Kids reveal wish lists as special day gets closer

"I like giving him cuddles."

At 3-years-old, Madison Hallett is smitten with Santa. When she went to visit him at Santa's Cave in Stratford on Monday, she gave him plenty of hugs, as well as a list of her Christmas wishes. A Barbie bike and a drum kit were top of her list, as was a pony!

Madison had gone with her friends from Rainbow Stratford Early Childcare Centre to visit Santa's Cave, and all of them enjoyed meeting Santa and getting a personal letter from him. McKenzie Reed (4) also liked Santa's cuddles, and says he gives children lots of cuddles, "and presents, I like both".

Cooper Simmons (4) told Santa he wanted a digger for Christmas, while Alyssa Bretherton (4) had a specific request. "I would like a dinosaur swimming pool please."

Santa's Cave is organised by the Stratford Business Association (SBA) and is in the old Willo building on Broadway this year.

With a letterbox for children to post their letters and pictures to Santa, as well as a photo booth for children to pose for a picture with costume accessories, a visit to Santa is guaranteed to help spread the magic of Christmas this year.

SBA secretary Lauren Darrah says a visit to Santa is free of charge, "all parents need to do is bring along their own camera to take a picture and capture a keepsake moment".

Lauren says children will also enjoy Friday's Christmas Carols evening, at Taranaki Pioneer Village. "This year the SBA have organised for a Christmas themed movie to be shown after the carols, so bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy a fun family night out."

Lauren says the train will be running at the village from 6pm, "plus there will be food and glowsticks for sale".

Santa's Cave: In the old Willo building, Broadway, next to Paper Plus. Today: 11am -12.30pm. Thursday: 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Saturday: 10am -noon. Monday: 10am - noon. Tuesday: 3.30pm - 6pm.

Christmas Carols: Taranaki Pioneer Village. Friday, December 18. Village opens at 6pm. Carols start at 7pm on the village green. Evening to include a visit from Santa and a lolly scramble as well as a Christmas movie.