Santa's Living Forest

We've given Santa a new spin this year at Derrys Department Store in Plymouth.

Instead of the usual plastic elves and snowmen the management at Derrys wanted something unique for Santa's Grotto this year and we were happy to oblige. The result is “Santa's Living Forest.”

We've basically moved half of our education department – animals, staff and all – to the grotto on the second floor where visitors can see the likes of snakes, giant spiny stick insects, chipmunks, gerbils and bearded dragons (as well as the big bloke with the white beard of course).

We've been open for a few weeks now and it's been an overwhelming success with both kids and adults alike loving the novelty of it all.

You can even pick up that unique Christmas gift for the animal lover in your life. Gift certificates for our “Keeper for a day” programmes, family memberships and tours are available from our staff at the grotto at great prices for Christmas. There's no time limit on the certificates so if you're quick you can beat the price rise next year.

So, if you're in town braving the Christmas crush then why not pop in to see us? Admission is free and you don't even need to bring the kids (Santa won't mind).