100+ Of The Best Santa’s Grottos And Santa Experiences In 2023

Visiting a Santa’s Grotto has always been one of the most fun Christmas activities to do with our kids since they were small.

We’re big fans of Christmas events in general and even before the kids came along we loved to visit Christmas markets in Europe and Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to a Santas Grotto.

When the kids were 7 and 8 we thought it was the perfect time to take them to Lapland to visit Father Christmas – the ultimate Santa’s Grotto – to ensure their belief in the magic of Christmas remained for a little while longer.

Finding the perfect Santa’s Grotto in the UK in 2023 is a little harder having just had that amazing experience, but there are some great 2023 Santa visits to choose from.

Having done all this research on the best Santa experiences in the UK in 2023, we thought we would pull together our list of top Christmas days out for kids.

We hope it will save you a LOT of time and effort and avoid hours spent searching for ‘where to see Santa near me 2023’ or ‘best Santa’s grotto near me’ or even ‘what is the best Santa’s Grotto in the UK this year?’

If you’re wondering where to see Santa this year, you’re sure to find him at one of these Christmas experiences.

Whether you meet him in a garden centre, department store or on a train, these UK Santa’s Grottos and Santa experiences promise to be truly magical.

**Most Christmas events will require an online booking in advance. **

If you’d like to see more of our UK and Worldwide family adventures and travel tips, remember to follow us on Instagram.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

Lapland UK

Lapland UK is in a category all by itself because it’s arguably the best Santa’s Grotto around and the ultimate place to see Santa in the UK. The ultimate Christmas experience comes at a cost but by all accounts, it’s worth it.

For when travel becomes easier again, we have a guide to booking your own Finnish Lapland holiday at a fraction of the cost of a package holiday.

Our guide to booking a DIY Lapland trip explains how to have the ultimate Santa experience on a budget. See also what to pack for Lapland with kids.

Father Christmas 2023 tickets are sold out but you can sign up to be on the cancellation list.

Dates: 12th November 2023 to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £65 to £135 per person.
Location: Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD.

Lapland UK

Santa Sleepovers (Theme Parks and Holiday Villages)

These are the main UK parks offering Santa sleepovers and short breaks. For a full list, you can read our post on Father Christmas sleepovers.

In case you don’t find anything you like here, we have more ideas on Family Christmas Breaks in the UK. We also have a guide to the Merlin attractions at Christmas.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Father Christmas Sleepover

Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 23rd December 2023 for Father Christmas Sleepover at Chessington.
Ticket Price: From £281 for a family of 4 to stay overnight with 2 days entry to Park (on selected dates) staying in a themed hotel.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.

Check current prices and availability here.

Just visiting for the day? Check the Chessington website for more info and tickets.

Photo Credit: Chessington World of Adventures

Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers Resort Santa Sleepover
Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £290 per family of 4 to stay overnight with one day in the park staying in a themed hotel.
Location: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB.

Check current prices and availability here.

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Santa Sleepover

Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £469 for family of 4 to stay overnight with 1 day in the park staying in a LEGO® themed room. Make your Santa Sleepover even more special, with a special trip to see Santa in his grotto from £20 per child.
Location: The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY.

Check current prices and availability here.

©2021 The LEGO Group.

Photo Credit: The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle Santa Sleepover

Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £499 for family of 4  to stay overnight with 2 days in the castle staying in the Knight’s Village.
Location: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH.

Check current prices and availability here.

Bluestone

Bluestone Christmasland breaks (see also our top cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs).

Dates: 6th November 2022 to 1st January 2024.
Ticket Price: From £579 for 4 people in a lodge for 3 nights.
Location: Bluestone Resort, Canaston Wood, The Grange, Narberth, SA67 8DE.

Check current prices and availability here.

Ribby Hall Village

Winter Wonderland

Dates: From 10th November 2023 to 15th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £489 for 4 people in a lodge for 3 nights.
Location: Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, Lancashire, PR4 2PR.

Check current prices and availability here.

Center Parcs

Center Parcs Winter Wonderland holidays

Dates: 6th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
Ticket Price: From £579 for 4 people in a lodge for 3 nights.
Location: Center Parcs at Christmas is at all of their locations.

Check current prices and availability here.

Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs

Gardens and Garden Centre Santa’s Grottos 2023

Here is just a short list of Santa’s Grottos at garden centres across the UK. Some of these garden centres have multiple locations in the UK.

If you don’t see one near you, just searching for ‘garden centre with Santa’s Grotto near me’ will give you more options.

