Parents News Forum
The ultimate guide to Santa’s Grottos & Santa experiences across the UK for Christmas 2025
Quote from Beth Ashton on September 2, 2025, 10:01 amPlanning 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. Based on 2024, expect 23 November – 31 December 2025 (weekends plus school holidays) and tickets usually release in early September — book early for popular grotto slots.
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 2024 programme began late November; for 2025 expect 22 November – 31 December 2025 with tickets usually going on sale in August 2025. Popular dates fill quickly — book early if you want evening parades or grotto slots.
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. Based on 2024, anticipate services from 29 November – 24 December 2025 and ticket sales opening in early July 2025. These are popular, particularly weekend morning trains — set a reminder for launch day.
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. Book early — popular time slots sell out fast.
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. Based on 2024, expect 22 November – 23 December 2025, with ticket sales opening in September 2025. Midweek slots are usually calmer if you prefer quieter visits.
Shrek’s Adventure! / Windsor – 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 in late September 2025. Sessions are small and sell out fast.
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. Based on 2024, expect 8 November – 24 December 2025 with ticket sales in early September 2025. Book rapidly for SEN and weekend slots.
Polhill Garden Centre (Sevenoaks) – Walk-through Grotto
Polhill’s cosy, walk-through grotto is a charming local option: twinkling displays, a short festive trail and a small gift make it ideal for younger children and family photos. In 2024 the run was 9 Nov – 24 Dec; for 2025 expect 8 November – 24 December 2025, with tickets released in late August 2025. Local dates fill early — check branch pages for exact times.
Chelsea Christmas Grotto (Sloane Square) – Intimate grotto sessions
The Chelsea Christmas Grotto delivers an intimate 25-minute session with Father Christmas, stories and a gift. Tickets in 2024 cost around £15 (including a small charity donation) and included optional Winter Terrace activities. For 2025 expect 18 November – 24 December 2025, with ticket sales typically announced in mid-September 2025. It’s a small, boutique grotto so book early.
MIDLANDS
Alton Towers – Santa Sleepover & Panto packages
Alton Towers’ Santa Sleepover packages combine themed hotels, festive entertainment, a visit to Santa’s grotto and access to selected rides and shows — ideal for families wanting a full festive break. The experience mixes thrills with seasonal theatre (panto) and a special present for each child. From 2024 patterns expect weekends from 22 November – 23 December 2025, with package bookings typically opening in June 2025. Resort packages are limited so early booking secures the best rooms and grotto times.
Warwick Castle – Stories with Santa & Christmas at the Castle
Warwick Castle’s cosy “Stories with Santa” sits within its wider Christmas offering of light trails, shows and seasonal activities. Theatrical settings and castle backdrops make this a storybook visit, complete with a child’s gift and photo ops. For 2025 expect select dates across 22 November – 31 December 2025, with bookings usually released in July 2025. Weekend sessions sell fastest during school holidays.
West Midland Safari Park – Santa Safari & Grotto
West Midland Safari Park pairs a wildlife drive or walk with festive experiences: meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy a winter trail and catch seasonal shows. The Santa Safari blends animals, crafts and gifts for children. Projected 2025 dates are 22 November – 24 December 2025, with online booking commonly going live in August 2025. Safari parking bundles and grotto add-ons can save time on the day.
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 usually available from early October 2025. Peak Saturday slots fill quickly — target weekday mornings if you want calmer visits.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland (York Designer Outlet) – Grotto & ice rink
York’s outdoor Winter Wonderland pairs a snowy grotto village with a big outdoor ice rink, vintage rides and a festive market. The grotto visit is atmospheric and makes a day out of shopping and skating. For 2025 anticipate 15 November 2025 – 5 January 2026, with tickets typically released in September 2025. Evening skating sessions are popular — prebook skate times at the same time as grotto tickets.
