Head to Hungry Horse to dine with Santa at breakfast and beyond!
It's Christmaaaaaaaaaas!
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year – especially for kids! School's out, everyone’s merry and bright, and the world is decked out in glitter and sparkles.
There's an electric buzz in the air as the countdown to the big day begins. The family gathers to decorate the tree, its woody, fresh perfume fills the room while festive tunes play in the background.
With each passing day, the excitement builds – will it snow? There's a flurry of activity as everyone heads out to see the panto, while Christmas adverts on the telly remind us all that the big day is just around the corner. The anticipation of presents, family parties, food, drinks and festive fun makes the season truly magical for kids.
But nothing compares to the sheer joy of meeting Santa Claus himself. And this Christmas, Hungry Horse is the perfect place to capture those moments. At our Breakfast with Santa 2024, he’s waiting to make your child’s Christmas truly amazing!
Knowing me, knowing yule
Time for the scoop on the man in red! Before your kids get to meet Father Christmas, why not brush up on your Santa smarts? We’ve got all the festive facts you need to really impress the kids with your Christmas know-how!What is Santa short for?
Santa’s famous name is said to have evolved from his Dutch nickname: Sinter Klaas. It’s a shortened version of his full Dutch Name, which is Sint Nikolaas. Or as we know him, Saint Nicholas! How cool is that?Where did Santa originally come from?
Old Saint Nick’s jolly hijinks can be traced way back, long before he arrived in England - to the fourth century to be precise! His early festive exploits took place in Myra, which is now modern-day Turkey. He’s said to have performed resurrections and anonymously gifted gold to unsuspecting paupers by throwing it down the chimney. Sound vaguely familiar?His fame spread throughout Europe, and over time, tales of his generosity and goodwill led to the 6th of December becoming St Nicholas Day. In the Netherlands, special markets sprang up selling toys and treats made especially for the occasion. Men would dress up in red bishop’s costumes and pretend to be Sinter Klaas or the rosy-cheeked legend we know and love – Santa Claus.
Why does Santa wear red?
Historically, Santa has dressed in all kinds of colours, from green and yellow to a suit of stars and stripes across the pond! It wasn’t until 1881 that Santa appeared fully dressed in his iconic red uniform, in an image by Civil War artist Thomas Nast.
Nast had drawn Santa wearing green in the past, but red eventually won, as it was boosted by the support of American painter Norman Rockwell and Coca-Cola. So, red and white became Santa’s official colours.
How many reindeer does Santa have?
Santa has nine trusty reindeer that guide his sleigh through the night sky. Their names, in the famous order, are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and of course, the most famous of them all - Rudolph, with his shiny red nose! Together, they make every Christmas Eve magical!
What does Santa leave for naughty children?
Traditionally, Santa leaves a lump of coal for children who’ve been naughty. The coal serves as a little reminder to be good next year. While it’s more of a playful warning than anything serious, it certainly encourages the kids to stay on the nice list!
Where to see Santa near you
Meeting Santa is pure Christmas magic, especially for kids. The joy on their faces as they meet him is priceless. When you join us to meet him, take advantage of our EPIC daily deals, get stuck into delicious food and drink, and make this festive season extra special!Find a Hungry Horse pub near you and join us for a meal with Santa himself. Don’t miss out - find and book a Breakfast with Santa 2024 near you today. If you can’t make it for breakfast, don’t worry - the big guy is back for a Christmas Dinner, and you can join him there!