Marsh Farm

The Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm
Dates: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £39.00 – £70.00 per person. Under 1 Free.
Location: Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP.

See also our guide to the Christmas events happening in Essex and Christmas markets in Essex for more festive days out.

Frosts Garden Centres

Santa’s Grotto at Frosts
Dates: 2023 dates TBC.
Ticket Price: Only family tickets available to book – (1 Adult & 1 Child – £22.00, 2 Adult & 2 Child – £44.00). Additional Adult – £3.50 and additional child – £15.00.
Location: Woburn Sands    Millets Farm    Willington

Skylark Garden Centre

Christmas at Skylark (see also Christmas events in Cambridgeshire)
Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: Tickets on sale in September.
Location: Skylark Garden Centre, Manea Road, Wimblington, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0PE.

Burston Garden Centre

Santa’s Grotto at Burston Garden Centre (see also Christmas events in Hertfordshire)
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: £10.00 per child (£1 per accompanying adult).
Location: Burston Garden Centre, North Orbital Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DS.

Van Hage Garden Centre

Santa’s Grotto at Van Hage
Dates: Select dates from 4th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: £12.00 per child.
Location: Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell, Nr Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9RP.

See more things to do at Christmas in Hertfordshire.

Poplar Nurseries

Breakfast with Santa
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: £TBC
Location: Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1HR.

Woodland Walk Garden Centre

Woodland Walk Santa’s Grotto
Dates: Every weekend from the last weekend in November
Ticket Price: TBC
Location: Woodland Walk Garden Centre, Heol Creigiau, Efail Isaf, Nr. Pontypridd, CF38 1BG.

Pugh’s Garden Village

Christmas Experience
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: TBC.
Location: Pugh’s Garden Village, Ty-Nant Road, Morganstown, Cardiff, CF15 8LB.

North Wales Garden World

Christmas Winter Wonderland
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: £6.95 per person.
Location: North Wales Garden World, St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Conwy, LL18 5TU.

See our post on family-friendly things to do in North Wales.

Glendoick Garden Centre

Visit Santa

Dates: 2023 dates TBC. Bookings open on 1st October 2023.
Ticket Price: £7.50 (all proceeds going to charity).
Location: Glendoick, Glencarse, Perthshire, PH2 7NS.

Springtime Nurseries Crews Hill

The Crews Hill Santa Grotto is part of their Christmas Wonderland.
Dates: TBC (tickets on sale from September).
Ticket Price: £12.00 per child and £4.00 per adult.
Location: Springtime Nurseries, Cattlegate Road, Crews Hill, Middlesex, EN2 9EE.

Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Santas Grotto
Dates: 24th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £7.00 per child (online) or £8.00 on the day.
Location: There are 44 centres across the country to choose from.

Eden Project

Meet Father Christmas at Eden
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: Adult – £10.00, Child – £10.00.
Location: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG.

Dobbies Garden Centre

Farm Parks and Zoos

ZSL London Zoo

The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo (Meet Santa is on 3rd & 4th and 10th to 24th December 2022).
Dates: 26th November to 1st January 2024.
Ticket Price: From Adult – £28.50. Child – £18.55.
Location: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY.

If you live locally, their annual membership is definitely worth getting. See also what is going on at Whipsnade Zoo at Christmas.

Edinburgh Zoo

Santa’s Grotto (part of the Edinburgh Zoo Christmas Nights)
Dates: Select dates TBC.
Ticket Price: Daytime child from £17.00. Evening child from £18.00.
Location: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

Easton Farm Park

Christmas on the Farm – see also more Christmas events in Suffolk.

Dates: 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th and 17th to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult – £10.95, Child – £18.95.
Location: Easton Farm Park, Pound Corner, Easton, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ.

Africa Alive!

Christmas at Africa Alive!
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: TBC
Location: Africa Alive, Whites Lane, Kessingland, Suffolk, NR33 7TF.

Bocketts Farm Park

Father Christmas Experience
Dates: 24th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £25.50 per child. Adult – from £6.50.
Location: Bocketts Farm Park,Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS.

See here for more Christmas events in Surrey.

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

Santa Safari
Dates: 25th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult (16+) – £22.80, Child (3-16) – £19.60 and Under 3 – £13.00.
Location: West Midland Safari & Leisure Park, Spring Grove Road, Bewdley, Kidderminster, DY12 1LF.

Marwell Zoo

Christmas at Marwell – this has become Glow Marwell.
Dates: 18th November to 30th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £15.00 per adult and £12.00 per child (3-16).
Location: Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH.

