THE magic of the festive season will be coming to a city park.

Christmas in the Park will be staged in the enchanting setting of Durham County Council’s Wharton Park, where small groups can visit Santa Claus in his yuletide-themed grotto before being taken on a festive journey.

Families can enjoy Santa’s captivating tales of Christmas, and join in to ask Father Christmas for his top festive tips before receiving a small gift from the man himself.

Children can get up close and personal with the animals to learn about each of them and discover their individual personalities whilst petting and grooming them.

Festive arts and crafts workshops will also be run on the day where children can work with the council’s education assistants to make a Christmas-themed piece of art to take away.

The Christmas in the Park events will run on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December, between 11am and 3pm.

Tickets to visit Santa and his farmyard friends cost £8.50 per child (children aged under one-year-old are free, but will not receive a gift).

Advance booking is required.

For tickets contact the Gala box office on 03000 266600. Festive arts and crafts workshops cost £3 per child and no booking required.

Visitors on the Sunday will also be able to enjoy free brass band performances park during the event.