Santa Claus won't have to wear a face mask in grottos this year but children won't be allowed to sit on his knee, it has been confirmed.
It comes after the Government said Santa's grottos would be allowed to open despite Covid-19 tier restrictions.
New guidance, to take effect from Thursday, says kids will be able to meet Father Christmas, even in Tier 3 - as long as the grotto is within a venue which is already permitted to open.
It means grottos will be allowed to open if they are in shops, garden centres and department stores in all tiers, because non-essential retail is permitted.
But it's unclear whether they will be allowed to open as part of a Christmas market. Indoor and outdoor markets are allowed to open as non-essential retail, reports The Mirror.
The guidance also urges grottos to put in place "appropriate Covid-safe measures" - including social distancing.
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The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed it will not be mandatory for Santa to wear a mask during the holiday encounters. But he said children will not be allowed to sit on St Nick's knee.
This would seem to rule out the traditional grotto set up of a youngster sitting on Santa's knee and whispering their Christmas wishes in his ear - to be replaced, presumably, by toddlers yelling them at St Nick from the other side of the room.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Meeting Father Christmas is a magical experience for children, which is why he will be taking safety precautions including ensuring that he is operating in a Covid-secure way. But it won't be required for Santa to wear a mask."
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