FAMILIES in Northwich have a great chance to give kids a Santa experience with a twist in December.

Father Christmas and his elves are joining forces with the Canal & River Trust charity (C&RT) for some fantastic festive fun on Santa boat cruises at the Anderton Boat Lift, known as ‘the cathedral of the canals’.

On all three December weekends leading up to Christmas, plus Monday, December 23, and Christmas Eve, the Trust will be decking the halls with boughs of holly for fabulous visits to Santa’s floating grotto.

There will be three boat trips a day at 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30pm, when families can enjoy favourite Christmas songs and stories as the boat glides along the River Weaver towards Northwich.

Every family will have the chance to pose for Santa selfies, and each child over 12 months old gets a special gift to take home.

As an extra treat, families can also join Santa for a delicious pre-cruise cooked breakfast, served in the café from 10am.

Santa and his elves at the Anderton Boat Lift in NorthwichSanta and his elves at the Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich (Image: C&RT) Joint tickets are available for £20 each, or £12 (adult) and £15 (child) for the cruise only.

Ani Sutton, C&RT destination and attraction manager, said: “Christmas is a special time at both our wonderful waterway heritage museum and boat lift visitor centre.

“Our brilliant teams of elves really go to town with the festivities, giving families a magical experience and a perfect start to the Christmas celebrations.”

To reserve a seat on the Santa Cruise at the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre, near Northwich, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 or 24, visit C&RT’s website.

Santa cruises will also be running from the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.