Ho Ho Ho!  Here's our ultimate guide to all the Santa's Grottos and Father Christmas Experiences taking place in the local area this year.  From train rides to winter wonderlands you can find them all here.  So don't delay and get booking, as some of the most popular ones get booked up very quickly!

We will continue to add to this page as more details of where Santa will be appearing become available.  We do our best to ensure all these details are correct but from time to time things do change so please do check the websites and book where necessary to avoid disappointment.

Look out for the entries highlighted below in green, these indicate sessions catering for children with additional needs.

Last updated 5th December 2024

Harpenden Round Table Santa Float
2nd - 23rd December 2024
Keep an eye (or an ear) out for this charity float and its special passenger passing through the streets of Harpenden and collecting for charity in the lead up to Christmas.  Weeknight collections will be from 6:30 to about 8pm; Sundays from 4:30 to about 6:30pm.  You can also donate online.  This year's charities are Haven, The AT Society and Herts Young Homeless.  Click below to see the map of areas covered each night.
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Harpenden Christmas Carnival Santa's Grotto
Sunday 24th November 2024
Despite the sad news that Harpenden Christmas Carnival has been cancelled due to the weather, Santa will still be coming to Harpenden! He'll be inside at Bennets (Harpenden British Legion) between from 12noon until 6pm (with a break from 3pm to 3.30pm) just turn up and join the queue. Tickets are £3 per child and include a small gift from Santa. 
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Batford Lights-Up
Thursday 28th November 2024
Santa will be in Shezzo's Cafe.  Drop in on the day
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Southdown Lights and Lanterns Extravaganza
Friday 29th November 2024, 5.30 - 7.30pm
Santa will be in his grotto in The Harpenden Trust Halls and there will be craft activities for the children while they wait. Drop in on the day.
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Santa's Grotto at The Little Gym
Monday 23rd December 2024
Come and visit Santa's workshop for some sensory play and crafts, make reindeer food, enjoy some treats and of course a Christmas themed assault course in the gym and gift from Father Christmas himself.  Open to members and non-members.
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The Old Bell - Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays 7th, 14th and 21st December plus Monday 23rd December 2024
Bring your little ones and watch their smiling faces light up as they enjoy a delicious breakfast full of tasty treats and festive surprises with Santa. Booking now open.
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Redbourn Christmas Market
Sunday 1st December 2024, 11 - 5pm
Santa will be in his magical grotto on the High Street. Drop in on the day.
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Wheathampstead Lights-Up and Christmas Market
Thursday 28th November 2024
Santa will be in his grotto in the market in the Crinkle Crankle Gardens. Drop in on the day.
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Father Christmas at Luton Hoo Walled Garden - SOLD OUT
Sunday 8th December 2024
Father Christmas is taking some time out from his busy schedule to have a chat and a mince pie at Luton Hoo Estate. Places are limited - book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets will be available from 1st October.
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St Albans Christmas Cracker
Sunday 17th November 2024
Visit Santa in his grotto.
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STaR Reverse Father Christmas, St Albans Museum
Saturday 14th December, 11am - 4pm
A Santa visit with a difference, bring along a small gift for a refugee or asylum seeker (adult or child) living locally.  Free entry, no booking required.
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Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
Weekends from 9th, 16th, 17th, 22nd-24th November then 28th November to 24th December 2024
Come and visit Santa in our magical Christmas grotto. 
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Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre - Quiet Sessions
Sundays 17th November to 22nd December 2024, 10am to 10:30am
Our quiet needs sessions have been developed to provide a more relaxed and quiet environment for children with special educational needs (SEN). These sessions are the first of the day, which is when our centre tends to be quieter.
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Willows Farm Santa Spectacular
Weekends from 23rd November, the 19th to 24th December 2024
There’s no better place to bring your children to meet Santa and enjoy a fabulous festive family day out. Take a trip through our magical winter wonderland where you’ll find Santa in his amazing Grotto. Santa will give children a key to his Toy Shop where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling. Visit our Create-a-Cuddle Workshop where children can choose from a range of soft toys to make, name and take home along with a certificate. Get crafty and decorate tasty gingerbread. Write a letter to Santa (don’t forget to add your address so he can reply!) Pop on 3D glasses to watch our short festive 3D film. Sing along with our new festive shows and more!