Colchester Zoo

The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Dates: Select dates from 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £12.50 per ticket (on top of zoo entry).
Location: Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL.

Banham Zoo

Christmas at Banham Zoo
Dates: 23rd November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £16.95 per person. Under 1 – FREE.
Location: Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, NR16 2HE.

Bristol Zoo Gardens (see Wild Place Project)

Santa’s Grotto at Bristol Zoo Gardens
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: TBC
Location:Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP.

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

Christmas Experience
Dates: 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult – from £30.00. Child – from £40.00. Under 1 – £10.00.
Location: Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8JY.

Paradise Wildlife Park

Paradise Wildlife Park
Dates: Every weekend from 3rd December and then 17th to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult: £22.00, Child £20.00 – entry to the grotto is included in your park ticket.
Location: Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA.

See also Broxbourne Woods Scultpure Trail which is right next door if you’re feeling like a family-friendly walk.

Drusillas Park

Christmas at Drusillas Park
Dates: 19th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: £17.50 per person to visit Santa (doesn’t include entry to park).
Location: Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS.

See here for more things to do at Christmas in Sussex.

Mead Open Farm

The Magic of Christmas
Dates: 2nd to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £22.00 per adult and £29.00 per child (1-15 yrs) and non-participating child under 1 year – £10.00 plus £0.50 booking fee.
Location: Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, Bedfordshire, LU7 9JH.

Willows Farm

Santa Spectacular

Dates: 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adults (and children under 2) £23.00 – £29.00, Children 2+ £45.00 – £51.00 (non member prices).
Location: Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF.

Wroxham Barns

The Santa Experience – see also other Christmas events in Norfolk and family-friendly activities in Norfolk.

Dates: 25th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: Adults from £20.95, Children from £27.95 & Under 2 from £16.95.
Location: Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8QU.

Willows Farm Santa Spectacular

Folly Farm

Meet Santa and his Reindeers
Dates: Select dates from 12th November to 18th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Normal entry price applies PLUS £8.50 to meet Santa.
Location: Folly Farm, Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA68 0XA.

Reindeer Centre Bethersden

Christmas Grotto
Dates: Weekends from 12th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adults – from £12.000 and children £18.00.
Location: Capralama Farm, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, TN26 3EQ.

Bethersden Reindeer Centre Christmas Grotto

Winter Wonderlands and Light Shows

Thursford Magical Journey

Dates: Santa’s Magical Journey – weekends from 26th November to 11th December and then 17th to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £20.00 per child. Adult – from £14.00.
Location: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS.

See also Enchanted Journey of Light dates 19th November to 28th December 2022 – one of the many Christmas light trails in the UK and Christmas Spectacular from 8th November to 23rd December 2022.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (also home to the largest outdoor ice rink in London). If you’re in London, make sure to check out the London Christmas lights. London is one of the best cities in the UK to visit at Christmas with kids.

Dates: 18th November 2022 to 2nd January 2023.
Ticket Price: From £5.00 per person (which is refunded if you book over £25.00 worth of activities).
Location: Hyde Park, London.

Kew Gardens

Christmas at Kew

Dates: 16th November to 8th January 2023.
Ticket Price: Adults from £21.50, Children (4-16) from £14.00, Family of 4 – £65.00 and Under 4 Free.
Location: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail

Dates: 18th November to 2nd January 2023.
Ticket Price: Adults from £35.00 (with parking), Children (3-16) from £18.00. Under 2 Free.
Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP.

Light Trail at Blenheim Palace

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Winter Wonderland

Dates: Select dates from 19th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £29.50 per person. Under 2 – £5.00.
Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Hexham, NE48 1BT.

Chester Zoo

The Lanterns

Dates: 11th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adults from £15.00, Children from £12.00 (under 2 free).
Location: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU.

The Lanterns Chester Zoo

The Snow Centre

Santa’s Grotto at the Snow Centre
Dates: 24th, 26th December and 31st December and 1st January 2023.
Ticket Price: TBC.
Location: The Snow Centre, St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9NH.

Tamworth Snowdome

Winter Wonderland
Dates: 12th November 2022 to 1st January 2023.
Ticket Price: From £15.95 per person
Location: SnowDome, Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND.

The Snow Factor

Dine with Santa
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: £29.00 per child including a meal with Santa, a story, a gift and 30 minutes of sledging.
Location: The Snow Factor, King’s Inch Road, Glasgow, Renfrew, G51 4BP.

