Article Source: Welcome Break
Last Updated: 14 December 2023 14:33
Welcome Break has announced the return of the ever-popular dial-a-Santa service. This year, however, the video call service to the big man will have a very special festive twist – as well as releasing the direct number for Father Christmas, one of the UK’s leading Motorway Service Area Operators, will also release the mobile number to his beloved wife, Mrs Claus.
Now in its third year, the service aims to help the third of parents who want to take their children to visit a grotto but cannot afford to do so, as UK residents continue to feel the bite due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
New research carried out by Welcome Break, found that 29 per cent of parents not taking their children to visit a grotto cite costs as rationale for not going. This is despite 64 per cent of parents saying they feel pressure to take their families to Christmas ‘experiences’ such as light shows and pantomimes. Reasons for not visiting Santa include families being unable to afford the ticket, parents being unable to afford the travel, the worry of children asking Santa for presents parents cannot afford and parents having to choose between a Santa visit and presents on Christmas Day.
Luckily for these families, they will be able to speak to Santa and, for the first time ever, Mrs Claus this December. This comes after research indicated that 64 per cent of children want to meet Mrs Claus as well as Santa this year, to get the inside scoop on the North Pole!
Half of kids (55 per cent) want to speak to Mrs Claus simply to see what she looks like, two in five kids (38 per cent) want to get the gossip on what the elves get up to at the North Pole and a quarter of little ones (23 per cent) want to ask her what she will be having for Christmas dinner!
Welcome Break has been busy working with the man himself, and his lovely wife, to provide a service for those unable to see the famous festive duo in person. Available on Saturday 16th December between 9am and 5pm, this is the perfect magical experience for you and your little ones while you relax at Welcome Break. Simply video call Father Christmas by dialling 07355589664 or video call Mrs Claus on 07355588202 and your children can share their Christmas wishes and ask Mrs Claus any questions they might have about games the elves play, her favourite Christmas goodies or what the reindeer get up to after their busy Christmas Eve.
John Diviney, CEO at Welcome Break, said: “We know the festive period can be full of fun and laughter, but we also appreciate that many children won’t get to visit Santa this year. To help these families, Mr & Mrs Claus have taken time out of their busy schedules to speak to our customers to spread some well-needed Christmas cheer! Not only that, we also have a range of festive activities in each of our locations, to entertain children on their journeys this holiday season".
This year, Welcome Break, in partnership with educational publisher Twinkl, is giving away activity sheets for children going on long car journeys to visit family and friends over the festive period. They are also encouraging little ones to write down their Christmas wishes on tags and hang them onto Christmas trees at sites. Select sites will also fun festive backdrops, perfect for s-elf-ies! All Welcome Break sites will be open 24/7 over Christmas for anyone travelling through the yuletide period.
A NEW rock ‘n’ roll star was born in Edinburgh on Saturday as the world’s first Wonderwall World Champion was crowned.
READ MOREStronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MOREFrom rooftop bars to street food halls, Michelin-trained chefs to quirky cocktail spots, this is your interval indulgence sorted.
READ MOREThe Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MOREThis August, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites fringe-goers and city explorers to indulge in a specially curated menu and weekly live music.
READ MORECold Town House, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop bars, is being given a ‘Supernova’ makeover in time for Oasis fans arriving in the capital for 3 nights of gigs.
READ MOREThis Edinburgh Fringe, festival goers can sing their hearts out to the top thirty karaoke belters mathematically proven to boost people’s moods.
READ MOREJoin Gilded Balloon’s staff and performers as they bring out their most fabulously pink outfits to fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care on Wednesday 6th August!
READ MOREThe Traverse Theatre hosts two exciting industry-facing events as part of its Travfest25 programme this August!
READ MOREScottish outdoor clothing brand, Keela, has announced that it has remade one of its most iconic jackets – the Falkland Parka 95 – at its factory in Glenrothes, on a limited production run.
READ MOREOASIS fans are being invited to belt out Wonderwall in a one day singing showdown, as Innis & Gunn launch the first ever Wonderwall World Championships in Edinburgh.
READ MOREGraham Norton is making a triumphant return to Virgin Radio for a one-off Sunday special, broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on 24th August, and Virgin Red members can be part of it.
READ MORELost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, is proudly celebrating the return of its surf heroes as key members of the coaching team took centre stage at Euro Surf 2025.
READ MOREBrewDog has launched a nationwide campaign called Beer Nation - offering free beer, £1 pints, and surprise pop-ups - hitting Edinburgh on Tuesday 5th August!
READ MOREThe producers of the brand-new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce the full cast for the UK & Ireland tour, opening at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026.
READ MORESteve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MOREOn Saturday 2nd August, players across Scotland will take to the courts at Hatton Sports Club for Padethon 2025, a 25-hour marathon of non-stop padel to raise funds for Right To Play UK.
READ MOREThis August, the five-star W Edinburgh announces it is officially partnering with The Stand, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic comedy venues, in celebration of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
READ MOREThe curtain rises on the this year’s International Festival, welcoming audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek.
READ MOREEdinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, delivering award-winning and mouth-watering food and drink at their iconic festival venues.
READ MOREThis August, one of Scotland’s most exciting culinary talents is bringing an unmissable dining experience to the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
READ MOREWith packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MOREThis August, Dynamic Earth is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as Venue 315, transforming once again into a vibrant Fringe hub at the foot of Salisbury Crags.
READ MOREThe first ‘Escape Room - Edinburgh Edition’ board game is being launched exclusively at just four venues across the capital this August, just in time for the start of this year's Festival.
READ MORESeven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
READ MORENew Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild as popular Scottish food hall hosts pop-up cider bar and free Fringe ceilidh this August.
READ MORE81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.
READ MOREIn a recent poll, Irn-Bru® claimed most votes for the flavour that best represents the nation. Now SoBe Burger unveils an Irn-Bru® inspired fried chicken burger available from 1 to 25 August.
READ MOREAnyone looking for an alternative night out during the Fringe Festival, then Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be!
READ MORE