Children confused by more than one Santa at winter wonderland event

Celtic Manor, a five star hotel, admitted it was disappointed to hear of complaints made by visitors
Celtic Manor, a five star hotel, admitted it was disappointed to hear of complaints made by visitors Credit: Richard Williams/Western Mail

A winter wonderland event has attracted complaints from parents whose children were confused by hearing multiple Santas talking to youngsters in different rooms.

The Celtic Manor hotel resort in Newport, Wales, has run its Christmas Kingdom since 2012 and includes a Santa's Grotto, ice skating area, bratwurst hut and food stands.

However, this year the event has seen people complain about the festivities on social media.

Mum Natalie Miura, 30, who took her two children aged six and two, said her children were bored after being shown a DVD advertising aspects of the hotel.

They were then taken to enjoy the festive experiences but she added: "It was just so disorganised. We were like cattle being herded into room after room.  

"The elves who were there were all quite young and not in character. When we finally got to see Santa it had been a long wait, there were water bottles littered all over the place. 

"You could hear other Santa's talking in different rooms, which didn't affect my two-year-old but my six-year-old started asking questions about who was talking and what was going on."

She added: "It was not a magical experience for the children and it was very disappointing." 

A spokesman for Celtic Manor said: "We aim to make the Christmas Kingdom a truly magical experience for all the family. We are disappointed to hear that some of our guests do not feel that this was the experience they received this year. 

"The event has been running at the resort since 2012 and has always been hugely popular, with many families returning year after year to enjoy Santa’s Grotto and the other many festive activities at the resort. 

"However, we take all customer feedback on board and are always looking for ways to build on our customers’ experience at Christmas Kingdom to ensure that we deliver an enjoyable event for our guests."

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