SANTA Claus will be coming to town as a Basingstoke shopping centre prepares to open its grotto.

Festival Place will open its Santa's grotto on Saturday, November 2, offering 'a truly magical experience for all the family'.

Children can meet and take a picture with Father Christmas himself at the price of £6 per child.

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The inside of Santa's grottoThe inside of Santa's grotto (Image: NQ)

The grotto is located next to Pro Cook and GoGo Gadget on the upper floor of the shopping centre. It will be open until December 24, and costs £6 per child.

The festivities don't end there, however, as a dedicated shop for seasonal goods has opened in an empty unit previously occupied by the Health Hub opposite Santa's grotto.

Christmas Time sells decorations for the home including trees, wreaths, garlands, tableware, candles and nutcrackers, along with a huge range of personalised gifts, twinkling lights, gift bags and gift boxes.

A large sign reading 'Xmas' is on display in the shop window, in addition to a sleigh, with Christmas music blasting in the shop 24/7 to put customers in the festive mood.

It will be open in the centre until December 24, giving you plenty of time to get your home kitted out for the season.

Tickets for Santa's Grotto are available from Festival Place's website