As Halloween’s witching hour ticked by did your avid trick or treaters wake up instantly transformed from creatures of the night into overly-enthusiastic apprentice elves?

Whilst some might be momentarily distracted by the promise of a few flashy fireworks many will already be anxious to start opening Advent doors even though there’s a month to go until the start of the official countdown to the big day.

If finding out what’s on your mini ones’ not so mini Christmas wish lists in time for you to possibly be able to fulfill it on behalf of the man in red then get them booked in early for a special seasonal experience and be prepared to take notes surreptitiously.

The list below predominantly includes grottos but if quantity is what your child is after, or the chance to don the beard themselves, then don’t forget there’ll be a sea of red and white at the county’s Santa Fun Run and Walks including Belvoir Castle (December 1), Wyndham Park in Grantham (December 1)Lincoln (December 15) and Cleethorpes Santa Stride (December 15).

As always, live events can be subject to last minute changes and selling out so be sure to check booking details before you travel and before making any promises to little believers (second edit for Bransby Horses – the equine welfare chairty near Lincoln has been severely affected by flooding and has now had to cancel all its seasonal events unfortunately – it is still asking people to please still visit its gift shop and cafe though, find out more here)

If you know of one we’ve missed, then please email hello@theminimalpi.co.uk with the link and I’ll be happy to add it or let us know where you’d recommend in the comments below.

November 2, 9-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-30 and December 1-24:
Santa’s Grotto
Brigg Garden Centre

November 2 – December 24:
Winter Wonderland
Baytree, near Spalding

November 23-24, 30 and December 1, 8-9, 14-24:
Santa Grotto
ARK Wildlife Park, Stickney

November 23 – December 23:
The Real Christmas Experience
Rand Farm Park, near Market Rasen

November 23 – December 24:
The Springfields Grotto
Springfields, Spalding

November 24:
Christmas Charity Fayre
Rhys’ Donation Foundation, Cherry Willingham Village Hall

November 24:
Meet Santa!
Cheeky Monkeys, Guildhall Street, Lincoln

November 29:
Santa’s Grotto at Christmas Light Switch On Event
Old School Hall, Winterton

November 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21-24:
Santa’s Workshop Grotto
Hildred’s Shopping Centre, Skegness

November 29 – December 24:
The North Star “Narnia” Experience
The Pink Pig Farm, near Scunthorpe

November 30:
Sleigh Ride Through Spilsby
Spilsby

November 30, December 1, 7, 8 and 14:
Santa’s Grotto
Normanby Hall, near Scunthorpe

November 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20-24:
Father Christmas and Friends
Belton House, near Grantham

November 30, December 1, 7, 8 and 15:
Father Christmas Grotto
Fillingham Trees, near Gainsborough

November 30, December 7, 14 and 21:
Santa’s Grotto
Oldrids, Scunthorpe

December 1:
Christmas Extravaganza
Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln

December 1:
Photo with Santa
Tiny Feet Studio, Nettleham

December 1:
Santa Paws Christmas Extravaganza
The Pavilion, Sidney Sussex Recreation Ground, Cleethorpes

December 1 – 22:
Father Christmas
Doddington Hall

December 7:
A Victorian Christmas
Wellingore

December 7:
Breakfast with Santa
Jolly Scotchman, Sleaford

December 7 and 8:
Christmas on the Farm
Bluebell Wood Goats and Farm Shop, Nettleham

December 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22:
Tea with Santa
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, near Skegness

December 7-8, 14-15, 21-24:
Breakfast With Santa
Harvester, Brayford, Lincoln

December 7, 14 and 21:
Breakfast with Santa
Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham

December 7, 14 and 21:
Breakfast with Santa
Captain Kids Adventureworld, Skegness Pier

December 8:
Christmas Fayre
Ruskington Village Hall

December 8:
Glentworth Christmas Fayre
Glentworth Village Hall

December 8 and 15:
Santa Special
North Scarle Miniature Railway

December 13:
Christmas Extravaganza
Sutton on Sea

December 14:
Breakfast with Santa
Whisby Natural World Centre

December 14:
Children’s Christmas Party
Willingham Village Hall

December 14:
Umbrellas Christmas Party
Dunholme Village Hall

December 14-15 and 19-22:
An Audience with Father Christmas
Lincoln Castle

December 14-15 and 21-22:
Santa Specials 2019
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Ludborough

December 14-15 and 21-23:
Breakfast with Santa
Skegness Aquarium

December 21:
Christmas Party
Captain Kids Adventureworld, Skegness Pier