Tickets on sale from 9th September, 9am.
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Father Christmas Visits Wardown House
7th, 14th, 20th & 21st December 2024
A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery.Children are invited to listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when they meet Father Christmas. Plus, they can enjoy milk and cookies in our cosy café afterwards, while you enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee! There will be an opportunity to take photos of your children with Father Christmas, and enjoy the festive backdrop of the beautifully decorated house, decked out in traditional Victorian style decor. Booking now open.
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Enchanted Forest Grotto at Luton Point Mall
Weekends from 23rd November, then 21st - 24th December 2024
At the entrance to the ‘Enchanted Forest’ you’ll be welcomed by a friendly Forest Elf who will guide the way along the magical forest path. Our smallest guests will be invited to create their own wooden Christmas decoration and pose for a festive photo on the ‘Forest Throne’. Nestled amongst the trees, Father Christmas’ log cabin will be shining brightly ready to greet you for a one-on-one family meeting. After sharing your hopes & dreams for this festive season, Father Christmas will reward you with a magical token, to be thrown into the ‘Christmas Wishing Well’ along with your BIGGEST wish, before you head out of the ‘Enchanted Forest’. Entry to Luton Point’s ‘Enchanted Forest’ event is £3 per child or FREE if you have spent £20 or more in any of Luton Point’s shops on the day of your visit (if you are visiting during the first 1.5hrs (between 10am and 11.30am) on a Sunday morning we can accept receipts from the previous 3 days prior as stores will not be open in time to present receipts for that day.)
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Enchanted Forest Grotto at Luton Point Mall - Quiet Sessions
Sundays from 23rd November
To ensure all children can experience the magic of Christmas at our Enchanted Forest Grotto we will be offering quiet sessions during the first hour of every Sunday when Luton Point is a little quieter and the children can be allowed more time to complete the activity. The centre will be turning off music and radio systems, limit our tannoy messages (these will only be used in emergency situations), ensure no fire alarm testing takes place and turning off our digital screens. 
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Santa's Storytime at John Lewis, Welwyn
5th to 24th December 2024
Join Santa and his elves for an enchanting craft and story session. Create a beautiful Christmas keepsake to take home with you. Then settle down for a festive tale read by Santa himself. You’ll receive a special gift to take away too.
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A Palace Visit with Santa, Hatfield House
1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December 2024
You will be greeted upon your arrival by children’s storyteller Alex Shows, who will take you through a journey of the Old Palace, telling of the history of this magnificent building, including the story of Elizabeth I and her childhood festivities – all presented in Alex’s signature style, with lots of energy and bundles of fun. Then you will meet Santa himself in the cosy Lower Solar Room, against the backdrop of a beautiful fireplace, where you can have your picture taken with Santa and choose a wonderful Hatfield Park branded gift, as a special memento to remember the occasion.
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Santa Storyboats at Frogmore Papermill Wharf
23rd December 2024
Santa Storyboats are very special. Santa makes a special visit to joins us, on our trip, in a festive Bryan Donkin boat. Dressing up is expected! Christmas themed stories will be told by our storyteller, as we take a trip down the River Gade, from outside our Visitor Centre, along the River Gade, down to the Grand Union Canal and back. Children will receive a gift from Santa. Booking is essential to join the fun. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 2nd December.
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Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
23rd November - 24th December 2024
Meet Santa returns to Whipsnade Zoo! Sign up on the website for more information when booking opens.  Booking links will only be sent to those who register their interest via the website!
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Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa at Tring Garden Centre
Breakfast: weekends from 1st December then 21st – 24th December 2024
Afternoon Tea: 14th, 15th, 21st - 23rd December 2024
Come join us to create wonderful memories with the whole family! Give your little ones a morning they’ll never forget filled with fun, food, and a surprise visit from a very special someone…Take the opportunity for a photo* with Santa before receiving a special gift and handing over those all important letters! Booking now open.
