Patrick Mahomes is all-smiles as Chiefs star and family pose with Santa Claus at 'most wonderful time of the year'

NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes has shared a festive portrait with his family ahead of the holiday season.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 28, posed alongside his wife Brittany and their two children as they paid a visit to Santa's grotto.

Mahomes is preparing for Sunday's NFL showdown with AFC rivals the New England Patriots in Foxborough.

But he's been sure to make room for family time as Christmas fast approaches.

Brittany uploaded a picture of the loved-up pair visiting Santa Claus along with their two children Sterling, 2, and Bronze, 1.

Two-time NFL MVP Mahomes looked delighted to be meeting up with Kris Kringle, beaming alongside his wife of almost two years.

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While a third added: "I think the kids aren’t so sure about Santa but you and Patrick look happy to see him. Really awesome family picture!!"

And a fourth laughed: "I love the kid’s matching pouty faces."

It's been a rocky December for Mahomes and the Chiefs, who fell to a controversial defeat against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.

Mahomes had to be restrained from the officials by his teammates after a late penalty denied Kansas City a go-ahead touchdown.

The loss leaves the defending Super Bowl champions 8-5 heading into a crucial Christmas period.

They come up against legendary coach Bill Belichick and his beleaguered Patriots on Sunday (3-10).

Belichick - who has been linked with a position with the Los Angeles Chargers - talked up Mahomes' talents ahead of the showdown at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots coach said on Thursday: "Offensively, of course, it all starts with [Mahomes].