or Santa's grotto, email the details to newsdesk@thepress.co.uk