FATHER Christmas will be making a visit to Boscombe on his sleigh next weekend.

Santa will make the journey from Boscombe Pier to the Sovereign Centre at 9.45am on Saturday, December 1.

He will then officially open his grotto in the shopping centre at 10am where it will remain until December 22.

This year the attraction boasts walk-through “fantasy cavern” featuring with animatronic Christmas characters and animals which visitors will encounter as they make their way to the grotto.

Then on December 20, a Continental Christmas market will take to celebrate Boscombe’s diverse community.

It will feature goods such as Estonian Christmas Crown and Chimney Cake.

Paul Clarke, chairman of Bournemouth’s Coastal BID, said: “We are sure this year’s celebrations will bring lots of residents and visitors into Boscombe to enjoy the Christmas sights and sounds.”