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Santa and the Wishmas Owl at Watford Atria - FREE
Weekends from 30th November then 19th - 24th December 2024
Whisper your wishes to the magical Wishmas Owl at atria, Watford’s new festive adventure with Santa and the Woodland Elves. Children will be greeted by the Wishmas Woodland Elves, jolly woodland sprites who speak to the animals and trees of the forest. There, they will meet Santa and the most majestic of their forest friends, the Wishmas Owl! After meeting Santa, families will work together to send their wishes up into the skies for the Wishmas Owl to ‘catch on her wings’ and fly them up to the North Pole to help power Christmas with kindness. With lots of games and storytelling from the Woodland Elves to add the fun, this will be a wonderful wish-filled winter experience for all. This is a 20-minute group experience  Booking now open.
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Santa and the Wishmas Owl at Watford Atria - FREE - Reduced Capacity SEND Sessions
Weekends from 30th November then 19th - 24th December 2024
Each day, 10 SEND tickets are available for the first session, offering reduced capacity to give children with SEND more time to enjoy the experience.  Booking now open.
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Santa’s Magical Grotto at Winter-Fest at Aldenham Country Park
Weekends from the 30th November to 15th December and daily from 16th - 24th December 2024
Discover the secrets that unfold as you journey through Santa's Magical Grotto! Help the Elf prepare for Santa's busy Christmas schedule, meet the big man himself, pick a present from Santa’s toy shop and write a letter for a video response on Christmas Eve.  You must purchase a ticket for Winter-Fest and Santa's Magical Grotto is an add-on extra. Booking now open.
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Knebworth House Dine with Santa
15th and 22nd December 2024
Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic meal at Knebworth Barns complete with a visit from Santa. Pre-booking essential. Booking now open. 
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Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell
Friday to Sunday from 2nd November, then daily from 20th November 2024
Children will have the chance to meet Santa, share their excitement for the big day, and personally deliver their Christmas wishes. Each child will also receive a special gift from Santa himself. Booking now open.
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Santa's Woodland Grotto and Santa Paws, Church Farm Ardley
Available as an add-on to the Farm Day Pass, visit Santa and the Elves in his woodland Grotto with quality presents to choose from. Dog lovers can book to see Santa Paws and experience the festivities with a special doggie version of Santa's Grotto, including special treats and a gift from our Puppy Toy Workshop!
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Santa’s Grotto at Hertfordshire Zoo
Weekends in December, plus 23rd & 24th December 2024
Hertfordshire Zoo will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and special experiences for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of the season is the magical Christmas Grotto, where children can meet Santa Claus himself! You will have the chance to share your Christmas wishes with Santa, receive a small gift, and capture the moment with a keepsake photo. This magical experience is included in the price of your day ticket!
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Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday from 1st December then 18th - 24th December 2024
Take a 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway that’s more than 100 years old, and run by enthusiastic volunteers. Meet Santa at Page's Park grotto, where children up to 12 will receive an early present. Booking now open,
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Christmas at Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
Weekends from 30th November then 20th - 24th December 2024
Experience a magical festive adventure  as the yuletide cheer of the North Pole takes over the farm. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, journey through Christmas HQ and help find the magic. Wander through The Magical Forest and make some Reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to visit the Make a Bear Workshop to create your own cuddly toy. Booking now open.
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The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire
From 23rd November 2024
A fabulous festive fifty-minute experience with delights for all the family. Design your own Santa Express decoration to take home with you. Receive a Christmassy letter from Rudolph and your magical reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve. Make your own special wish upon a star. Enjoy a ride on Santa’s Express. Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their cosy sitting room, where Santa will have a story for you and a present for each child, enjoy your own special time with him and there will be the opportunity for you to take that memorable photograph. Booking now open.
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Father Christmas at Wrest Park
Weekends from 29th November, then 20th - 23rd December 2024
Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap. Booking now open.
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Father Christmas at Wrest Park - BSL Interpreted Sessions
29th November at 10.20am and 11am
Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap. Booking now open.
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Panto Express with Father Christmas, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Weekends from 30th November 2024
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk -  all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year, it’s bigger and better than ever! Booking now open.
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Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
16th & 17th November, then 23rd November - 24th December 2024
Gather 'round the fire with Mrs. Christmas as she brings the magic of Christmas to life with her heart-warming stories. Let your imagination run wild in our Toy Factory, where children can choose a Christmas-themed cuddly toy to build, adding a personal touch to their festive keepsake. Experience the joy of meeting Father Christmas himself! Step into a winter wonderland and join in the fun of making special reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Finally take a piece of the magic home with you by working with your family to plant a mini-Christmas tree, in a beautiful bamboo plant pot. Popular dates already selling out!
