Face shields, perspex barriers and wish lists read out over Zoom - the coronavirus pandemic has transformed Santa’s grottos.
A visit to a grotto is a Christmas tradition for many families but Covid-19 hasn’t stopped the big man in the red suit from delighting children across the UK and Europe.
Kids can still meet Santa but only from a safe social distance.
The UK government formally banned children from sitting on Santa’s knee in all three tiers of restrictions, while similar curbs are in place across Europe.
Eager not to let the pandemic disappoint, many grotto visits have this year taken place over Zoom.
For those still taking place in shopping centres, children can expect to meet Santa from behind a perspex barrier.
Despite the tough rules, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman confirmed Santa would not be required to wear a mask.
“We know that meeting Father Christmas is a magical experience for children which is why he will be taking safety precautions including ensuring that he is operating in a Covid-secure way, but it won’t be required for Santa to wear a mask,” he said.
“It won’t be permitted for children to sit on his knee as part of the guidance.”
