Santa Claus gets a chance to visit the circus, take a trip on a canal, and visit the zoo this year. In fact Mervyn Hancock wonders how he manages it all in just a few weeks

W hen I was a child the only glimpse you ever got of Father Christmas was when the bearded old fellow appeared in the local toy shop, taking orders for delivery on December 25, and then handing out a small toy to be going on with. But these days, he seems to be absolutely everywhere.

In fact, I believe that Santa must have many relatives who look just like him, and help out by setting up grottos all over the place. So this year, take an extra careful look and make sure you've got the genuine article.

He's booked up to take train rides, take a trip on the Gloucester Canal, visit Bristol Zoo and the city's shopping malls, and have his photo taken in Swindon.

But I do know that he's moved his main seasonal headquarters over to Wookey Hole near Wells, Somerset, where he's been given his own spot in the famous cave complex, and an opportunity to watch one of the finest circus shows in the country.

This is the fourth year former circus boss Gerry Cottle is presenting one of the most entertaining and exciting festive experiences in Europe.

Santaland opened its gleaming icicle gates to children and adults alike on November 22 and Father Christmas will be around this weekend, and then every day from December 13 until January 4. Santa himself will be around only until Christmas Eve, though – he does need a bit of a break.

As well as seeing Santa, there are elves, fairies, Christmas teddies in the Wookey Bear collection and even a home-cooked Christmas dinner in the Big Top restaurant.

This year there are lots of new things to see, including some recently born baby reindeer, and the Santaland ticket includes admission to all the other attractions at Wookey Hole Caves, including the caves themselves, which are among Europe's most spectacular underground caverns.

Starring in the Wookey Hole Theatre this winter is the Christmas Circus Show, a family show packed with laughter, clowning, juggling and all the thrills and skills you'd expect from the Big Top.

Also back by popular demand for 2008 is the Wookey Farm Nativity, bringing home the true spirit and atmosphere of the very first Christmas, with a charming recreation of the historic Bethlehem scene, including cuddly lambs, sheep, cattle and reindeer – not only the babies, but also their parents, who are taking time off at Wookey Hole before hurtling off around the world behind Santa's sledge.

Santaland covers the entire quarter of a million square feet of Wookey Hole's entertainment zone, and included in the price of £12.50 will be entrance to the mirror maze, Pirate Zap Zone, Aqua Blaster, Crazy Mirror Corridor, Victorian penny arcade, King Kong and the Valley of the Dinosaurs and much more.

For more information, visit the website www.wookey.co.uk or phone 01749 672243

Bristol Zoo Gardens: December 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 19-23. Tickets: £3.80 per child including gift (excluding entrance fee). Opening hours: 11am-4pm.

Santa's Castle at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, every day until Christmas Eve.

Father Christmas at The Mall, Broadmead, Bristol, daily from November 15 until Christmas Eve.

Clarks Village Santa's Grotto. Open during late-night shopping and weekends until Christmas Eve. Entrance to Santa's Grotto is £5 per child, to include a gift.

Santa's Grotto at Hillier's Garden Centre, Bath, hosted by the City of Bath Lions Club. December 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 20 and 21, from 11am-4pm

Swindon Designer Outlet, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2DY, daily until Christmas Eve: 3-7pm Monday-Friday; 11am-6pm Saturday; noon-5pm Sunday. Admission £3 including a gift, £3 including a photo, £5.50 including a gift and photo.

Regent Arcade Shopping Centre, High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1JZ. Visit Santa from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm Sundays. Christmas Eve from 10am-3pm.

Join Santa for a cruise along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal as he gives his reindeers a rest. Presents and refreshments for children, mulled wine and a mince pie for adults. Santa will set sail at noon, 1pm and 2pm on December 15, 16, 21, 22 and 24. Cruises last for one hour. Tickets: £9 per person.