He’s making his list. He’ll be checking it twice. Have you been good this year? Now advent is here, it’s time to track Father Christmas down to a grotto near you and find out.

Sure to get you jolly and jingling is Millets in Frilford.

The garden and farm centre has been transformed into a twinkling wonderland with a real outdoor ice rink at Frost’s. Skating with Frosty the Snowman (including one to take home) starts at £5 on a weekday and there are spacehopper stabilisers for those too little to avoid a slip-up, as well as bacon rolls to load up on calories.

Santa will be in his grotto every day from Saturday (December 7) until Christmas Eve, along with festive activities such as songs with the elves and recipes for reindeer nibbles. Little helpers are invited into the big man’s living room for a storytime — it’s worth booking a slot by calling 0800 954 9484 or visiting frostsgroup.com (child tickets £8.99, adults £3.49).

Thomas the Tank Engine fans can also visit Father Christmas along with the Sodor gang at Didcot Railway Centre. Here you can ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller, and join the festive fun with Santa dishing out goodies every weekend between now and Christmas.

Or, link up with Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Santa Specials. Perfect for a traditional treat, the centre, in Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, hosts Father Christmas who will visit children during their journey, with those aged eight and under receiving a gift and parents and grandparents stoked up on mince pies, of course. There’s no need to book, just turn up any weekend between now and Christmas. Visit cholsey-wallingford-railway.com or call 01491 835067.

Another — very classy — option is to take to the river with a Santa Cruise at Hobbs of Henley. Renowned family entertainer Fred in the Shed (a member of the Magic Circle) is set to dazzle with an interactive family show of audience participation, incredible illusions and lots of family fun. River trips lasts an hour and a half and include a visit from Father Christmas when the vessel docks back at Hobbs Boatyard. Tickets start at £10.50 and include mulled wine for the adults, juice for the kiddies and homemade mince pies and cakes.

The next cruises run on Saturday and Sunday (December 8 and 9) and December 15 at 11.30am and 2.30pm. These do sell out, so call 01491 572035 or visit hobbsof henley.com/santa-cruise to book.

Notcutts Garden Centre in Nuneham Courtenay is also ready for Santa’s arrival with a magnificent grotto, open until Christmas Eve. Call 01865 343454 or visit notcutts.co.uk