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Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands - Exclusive SEN Sessions
17th & 24th November and 1st December 2024
To help make our Grotto experience as accessible as possible to any families who may require any additional support, we are offering an exclusive SEN session. 
This session will be the same unique Grotto experience you would expect from Frosts, with some small adaptations in the way of smaller groups of people, reduced lighting and sound and less display furniture making it easily accessible for all. 
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Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill, Enfield
11th November - 24th December 2024
All aboard at our station platform, where you begin your magical ride through the reindeer forest! You may even be lucky enough to see Santa’s reindeer resting before they take flight on Christmas Eve. You’ll continue your magical ride through the Wonderland where you will see some familiar Christmas favourites, en route to Santa’s magical Ice Kingdom where Santa will greet you alongside your carriage. Remaining in your carriage you finally visit the Elves toy shop where you finish your ride and choose your Christmas gift with love from Santa.  This is now a fully pre-booked event.  You can no longer just turn up.  Booking opens Friday 6th September.
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The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Waltham Abbey
Weekends from 24th November then 20th - 24th December
Our fabulously festive Santa Claus Experience is a great way to start your festive celebrations this year. Santa’s cheeky elves can not wait to welcome you on our magical group experience of festive fun.  Includes Sparkle Snow Show, Mother Christmas' Magical Kitchen, decorate a gingerbread man, and meet Santa with photo opportunities and goodies for the children. Only pre-bookings will be able to see Santa Claus. Booking now open.
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The Centre:MK – Visit Santa and Meet his Newest Reindeer, Norbert!
16th November - 24th December 2024
Enter Santa’s wondrous reindeer stable, where families can experience the story of Santa’s newest reindeer, Norbert, in a heartwarming, immersive adventure. Norbert is an adorable reindeer puppet, who communicates through his elf puppeteer, to interact with the children as his special story of Christmas magic unfolds. The families will then move on into the craft area, where children will make environmentally friendly reindeer food in a hessian craft bag, decorated with a wooden reindeer tag to take with them. Each family will then meet Santa, where the children will receive a gift and have the opportunity for a professional photograph to be taken. The experience lasts around 30 minutes.
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The Centre:MK – Visit Santa and Meet his Newest Reindeer, Norbert! -  Relaxed Inclusive Sessions
30th November,  1st & 4th December 2024
Relaxed sessions are available for anyone who might benefit from them, including disabled, neurodiverse or sensory sensitive children. 
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Odds Farm Park Christmas Cracker, High Wycombe
Fridays - Sundays from 29th Novermber, then 18th - 24th December 2024
Take a magical stroll to the North Pole and enjoy a personal visit to meet Father Christmas! Soak up the seasonal splendor with the return of our sell-out Christmas Spectacular Experience, where the Farm Park has been sprinkled with yuletide wonder and festive frivolities, and families will be joined by a very special guest! Booking now open.
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Odds Farm Park SEN Christmas Cracker, High Wycombe
29th November & 1st, 6th and 8th December 2024
Dedicated SEN sessions are set aside for families with children with additional needs, where there will be a slower pace
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Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto
Weekends from 1st December 2024, then 19th - 23rd December 2024
To celebrate the festive season here at Bletchley Park, we welcome children and their families to visit our unique Vintage Christmas Grotto to meet Father Christmas! Families will have time in the Grotto, where children will meet with Father Christmas, have a chat and receive a special Christmas gift. Booking now open.
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Bletchley Park Relaxed Christmas Grotto
Saturday 30th November 2024
To make sure every child has the chance to celebrate the festive season here at Bletchley Park, we welcome children and their families to visit our unique relaxed Vintage Christmas Grotto experience to meet Father Christmas! Our fully trained team will make sure children have a magical meeting with Father Christmas in our beautifully decorated Mansion, where they’ll receive a lovely Christmas gift to take home. This experience is appropriate for children on the autistic spectrum, as well as children with sensory conditions, who are neurodiverse or have other additional needs.
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Father Christmas and Nativity Barn, Herrings Green Activity Farm
7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December 2024
Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to see Father Christmas in his nativity barn. He’s been busy all year preparing for the big day and has pulled out all the stops to bring some cheer to your visit to the farm. Plan a festive day our for all the family.
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