Erddig Hall and Gardens in Wrexham is running a Christmas-themed 'reverse grotto' where visitors, instead of receiving a gift from Santa, donate a gift or food item to a charity, such as a food bank or an organisation supporting vulnerable children.
This unique festive event flips the traditional "Santa's Grotto" experience, which is typically a place where children meet Santa to ask for presents, and instead teaches the gift of giving. The website states, "It's a chance to enjoy a Christmas tradition while doing something kind for others."
Supporting Wrexham Foodbank
This year, Erddig's reverse grotto is supporting Wrexham Foodbank. If you attend on selected dates in December, you can meet Santa and donate essentials to help families in need at Christmas. Erddig is asking for donations to the food bank, which provides three days' emergency food and support to people in the Wrexham community facing a crisis.
The food bank currently states on its website that it urgently needs items such as tinned fruit and vegetables, soup, tea and coffee, juice, UHT milk, and toiletries. The reverse grotto opens on 28 November and welcomes visitors from 10am to 3pm.
Festive Events and Activities
If you are bringing the kiddos, they can meet Father & Mother Christmas on weekends, 10:00 - 15:00 and on evenings from 14 to 17 December. Families visiting Santa and his elves can also take part in Erddig's breakfast with Father Christmas on 5 December.
This Christmas you can step straight into a Christmas Carol that transforms the house into a tribute to Charles Dickens' much-loved tale. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms and follow Ebenezer Scrooge's encounters with the Spirits of Christmas. From the Entrance Hall to the Dining Room and Saloon, atmospheric displays, ornate decorations and seasonal touches reveal a new chapter of the story around every corner.
Workshops and Late Evenings
There are also other events during the festive season, including a Christmas calligraphy workshop on 1 December, where you can learn modern calligraphy and create festive cards, gift tags, and seasonal artwork to take home. On selected dates in December, you can get crafting and attend a wreath-making workshop.
Outside, the Grade I-listed walled garden is the perfect spot to stretch your legs on the pretty garden trail. Across the wider grounds, Christmas decorations take on a handcrafted, rustic feel thanks to the hard work of volunteers who've filled the estate with beautifully made greenery and trees.
Erddig is also running magical late evenings from 14 to 17 December. Explore the house and festive courtyards after dark, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and take in the Christmas atmosphere beneath twinkling lights. Afterwards, warm up with a hot drink from the restaurant, try dishes from the seasonal menu, or treat yourself to mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, or a cheeky slice of cake.
