The annual Santa’s Grotto was a great success, organisers said, and it wrapped up on Sunday (December 11) to give time for Santa to prepare for his Christmas deliveries.

Co-creator Jen Anderson said more than 1,500 people visited the Grotto this year.

“It was just wonderful,” she said.

“It’s really good to bring the Christmas spirit to the Upper Clutha community.”

Wonderful displays were on show at Santa’s Grotto

As well as time with Santa and Mrs Claus, visitors were treated to a magical Christmas display including 17 ‘sponsored’ trees decorated by local businesses.

Jen said the Upper Clutha Community Christmas Trust, which organises the grotto each year, will be distributing $2,500 to three local organisations thanks to proceeds raised. 

A thousand dollars will go to each of Food for Love and the Wānaka Foodbank, while $500 will be donated to the Makarora community for their community Christmas gathering.

The lego base of the New World Three Parks tree which was voted the people’s choice

Outside of the public visiting hours Jen said the grotto opened its doors to the MINT! Charitable Trust to give its members the opportunity to visit without the hustle and bustle generated by the public.

“That was really heartwarming,” she said

The Guthrie Bowron tree

Santa’s Grotto was held at the Wānaka Community Hub between December 3-11.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App