The London Eye fell victim to an April Fool’s earlier this year when it was claimed that it was to be dismantled and shipped to Scotland.

Originally called the Millennium Wheel, the 135 metre tall observation structure is still very much in place and currently holds the title of the UK’s most popular tourist attraction with more than 3million visitors a year.

It is the focal point for London’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks and has played host to thousands of marriage proposals since it opened its pods in 2000.

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The revolving pods give visitors a birds-eye view across London and its historic monuments from the towering Shard to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park and Nelson’s Column.

And this year, there is something new to see. Father Christmas has traded his sleigh for the big wheel, setting up shop to meet visitors young and old.

The unique Santa in the Sky experience sees guests depart for the North Pole from the VIP lounge, where they are met by the affable elf, Crumbly Bakewell.

Kids first visit Mrs Clause, who helps them write and post a letter to her husband before making them promise not to leave him any gingerbread on account of his seasonal weight gain.

After a highly entertaining performance of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer that kids and adults will both love, it’s on to the wheel.

The middle bench in the Santa pod has been removed and replaced with a cosy fireplace and reading nook, along with a comfy chair for the man himself.

The experience is interactive from the start. While ascending, kids are asked to help Santa and Crumbly Bakewell build a map by spotting some of the key landmarks across the skyline.

Then they draw their preferred gift on a picture that Santa signs, before he reads T’was the Night Before Christmas to his rapt audience. But the smartest part that floored my four year old was when Santa whipped out the letter that he’d previously written on the ground.

After that, children receive a present, which in our case was a generously sized lego set. Back on solid ground, it was time to say a regretful goodbye to Crumbly Bakewell, my son was bereft!

His verdict would be a solid 10, and I found it to be one of the most authentic and entertaining Santa experiences out there and we will definitely be back.

Tickets are available until Christmas Eve and start at £79 for an adult and child. For more information, visit the London Eye website.