Stepping inside Santa’s Post Office, you could forget you were in an empty shop in the Chantry Centre! The twinkling lights on the Christmas trees, the reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, snow and penguins all added to the magical atmosphere, transforming the shop into a wintery, festive venue.
Friendly elves welcomed visitors, encouraging them to write a letter or draw a picture for Santa, sitting around large tables, taking as long as they wanted to get their message right. Once popped into the post box, and having given it a magic tap, the messages could be seen whizzing off to Lapland as colourful lights showed them making their way across the world. Then, as if by magic, children received a reply from Santa himself! If they wanted to stay longer, visitors could make some crafts, chat with the elves and take in the enchanting surroundings.
On a couple of occasions, Santa even made an appearance in person to check up on the elves, collect the post and have a chat with visitors.
This was the first time Santa’s Post Office was installed in the Chantry Centre, opening its doors at Andover’s Christmas Festival and then on Saturdays and Sundays up to Christmas. Offered as a free experience, the post office had over 600 letters posted, and provided a festive experience, which was well received, summed up by this comment from a parent:
This was a lovely experience. My daughter loved writing her letter and watching it travel to Santa. She thought it was very magical that she received a letter straight back. The whole atmosphere was calm and magical and with it being free I'm sure it meant lots of families could attend that might not be able to afford Santa's grotto.