Lotherton Hall

The Christmas Experience
Dates: 26th November to 31st December 2022.
Ticket Price: Tickets on sale from 9th September 2021.
Location: Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.

The Ice Village

Santa’s Grotto
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: NA
Location: Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 3BG.

The Ice Village Manchester

Christmas at Theme Parks

Gulliver’s Land

Gulliver’s at Christmas
Dates: Weekends from 3rd December to 18th December and then 21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £27.00 per person (Under 90cm £9.00).
Location: Warrington, Milton Keynes, Rotherham, Matlock Bath.

Chessington World of Adventures

1 Day Winter’s Tail
Dates: 25th November to 30th December 2023 (meet Father Christmas available until 24th December 2023).
Ticket Price: From £20.00 per person. See the Chessington website for more event info and tickets.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.

Drayton Manor

Drayton’s Magical Christmas
Dates: 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult (4+) £36.00, Child (2-3) £22.00 and Under 2 – £5.00.
Location: Drayton Manor Park, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW.

Paultons Park

Christmas at Paultons (Santa’s Grotto is closed but Santa will appear on stage).
Dates: Select dates from 3rd to to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: Children 1m and over – £35.00, Family of 4 – £140.00.
Location: Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers Resort at Christmas
Dates: From 25th November to 2nd January 2023.
Ticket Price: From £16.00 per person. Buy Alton Towers tickets here.
Location: Alton Towers Resort, Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB.

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort at Christmas
Dates: From 26th November to 3rd January 2023.
Ticket Price: From £32.00 per person. Check here for tickets.
Location: The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY.

Santa Train Rides

There are so many Santa Train Rides in the UK. Here is a small selection of them. We have more information in these posts –  40+ Seriously Festive Santa Train Rides and A Handy Guide to the 11 Polar Express Train Rides in the UK.

Heading to the US? We have a guide on where to find a US Polar Express train ride.

If you’re going to take a Polar Express train ride, how about brushing up on the movie or reading the book before you go?

*These are affiliate links. If you buy something from them, we may earn a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you. Thank You!*

Polar Express Movie – on Amazon.

Polar Express Book – on Amazon.

Wensleydale Railway

Polar Express
Dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £29.95 to £36.95 per person.
Location: Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, DL7 9AR.

Mid Norfolk Railway

Polar Express
Dates: 13th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £27.50 for standard and £41.95 for premium.
Location: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.

South Devon Railway

Polar Express
Dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £29.95 to £39.95 per person.
Location: South Devon Railway, The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ.

Bure Valley Railway

Festive Express
Dates: Select dates from 3rd to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £13.00 per person.
Location: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Santa Specials
Dates: Select dates from 3rd to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £16.75 for adults, £13.75 for children 5-17 and £10.75 for children under 5.
Location: The Railway Station, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde, PO33 4DS.

Great Central Railway

Santa Steam Trains
Dates: 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £69.00 – £89.00 for a compartment for 4 people or £75.00-£95.00 for a compartment for 6 people.
Location: Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, LE12 8AG.

Churnet Valley Railway

Santa Steam Trains
Dates: Churnet Valley is now running the Polar Express – see above section for details.
Ticket Price: N/A
Location: Churnet Valley Railway, Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall, Staffordshire, ST10 2HA.

Avon Valley Railway

Avon Valley Railway Santa Special

Address: Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD
Dates: 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: From £13.00 – £20.00 per person. Under 1 – FREE.

See also the best Christmas events in Bath.

North York Moors Railway

Santa Reimagined
Dates: Select dates from 3rd December to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £100.00 for a compartment for 4 people (+£25.00 per additional adult up to 6 people max).
Location: Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ.

Kent & East Sussex Railway

Santa Specials
Dates: Select dates from 3rd December to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Standard table of 4 from £90.00, First class from £120.00 for up to 4. Private compartment for up to 6 – from £180.
Location: Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE.

See here for more Christmas events in Kent.

Peak Rail

Santa and Steam Specials
Dates: Select dates from 3rd December to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: Table for 4 – £65.00, Compartment for up to 6 – £95.00.
Location: Matlock Station, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NA.

Llangollen Railway

Santa Specials
Dates: Select dates from 3rd December to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £20.00 per person or £80.00 for a compartment of 4.
Location: The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8SN.

Audley End Miniature Railway

Audley End Christmas Special
Dates: 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £22.00 over 92cm and £11.00 under 92cm. Under 1 – FREE.
Location: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Waldon, Essex CB11 4JB.

