The adventure starts at The Workshop, where Santa’s Elves eagerly await your arrival. In this cosy cabin, actors sourced by the client bring festive tales and crafts to life for groups of up to 16. First Drop wanted this space to be truly magical, so we added an enchanting soundtrack that transports guests away from the everyday and into a world of wonder.

Look closely, and you’ll notice the enchanting details: hand-crafted envelopes and baubles float delicately throughout the cabin, adding a touch of whimsy to the festive décor. Oversized, hand-crafted Santa’s Lists adorn the walls, alongside aged pages of the beloved story ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Trinkets, “crafted by the elves,” nestle on Christmas tree shelves, guarded by two giant nutcrackers. To add an extra touch of enchantment, First Drop also introduced a wish tree. In today’s fast-paced world, taking a moment to reflect and hope for a bit of magic can make all the difference, and we were moved by the heartfelt messages left behind.

Your journey continues with a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered Winter Wonderland pathway leading to Santa’s Grotto. Over 50 fresh Christmas trees, paired with a towering 12-foot artificial one, create a festive forest. First Drop chose ice-white LED lights to craft a shimmering winter scene that stands out amidst the site’s other illuminations.

Santa’s Train is beautifully lit, serving as a dazzling focal point, while the existing theming blends seamlessly into a magical environment. We even strung up Santa’s washing line, adorned with Christmas jumpers and socks, adding a whimsical touch.

Our goal was to create numerous enchanting photo opportunities. By designing the pathway to interact with the props, we ensured plenty of magical moments. The large red post-box became a cherished spot where families snapped pictures of their children posting letters to Santa. And at the exit, we included a selfie point complete with the Winter Wonderland Norwich logo, offering guests the chance to capture memories throughout their visit.

As part of the experience, each family had the delight of a personal meeting with Father Christmas. They could chat with him and find out if they had made the “Good List” this year. The Grotto underwent several revisions to ensure perfection, considering factors like gift restocking and the appearance and equipment for professional photo opportunities.

The client envisioned a warm, welcoming space with rich, burnt and varnished walls. An antique leather chair, desk, and suitcases were sourced to add a touch of authenticity. First Drop enhanced the ambiance with extra details such as time zone clocks, children’s letters, and more handcrafted letters and toy “designs”. The shelves were lined with wooden toys, exuding a sense of quality, and Santa’s sacks, made of rich red velvet, added a final festive flourish. Just like The Workshop, a soundtrack was added to the room to break the silence and add a little ambience into the room.