Fenwick – Santa on the Roof (Newcastle)
Fenwick’s rooftop grotto is a regional institution: families embark on a rooftop journey through winter scenes before meeting Santa and receiving a gift. It’s an atmospheric and slightly theatrical experience. Based on previous years expect 15 November – 24 December 2025, with booking announced in mid-September 2025. These sessions often sell fast — register interest with Fenwick for priority access.
Selfridges Breakfast with Santa (Trafford Centre)
Selfridges’ Breakfast with Santa offers a child-only, magical morning with food, entertainment and a gift from Santa and Mrs Claus. A bit pricier than standard grottos, it’s an intimate and memorable option for ages 2–10. Expect selected dates 6 – 21 December 2025, with bookings usually opening in late October 2025. Spaces are limited so reserve early if you want weekend mornings.
WALES
Zipmas at Zip World – T? Santa & Elf Village
Zip World’s Zipmas is an adventure-style festive trip with routes to T? Santa through a snowy elf village. Children receive personalised gifts and families enjoy seasonal food and games. For 2025 expect 29 November – 23 December 2025, with tickets generally released in early September 2025. This is popular with adventurous families — combine with Zip World’s other attractions for a full day.
SCOTLAND
Woodland Santa Experience (Loch Lomond) – Forest trail & grotto
Scotland’s Woodland Santa Experience at Loch Lomond offers a gentle woodland trail lit by fairy lights, ending at Santa’s cosy cabin — ideal for families who love nature and quiet magic. Children meet Santa and receive a present while warm seasonal treats make the walk cosy. Expect 29 November – 23 December 2025 and ticket sales in September 2025. Choose mid-week slots for quieter walks.
NATIONWIDE (Multiple locations)
Dobbies Garden Centres – Breakfast with Santa & Santa Paws
Dobbies runs Breakfast with Santa across many sites — a budget-friendly, cheerful morning event where children meet Santa, eat breakfast and take home a gift. Many branches also offer “Santa Paws” dog-friendly slots. For 2025 expect events running from mid-November to 24 December 2025 depending on location, with bookings typically opening in August 2025. Check your local Dobbies page for exact dates and times.
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. Based on 2024, expect 23 November – 31 December 2025 (weekends plus school holidays) and tickets usually release in early September — book early for popular grotto slots.
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 2024 programme began late November; for 2025 expect 22 November – 31 December 2025 with tickets usually going on sale in August 2025. Popular dates fill quickly — book early if you want evening parades or grotto slots.
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. Based on 2024, anticipate services from 29 November – 24 December 2025 and ticket sales opening in early July 2025. These are popular, particularly weekend morning trains — set a reminder for launch day.
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. Book early — popular time slots sell out fast.
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. Based on 2024, expect 22 November – 23 December 2025, with ticket sales opening in September 2025. Midweek slots are usually calmer if you prefer quieter visits.
Shrek’s Adventure! / Windsor – 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 in late September 2025. Sessions are small and sell out fast.
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. Based on 2024, expect 8 November – 24 December 2025 with ticket sales in early September 2025. Book rapidly for SEN and weekend slots.
Polhill Garden Centre (Sevenoaks) – Walk-through Grotto
Polhill’s cosy, walk-through grotto is a charming local option: twinkling displays, a short festive trail and a small gift make it ideal for younger children and family photos. In 2024 the run was 9 Nov – 24 Dec; for 2025 expect 8 November – 24 December 2025, with tickets released in late August 2025. Local dates fill early — check branch pages for exact times.
Chelsea Christmas Grotto (Sloane Square) – Intimate grotto sessions
The Chelsea Christmas Grotto delivers an intimate 25-minute session with Father Christmas, stories and a gift. Tickets in 2024 cost around £15 (including a small charity donation) and included optional Winter Terrace activities. For 2025 expect 18 November – 24 December 2025, with ticket sales typically announced in mid-September 2025. It’s a small, boutique grotto so book early.