Audley End Christmas Special

Seaton Tramway

Polar Express
Dates: Selec dates from 25th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £19.95 per person (under 2 free).
Location: Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ.

Stuart Line Cruises (this is a boat trip, not a train ride)

Sail with Santa

Dates: Weekends in December and 21st & 22nd December 2022.
Ticket Price: £12.00 per person (under 12 months – £4.00).
Location: Sailings from Exmouth, Exeter, Topsham and Sidmouth.

Steam Trains Ireland

Santa Train

Dates: 3rd, 10th, 17th & 18th December 2022.
Ticket Price: TBC.
Location: Whitehead Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, BT38 9NA

Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Santa by Steam
Dates: Weekends in December and then 19th to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £19.95 per person.
Location: General Station, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1AQ.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway Santa by Steam

Department Store and Shopping Centre Santa’s Grottos

Harrods

Harrods Christmas Grotto (only open to customers who spend over £2000 in Harrods).
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: N/A
Location: 87 – 135 Brompton Road, London, SW1X 7XL.

Selfridges

Selfridges Breakfast with Santa
Dates: TBC
Ticket Price: Various – see website.
Location: London    Birmingham    Manchester

Hamleys

Hamleys Santa’s Grotto Workshop
Dates: 12th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: London (£39.99) – Glasgow (£20.00) – Lakeside (£20.00).
Location:  Addresses for individual stores can be found here.

John Lewis

Santa’s Grotto – Meet Santa in John Lewis

Dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2023 (dates will vary slightly by location).
Ticket Price: Child – £20 (plus £2 booking fee). Adult – £2 (plus 20p booking fee).
Location:  9 UK John Lewis locations will be offering a Santa’s Grotto. See here.

Magic Alley Stratford

Christmas at Magic Alley
Dates: 27th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £14.00 per adult. Babies – £5.00.
Location: 1st Floor, Bell Court Shopping Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EX.

The Olde Watermill

Santa’s Grotto– tickets on sale now.
Dates: Select dates from 25th Novembwer to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: Adult – £5.49, Child – £15.99.
Location: The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, BartonMill Lane, Barton-le-Clay, Bedfordshire, MK45 4RF.

Bluewater

Christmas at Bluewater
Dates: 25th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult – from £5.00, Child – from £12.50 (plus booking fee).
Location:  Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST.

Lakeside

Christmas Wonderland
Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: See site for details.
Location:  The Quay, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Grays, Essex, RM20 2AD.

Hamleys Santas Grotto Workshop

Santa’s Grottos at Castles and other tourist attractions

Castles are some of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK and are a fantastic setting for Christmas events. Here are some of the best castles in the UK with Christmas events.

Some of these castles are run by English Heritage. We highly recommend an English Heritage membership. Just a couple of visits to English Heritage properties during the year will cover the cost of your pass.

Hever Castle

Santa at Hever Castle – one of the most impressive castles in Kent
Dates: Selected dates from 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adults – £20.00, Children (5-17) £26.00, Children Under 5 – £14.00.
Location: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.

Belvoir Castle

Santa’s Grotto at Belvoir Castle

Dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Ticket Price: £15.00 per child. This does not include entrance price to the castle.
Location: Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 1PE.

Gwrych Castle

Christmas Grotto at Gwrych Castle

Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: N/A.
Location: Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 8ET.

Warwick Castle

Christmas at the Castle (loads going on including ice skating, a light trail and a Christmas market)

Dates: 26th November to 2nd January 2023.
Ticket Price: Tickets from £14.00. Buy tickets here.
Location: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH.

Leeds Castle

Father Christmas at Leeds Castle (one of the best castles in Kent). See more here for the best things to do in Kent.

Dates: 25th November to 1st January 2022.
Ticket Price: Adults – £28.00, Child (4-15) – £19.50, Under 4 – FREE.
Location: Leeds Castle, Leeds, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 1PD.

Leeds Castle

Bolsover Castle

Christmas at the Castle

Dates: Weekends from 26th November to 18th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult – £8.00, Child (5-17) – £8.00 (on top of usual entrance fee),
Location: Bolsover Castle, Castle Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield, S44 6PR.

Castle Howard

An Audience with Father Christmas

Dates: Select dates from 1st to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: from £47.00 per child (accompanying adults from £20.00 before 3pm must book Gardens ticket, after 3pm must book Light Trail ticket).
Location: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA.

Oxford Castle and Prison

Santa’s Grotto

Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: £17.95 per child, £15.95 per adult, Under 2 – £6.95.
Location: Oxford Castle and Prison, 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY.

