Santa will once again be swapping his sleigh for a boat at the Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich, giving children and their families the chance of meeting him and his helpers on magical Santa Cruises along the River Weaver.

The Anderton Boat Lift, known as the Cathedral of the Canals, is offering these memorable festive trips every weekend during December up until Christmas Eve.

Boats cast off at 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. A child’s ticket costs £7.75 and an adult’s £5.75. Pre-booking is highly recommended on 01606 786777 and all those who pre-book can take advantage of a festive food deal in the lift’s tree-top coffee shop.

These magical trips are full of festive family fun with games, songs and stories with Santa. Each child will have the chance of meeting Santa and receive a gift that has been specially picked by him.

Boarding from the base of the giant lift, a masterpiece of high Victorian engineering, visitors both large and small will enjoy the comfort of a modern, heated boat, decorated by elves. They can also enjoy the festive spirit whilst watching the world float by.

Duty manager Graham Wood said: “Both staff and visitors love the Santa Cruises. There is something very special about seeing the look of pure delight and wonder in children’s faces as they realise that they are not only seeing Santa but going on a boat too. It is something really different and so much more memorable than what is available elsewhere. We also like to think that it gives the reindeer a bit of a break.”

The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the seven wonders of Britain’s waterways and is an engineering masterpiece, being the world’s first ever successful boat lift.

The lift sits in a spectacular location between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal and is an interesting combination of working historic structure and fun, educational experience.