Planning festive days out? This nationwide roundup of Santa’s Grottos 2025 brings together the biggest and most-loved family experiences across London, the South, the Midlands, the North, Wales and Scotland – so you can find any grotto or santa experience near you for 2025.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Santa Land Grotto
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the capital’s Christmas anchor and Santa Land remains one of its most magical corners. Children wander through twinkling cabins, meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift while the wider site offers ice-skating, rides, festive markets and shows. While the grotto meeting itself has traditionally been free once inside, you’ll need Winter Wonderland entry tickets and may want ride or attraction add-ons. For 2025 expect a run around 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, with general tickets typically going on sale in September and newsletter pre-sales in late August.
Chessington World of Adventures – Winter’s Tail & Santa’s Grotto
Chessington’s Winter’s Tail turns the park into a family-friendly festive playground with animals, seasonal shows and a cosy Santa’s grotto. The grotto trip is bookable as part of the Christmas Village experience and comes with a gift; meanwhile the park offers tailored shows and light displays suitable for toddlers and school-age children. The event runs from 22nd November – 31 December 2025 (weekends plus school holidays) and tickets are on sale now.
Hamleys – Regent Street Santa’s Grotto
Hamleys’ Regent Street grotto combines toy-shop theatre with a personal Santa visit: think interactive games, festive activities and a special present in the iconic store setting. It’s aimed at younger children who’ll love the sensory buzz of lights and toys alongside the intimate visit. In 2024 tickets launched in early October and sold fast; for 2025 expect 22 November – 24 December 2025 with ticket sales in early October 2025. Newsletter signup is the best way to catch the booking link.
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park – Christmas event
Paultons Park’s Peppa Pig World dresses up for younger families with stage shows, festive meet-and-greets (Peppa & George in Christmas outfits) and Santas on selected dates. The event is included with park admission on selected days, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. From 2024 patterns expect 5 – 23 December 2025, with tickets typically released in July 2025 — ideal for parents planning a midwinter day out.
LEGOLAND Windsor – Christmas & Santa’s Grotto
LEGOLAND’s Christmas mixes LEGO creativity with seasonal spectacle: Santa’s grotto surrounded by festive brick builds, family shows, parades and themed Miniland displays. It’s ideal for kids who adore hands-on building plus seasonal sparkle. The event runs from 22 November – 3rd January 2026 with tickets on sale now.
Kent & East Sussex Railway – Santa Specials
The Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Santa Specials are timeless: a steam train, on-board elves and a personally named present from Santa make for a nostalgic family treat. Quiet services and accessible carriages are often offered for sensory-sensitive families. Services run from 29 November – 24 December 2025 and you can book now.
Priory Farm (South Nutfield, Surrey) – Christmas Trail & Grotto
Priory Farm’s Discovery Land becomes a walkable winter trail with twinkling lights, woodland characters and a chance to meet Santa at the trail’s end. It’s outdoors, photo-friendly and great for families who prefer fresh air to indoor queues. In 2024 dates ran late November to Christmas Eve; for 2025 expect 24 November – 24 December 2025, with tickets usually released in September 2025. You can register your interest now.
Drusillas Park (Alfriston, East Sussex) – Meet Santa & Festive Trail
At Drusillas young families can combine zoo time with festive fun: a grotto visit, a seasonal train ride through a lit trail and themed activities across the park. Children receive gifts and can enjoy reindeer visits and festive decorations. The event runs from 22 November – 23 December 2025 and tickets are on sale now.
Christmas with Shrek
Shrek’s Adventure! puts a fairy-tale spin on Christmas with Far Far Away decked out for the season — meet Santa with Shrek characters close by, and enjoy interactive storytelling and festive surprises. It’s great for slightly older preschoolers who enjoy character theatre. From 2024 patterns expect 29 November – 24 December 2025, with bookings typically released in early October 2025.
Fortnum & Mason – Storytelling with Father Christmas (Piccadilly)
Fortnum & Mason offers an intimate storytelling session where Santa reads seasonal tales in an elegant setting, followed by a meet-and-greet and photos. It’s ideal for families wanting a classic, atmospheric experience in central London. In 2024 tickets appeared in late September for December sessions; for 2025 expect sessions 6 – 22 December 2025, with tickets released on September 4.
Ruxley Manor Grotto (Sidcup) – Traditional grotto & SEN sessions
Ruxley Manor stages a theatrical grotto visit with Father and Mother Christmas, elf activities and craft stations. They offer dedicated SEN sessions and family-friendly options, making this one inclusive and busy. Open 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th November (Weekends). From 20th November – 24th December open every day with tickets on sale now.
MIDLANDS
Alton Towers – Santa Sleepover & Panto packages
Alton Towers’ Santa Sleepover packages combine themed hotels, festive entertainment, a visit to Santa’s grotto and a festive evening meal and entertainment for a truly unforgettable experience. Sleepover dates are 28th – 30th November, 5th – 7th, 12th – 24th December 2025 and you can book now.
Warwick Castle – Stories with Santa & Christmas at the Castle
Experience a magical festive getaway at Warwick Castle with the 2025 Santa Sleepover on selected winter dates. Families can enjoy an overnight stay within the castle grounds, complete with two-day castle entry, festive evening entertainment, and a special elf wake-up call delivering a gift for children. The package also includes a heartwarming Storytime with Santa, complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi, with the option to upgrade with discounted Light Trail or Ice-Skating tickets. Book early to secure this unforgettable family experience filled with festive memories. Santa Sleepover Package is available for arrivals on 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th November, and 1st–23rd December 2025 and includes Elf Wake-Up Call and Storytime with Santa. Christmas at the Castle Package is available for arrivals on 24th–27th November, 26th–31st December 2025, and 1st–3rd January 2026 and does not include Elf Wake-Up Call or Storytime with Santa. You can book now.
NORTH OF ENGLAND
The Trafford Centre (Manchester) – Santa’s Grotto & Winter fun
Manchester’s Trafford Centre hosts an extensive Santa’s Grotto as part of a larger winter programme: markets, ice rinks and family rides make it a full-on seasonal hub. The grotto is often bookable with time-slots to manage queues and includes a gift. Expect 14 November – 24 December 2025, with tickets available now. Peak Saturday slots fill quickly — target weekday mornings if you want calmer visits.
Lapland Manchester
Lapland UK is bringing its enchanting Christmas experience to the North with a new location at Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire. Running from 13th November to 24th December 2025, this immersive adventure offers families a magical journey through the Elven World. Highlights include crafting toys in the Toy Factory, decorating gingerbread with Mother Christmas, ice skating, visiting the reindeer, and enjoying a personalized meeting with Father Christmas himself. Tickets are sold out but you can sign up for any that become available here.