Kenilworth Castle

Christmas at the Castle

Dates: Weekends from 26th November to 18th December 2022.
Ticket Price: Adult – £8.00, Child (5-17) – £8.00 (on top of usual entrance fee).
Location: Kenilworth Castle, castle Green, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NG.

Bodium Castle

Father Christmas at Bodium Castle

Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: TBC.
Location: Bodium Castle, Bodium, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA.

Santa at Hever Castle

Dover Castle

Christmas at the Castle

Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: Adult – £17.00, Child (5-17) – £10.20.
Location: Dover Castle, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU.

Whitstable Castle

Santa’s Magical Grotto
Dates: 3rd to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: £6.50 per child.
Location: Whistable Castle, 15 Tower Hill, Whistable, Kent, CT5 2BW.

National Trust Santa’s Grottos

If you like visiting National Trust properties, we highly recommend getting a National Trust membership. Just a couple of visits will cover the price of your pass and you will be able to get into a lot of these seasonal events for free.

Meet Father Christmas in the East

Meet Father Christmas in the Midlands

Meet Father Christmas in Northern Ireland

Meet Father Christmas in the South East

Meet Father Christmas in the South West

Meet Father Christmas in Wales

Places to see Santa in London

There are lots of Santa’s Grottos in London this year – including the infamous Harrods Santa Grotto (but this is almost impossible to get into!). We have already mentioned a few above such as Hamleys and London Zoo – but here are a few more London Santa’s Grottos:

Alexandra Palace

Santa’s Grotto at Alexandra Palace

Dates: TBC.
Ticket Price: £14.50 per child.
Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY.

Shrek’s Adventures

Santa’s Grotto at Shrek’s Adventures

Dates: Weekends in December and then 17th to 24th December 2022.
Ticket Price: From £24.00 per person.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB.

Broadgate Circle

The Winter Forest

Dates: TBC..
Ticket Price: TBC.
Location: Exchange House, 12 Exchange Square, London, EC2A 2BQ.

Fortnum & Mason

Storytelling with Father Christmas

Dates: Tickets have now sold out.
Ticket Price: N/A.
Location: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1A 1ER13.

See here for more places to see Santa in London this year.

If you’re visiting London and looking for family-friendly hotels, make sure to check out our top London hotel recommendations. See also – the most magical things to do in London at Christmas with kids.

Luxury

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences – Located in Mayfair, this is a 5 star luxury aparthotel with a difference. We find it so useful when staying in hotels in with kids to have a kitchen. They also have a kids’ concierge service where they arrange your kid’s favourite DVDs and treats for the room. Guest can use all of the hotel facilities and they have a pool.

See also:

The Ritz – Located on Piccadilly near Hyde Park Corner. One of the most well-known hotels in London. The Ritz being the Ritz, they have a Very Important Kids programme providing anything a child could want in their hotel room. Children under 15 stay for free with their parents in a Junior Suite or above.

The Rubens at the Palace – Located near Buckingham Palace. This boutique hotel has their own Director of Fun and Adventure to organise activities for kids. Children under 12 stay and eat for free and there’s a 6pm check out on Sundays.

St Ermin’s – Located near St James’s Park. They offer a kids concierge to take care of the kids needs with fun and games inside of the hotel as well as outside. They even have their own bee hotel within the hotel. There are 2 new rooms that cater for families of 6. They also do a fabulous afternoon tea for kids.

Mid-Range

Park Plaza County Hall – Located near the London Eye, this is an excellent, centrally located mid-range family hotel in London. If booking the Family Getaway Package, they offer goody bags for kids at check-in and ‘Park Plaza money’ to spend in the Spectrum Bar and complimentary breakfast for children up to 12 years old. There are also interconnecting rooms for larger families.

Budget

Premier Inn Waterloo – Located by Westminster Bridge near the London Eye. Family hotels in London can be eye-wateringly expensive but the Premier Inn is a great, no-frills budget family hotel in London option if you are looking for a central location.

Other places to see Santa

Missed out on booking a visit to Santa’s Grotto? Here are a few more ideas for seeing the big man.

Royal Albert Hall – Storytime with Father Christmas – 2nd to 20th December 2022.

Coca Cola Truck

The Coca Cola Truck (Photo Credit www.thedrum.com)

Seeing Santa virtually

If all else fails and a visit to see Santa in person is not possible, here are a couple of ideas to help keep the magic alive..

Santa @ Home

PortableNorthPole App

CatchaCharacter

30 Classic Christmas Movies For Kids