Ho-Ho-Hotline to Santa at motorway services

Welcome Break Membury Services has announced the return of its free dial-a-Santa-service.

This year the video call service to Santa will have a very special festive twist.

As well as releasing the direct number for Santa, the motorway service area operator will release the mobile number of 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 percent of parents were not taking their children to visit a grotto, and cited costs as their reason. 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.

However, Welcome Break says families, they will be able to speak to Santa and - for the first time ever - Mrs Claus. 

Welcome Break has been busy working with the man himself and his wife to provide a service for those unable to see the famous festive duo in person.

A spoksperson said: "Available on Saturday 16 December between 9am and 5pm, this is the perfect magical experience for you and your little ones. 

"Simply video call Father Christmas by dialling 07355 589664 or video call Mrs Claus on 07355 588202 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 have fun festive backdrops perfect for selfies.

All Welcome Break sites will be open 24 hours a day over Christmas.