IF YOU are a lover of Christmas and a fan of the man in red who makes it all happen, here are a few places where you can fill up on Christmas cheer and meet Santa Claus himself on his tour of Dorset.

1. Beales in Bournemouth will be hosting Santa in their Christmas Grotto from November 18 to December 24.

He will be there from 10am until 8pm each day, and it is recommended that you book a time slot to ensure you can inform him of your Christmas wishes and receive an early present.

You can book via their website: https://www.beales.co.uk/santas-grotto-tickets.html

Tickets are £9 each.

2. Santa, Rudolph, and his hardworking elves will be at Adventure Wonderland this year in their log cabin.

You will have the opportunity to meet them all and receive a special gift.

They will be at Adventure Wonderland at the following dates: November 23rd, 24th and 30th.

December: 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 18th – 23rd.

On the above dates Santa and his Christmas Crew will be available to meet from 10am – 6pm (last entry 4pm).

For price information and booking, visit: https://www.adventurewonderland.co.uk/rides-and-attractions/events-and-shows/wild-christmas-wonderland/

3. You can join the playful polar bears at Stewarts Garden Centre Christchurch before meeting Santa in his cosy grotto.

As well as meeting Santa, you will meet his trusty reindeers too.

Santa will be at Stewarts from November 23 to December 24.

Further information and ticket prices can be found on their website: https://santa.stewarts.co.uk/christchurch-garden-centre/

4. Honeybrook Adventure Farm will be gearing up for the festive season with their Christmas Farm and Festive Grotto.

There will be reindeers and many other animals from November 23 - December 24.

It will be open every day, and there is no requirement to book.

Santa's Grotto will be open from 11:00am-5:00pm on weekdays, and 9:30am-5:30pm on weekends & school holidays.

Ticket prices for Santa's Grotto and further information regarding the events can be found on: http://honeybrookadventure.com/christmas.html

5. At Farmer Palmer's farm, 'Farmer Christmas' will meet children in his wonderful Winter Cabin in the Little Farmer's Barn.

In order to avoid long queues, Farmer Christmas' elves use a time slot booking system so the experience is as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

'Farmer Christmas' will be there from Saturday 30th November.

Tickets are available from the front desk, in addition to normal admission.

The 'Farmer Christmas' experience is available weekends throughout December and selected weekdays too.

For more information please visit the farm park website: http://farmerpalmers.co.uk/whats-on/#da6

6. Santa is returning in December to Upton Country Park.

You can visit him in his Woodland Grotto, where he will be joined by friendly elves, owls and donkeys.

Unfortunately the reindeers are unable to make it as they are training for the big night on December 24.

There will also be the new covered light tunnel to enjoy.

Pre-booking is recommended.

Open weekends and schools holidays - 7 & 8, 14 & 15 and 20-24 December.

Weekends open 9.30am - 6pm, weekdays 10.30am - 5pm.

For more details visit: uptoncountrypark.com/christmas

Tickets can be pre-booked at: uptoncountrypark.digitickets.co.uk

7. The big man in red will be at Russell-Cotes in their beautifully decorated dining room on December 7 and 8 from 11am-3pm.

Please call 01202 451820 to book a timed slot between 11am-3pm.

It is £5 per child.

8. Santa will also be making an appearance on the Poole Quay.

At 11am on December 8, Santa will arrive in a flotilla of boats and then stay on the Quay all day until 4pm to meet and greet visitors.

There will also be a Christmas craft marquee where you can make your own festive decorations, as well as somewhere to write a letter to Santa and post it into his special post box.

9. Upton Country Park are also hosting a special visit from Santa Paws himself.

Treat your pooch by taking him to Santa Paws' Grotto on December 11 from 10:00am - 5:00pm.

A ticket is £5.99 and includes a small gift for each dog and a photo with Santa Paws.

Owners and accompanying family members go free.

Pre-booking is essential.

Book a 30 minute time slot between 10am and 5pm, available now at uptoncountrypark.digitickets.co.uk

10. On December 22 Santa will be at Moors Valley Country Park.

You can climb aboard an authentic steam train in miniature and take a ride to see Santa Claus in his magnificent station grotto.

He will have presents for both adults and children, as well as seasonal refreshments to enjoy including mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cake.

Advance booking is essential.

Please visit the Moors Valley Railway website to make your booking:https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/

To see the dates for the event, visit: https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/events/months/december/?location=moors-valley

Disabled access is limited on the train and through the grotto area.

If you have any special access requirements please call 01425 471415 to discuss this prior to booking.