FATHER Christmas is due to make a series of appearances around Gwent in the run-up to the festive season.

These kick off today when Santa will appear at grottos in the Kingsway Shopping Centre, Newport until Christmas Eve. The grotto, run by St David’s Hospice Foundation will be open between 10am and 4pm and tomorrow from 11am to 4pm and then on November 29 and between December 1 to 24.

Children can also visit the Celtic Manor’s Resort’s Christmas Kingdom between November 27 and January 4.

Santa will be visiting activities in Caerleon between midday and 3pm on December 13 at Goldcroft Common at 4pm.

In Cwmbran Shopping Centre in Monmouth Square, children can also pay Santa a visit today between 10am and 6pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm and then from November 29 to December 24.

In Torfaen he is at St James’ Hall in Pontypool from midday on November 29 and at Blaenavon Heritage Railway between 11am and 3.45pm on December 13,14, 20 and 21.

In Caerphilly, a special winter wonderland has also been set up at Cwmcarn Forest Drive, where youngsters can visit to meet Father Christmas between 10am and 3.30pm on the following date; December 6,7,13,14,20 and 21. Entry is £5 per child.

In Monmouthshire, Santa will be holding a free visit to his grotto at The Shire Hall, Monmouth when the Candlelit Procession begins at Monnow Bridge from 6pm on December 11.

Santa’s Grotto will be at Caldicot Jungle Madness between 1pm and 3pm on December 1 and 3 and between 11am and 1pm on December 20 and 21. Then at Dewstow Gardens, Caerwent between 11am and midday on December 6,7,13,14,20,21 and at Chepstow Garden Centre until Christmas Eve.

He will visit Abergavenny Castle between 11am and 4pm on December 14. Entry is £5. Children can also meet him at Usk Garden Centre between midday and 4pm on December 13 and 14. Entry costs £5 and is donated to charity.

In Blaenau Gwent, visit him at Festival Park, Ebbw Vale at weekends (11am to 4.30pm) and on Thursdays (3.30pm to 6.30pm)

In Caerphilly he will be at Blackwood Christmas Market on December 6 and 7 and at Ystrad Mynach Festive Fayre on November 22 and at Risca Christmas Market on December 6.