MIDLANDS
Alton Towers – Santa Sleepover & Panto packages
Alton Towers’ Santa Sleepover packages combine themed hotels, festive entertainment, a visit to Santa’s grotto and access to selected rides and shows — ideal for families wanting a full festive break. The experience mixes thrills with seasonal theatre (panto) and a special present for each child. From 2024 patterns expect weekends from 22 November – 23 December 2025, with package bookings typically opening in June 2025. Resort packages are limited so early booking secures the best rooms and grotto times.
Warwick Castle – Stories with Santa & Christmas at the Castle
Warwick Castle’s cosy “Stories with Santa” sits within its wider Christmas offering of light trails, shows and seasonal activities. Theatrical settings and castle backdrops make this a storybook visit, complete with a child’s gift and photo ops. For 2025 expect select dates across 22 November – 31 December 2025, with bookings usually released in July 2025. Weekend sessions sell fastest during school holidays.
West Midland Safari Park – Santa Safari & Grotto
West Midland Safari Park pairs a wildlife drive or walk with festive experiences: meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy a winter trail and catch seasonal shows. The Santa Safari blends animals, crafts and gifts for children. Projected 2025 dates are 22 November – 24 December 2025, with online booking commonly going live in August 2025. Safari parking bundles and grotto add-ons can save time on the day.
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 usually available from early October 2025. Peak Saturday slots fill quickly — target weekday mornings if you want calmer visits.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland (York Designer Outlet) – Grotto & ice rink
York’s outdoor Winter Wonderland pairs a snowy grotto village with a big outdoor ice rink, vintage rides and a festive market. The grotto visit is atmospheric and makes a day out of shopping and skating. For 2025 anticipate 15 November 2025 – 5 January 2026, with tickets typically released in September 2025. Evening skating sessions are popular — prebook skate times at the same time as grotto tickets.
Fenwick – Santa on the Roof (Newcastle)
Fenwick’s rooftop grotto is a regional institution: families embark on a rooftop journey through winter scenes before meeting Santa and receiving a gift. It’s an atmospheric and slightly theatrical experience. Based on previous years expect 15 November – 24 December 2025, with booking announced in mid-September 2025. These sessions often sell fast — register interest with Fenwick for priority access.
Selfridges Breakfast with Santa (Trafford Centre)
Selfridges’ Breakfast with Santa offers a child-only, magical morning with food, entertainment and a gift from Santa and Mrs Claus. A bit pricier than standard grottos, it’s an intimate and memorable option for ages 2–10. Expect selected dates 6 – 21 December 2025, with bookings usually opening in late October 2025. Spaces are limited so reserve early if you want weekend mornings.
WALES
Zipmas at Zip World – T? Santa & Elf Village
Zip World’s Zipmas is an adventure-style festive trip with routes to T? Santa through a snowy elf village. Children receive personalised gifts and families enjoy seasonal food and games. For 2025 expect 29 November – 23 December 2025, with tickets generally released in early September 2025. This is popular with adventurous families — combine with Zip World’s other attractions for a full day.
SCOTLAND
Woodland Santa Experience (Loch Lomond) – Forest trail & grotto
Scotland’s Woodland Santa Experience at Loch Lomond offers a gentle woodland trail lit by fairy lights, ending at Santa’s cosy cabin — ideal for families who love nature and quiet magic. Children meet Santa and receive a present while warm seasonal treats make the walk cosy. Expect 29 November – 23 December 2025 and ticket sales in September 2025. Choose mid-week slots for quieter walks.
NATIONWIDE (Multiple locations)
Dobbies Garden Centres – Breakfast with Santa & Santa Paws
Dobbies runs Breakfast with Santa across many sites — a budget-friendly, cheerful morning event where children meet Santa, eat breakfast and take home a gift. Many branches also offer “Santa Paws” dog-friendly slots. For 2025 expect events running from mid-November to 24 December 2025 depending on location, with bookings typically opening in August 2025. Check your local Dobbies page for exact dates and times.