Get into the festive spirit at the London Wetland Centre with a weekend filled with winter fun.

Your Local Guardian: Santa and his reindeer, including baby Rudolph, are ready to welcome children to their magic grotto in the northern pine forest on December 6 and 7.

 

After visiting Santa in his cosy grotto and receiving their very first Christmas present of the year (£5-a-child, not pre-bookable), youngsters and their families can head back into the forest to meet the family of reindeer, including a six-month-old baby, and discover more about them.

Huggable huskies will also be on hand to offer free sleigh rides to children aged eight or younger.

If you do not fancy hopping on their sleigh for a ride, why not have your photo taken with one of the cuddly dogs as a special seasonal souvenir.

Once you have enjoyed your ride, families can hear icy tales of adventure by joining polar explorer Anthony Arctic for some frantic Antarctic antics at his base camp for £2-a-child (adults free).

Shows run at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.

On Sunday, Fullers Shire Horse's will visit the centre to offer dray rides from noon to 3pm, so hop aboard for a ride and see the magnificent animals in action.

After all the excitement of the day, families can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lakes, meadows and ponds at the Wetland Centre before relaxing over a Christmas lunch at the Water's Edge cafe.

Your Local Guardian:

Meet Santa with his reindeer and take a husky sleigh ride; WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes; December 6 and 7, open 9.30am to 5pm, reindeer viewable from 11am to 4pm; £12.35 adult advance £6.90 children; visit wwt.org.uk/london.