Tesco launches FREE Santa's grotto in stores and has to pause online bookings because of demand

Tesco has had to pause its online booking system for a free Santa's grotto experience in stores. Demand for tickets was so high after the supermarket announced the treat on Tuesday that it's had to temporarily stop shoppers joining its virtual queue.

With the cost of living crisis impacting on families so hard this year, it's understandable why so many are seeking out the free slots. The retailer's website explains the experience in full, saying that each child will not only receive a present, but also a digital photo of their meeting with Santa.

"This year, Santa is coming to selected Tesco stores to meet children. And as a valued customer, we'd like to exclusively invite you to book a free experience for your little elves," it says.

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"One of Santa's helpers will welcome you into the grotto, where you'll see Christmas gifts being brought to life in the elves' workshop.

"Your little ones will have the chance to write their wish lists to Santa in the workshop and pop them into the speedy post box. Then, you'll receive a happy hello and a ho-ho-ho from Mr Claus himself.

"Finally, each child will receive a free, age-appropriate gift from Santa and a digital photo to remember the day they met him."

Responding to a post about the grotto on a Facebook page for bargain hunters, parents said they had waited hours to book a slot.

"Worth 2hrs 43min wait," said one. "Got my local Tesco on a date I wanted , extra surprise for my kids this Christmas. Very thankful."

Another said: "Waited for over 2 hours but managed to get a slot. Kids will