With less than three weeks until Christmas Day, many children have been making their lists to Santa.

There are places in and around Watford where families can visit Father Christmas and youngsters can share their wishes for the big day.

Here is a round-up of five places you can visit Father Christmas in Watford and the surrounding areas for a sprinkle of festive joy.

Atria Watford

Children can meet Santa and his reindeer in the Watford shopping centre for free.

The Santa’s Flight School gives children a chance to get their own Driver’s Licence for Santa’s Sleigh.

Watford Observer: It is free to visit Santa at atria. It is free to visit Santa at atria. (Image: Cottonbro studio)

Some elves will play with the children during the visit ahead of meeting Father Christmas.

It is open until Christmas Eve and is located in the centre near M&S.

It is currently sold out but a limited amount of walk-in sessions are available according to the atria website.

Aldenham Country Park

This Father Christmas grotto is inside the farm of the park and is an add-on to the Winterfest which is running until Christmas Eve.

The visit to Santa includes a gift per child which they can choose from the toy shop.

Children can write a letter to post to the North Pole and receive a video message from Santa on Christmas Eve.

Watford Observer: You can visit Santa in Aldenham Country Park. You can visit Santa in Aldenham Country Park. (Image: Cottonbro Studio)

There are other activities at the Winterfest such as an elf hunt and a disco.

Tickets cost £7.95 per person with an additional cost to meet Father Christmas and can be booked here.

Willows Activity Farm

This “Santa Spectacular” includes a whole host of activities for kids such as gingerbread decorating, creating a cuddly bear and a toy workshop as well as meeting the big man.

It is on the pricier side, with tickets costing between £24 to £55 per person with adult members paying £5 for the experience.

There are other activities on all day, including no-ice ice skating and tractor rides.

You have to pre-book on the Willows Farm website.

Watford Observer: Willows Farm offers Santa visits. Willows Farm offers Santa visits. (Image: Pexels)

Paradise Wildlife Park

Father Christmas is currently meeting visitors to the zoo on the weekends and will be there every day until Christmas Eve from December 20.

Entry to the grotto is included in the price of a ticket and families can visit the reindeer in the woodland walk.

You must pre-book on the wildlife park’s website.

Ashridge House

The house in Berkhamsted is hosting a performance of The Nutcracker and offers an opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Prices start at £27 and tickets can be booked on the Ashridge House website.