Ho Ho Ho!  Here's our ultimate guide to all the Santa's Grottoes 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.

Last updated 3rd December 2018

Harpenden Round Table Santa Float
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, usually between 7pm and 8.45pm each weekday night and 4.30-6.30pm at weekends.  The following timetable is PROVISIONAL and could be subject to change.  You can check the Harpenden Round Table Facebook page for updates:

3rd Dec: Townsend Lane, Claygate Avenue, Moreton End Lane
4th Dec: Grove Road & Avenue, Meadway, Wheathampstead Road
5th Dec: Southdown (between Grove Road & railway line)
6th Dec: Ox Lane, St James Road, Sauncey Avenue, Wroxham Way
7th Dec: Roundwood area, Park Rise, Park Mount, Park Hill
9th Dec: Bloomfield Road, Ambrose Lane, Hollybush Lane, Tennyson Road
10th Dec: Cravells Road, Limbrick Road, Eastmore Park
11th Dec: Wood End area, Tuffnells Way, Ashley Gardens
12th Dec: Batford
13th Dec: Derwent Road, Tuffnells Way, The Close
14th Dec: Stewart Road, Manland Way & Avenue, Sauncey Avenue, Cross Way
16th Dec: Aldwickbury Crescent, Chesterton Avenue
17th Dec: Topstreet Way, Piggottshill Lane, Alzey Gardens
18th Dec: Westfield Road, Springfield Crescent, Hyde View Road, Coldharbour Lane
19th Dec: Milton Road, Crabtree Lane, Overstone Road
20th Dec: West Common
21st Dec: Crabtree Lane,Dalkeith Road, Lyndhurst Road, Langdale Avenue
23rd Dec:  Farmers Market, outside Sainsburys (10am-2pm)
24th Dec: The Avenues (early evening, exact time TBC)

Harpenden Rotary Club Santa Float
The Rotary Club of Harpenden Village organise a charity Santa Float around Wheathampstead, Blackmore End and Kimpton. This year they will be visiting the following streets and areas in the evenings:
4th December: Bury Green, Wick Avenue and Lattimore Road
6th December: Butterfield Road, The Hill and Marford Road
7th December: Necton Road, Tudor Road, Caesars Road area
10th December: Conquerors Hill and Hill Dyke estate
13th December: Waddling Lane, Lower Luton Road, Folly Fields area


Harpenden Christmas Carnival
Sunday 25th November 2018
Santa's Grotto will be located in Thompson's close.
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Southdown Christmas Street Party & Lights Up
Friday 30th November 2018, 5 - 7.30pm
Santa will be there in his grotto.
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Batford Christmas Wonderland
Sunday 2nd December 2018, 11am - 4.30pm
Visit Santa in Santa Land and receive a gift.  Tickets can be bought on the day.  The Christmas Wonderland event will also include ice-skating.  Tickets for skating can be booked in advance.  A number will also be available on the day.
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Wheathampstead Lights Up
Thursday 29th November
5.45-8pm
Santa will be visiting as part of this event.
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Redbourn Christmas Market
Sunday 3rd December 2018
11 - 1.30pm and 2 - 4.30pm
Santa will be in his magical grotto on the High Street 11am - 1.30pm and 2 - 4.30pm
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St Albans Christmas Lights Switch-on
Sunday 18th November
12-6pm
Santa will be in his grotto.
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Meraki Christmas Festival (formerly St Alban's Christmas Market)
30th November - 6th December 2018 @ Herts County Showground
8th December - 22nd December 2018 @ Verulamium Park
Grotto and Experiences open Thursday - Sunday.
Choose from a 40-minute Father Christmas experience or a more traditional Grotto meet & greet.  Advanced booking for Father Christmas Experiences is recommended.
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Help Father Christmas at St Albans Museum
15th December 2018
This is not a grotto, but a Father Christmas meet with a difference.  Organised by St Albans for Refugees children are invited to DONATE a gift (see website for details of suitable gifts) and in return children can meet Santa for free, have a photo taken and receive a lollipop.
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Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
24th November - 24th December 2018
Your festive experience will begin with a visit to the magical Christmas grotto, where you will be greeted by one of Santa's elves. The children will then have an opportunity to make their own reindeer food and listen to a Christmas story - told by Sprout, a very special reindeer! Each family will then visit Santa and the children will receive a small gift each. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. Tickets are just £9.99 per child. Adults are charged at £1 each, which will be donated to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young. Make your visit even more magical with a meal in our family friendly Winter Wonderland restaurant. We've created a children's, Christmas-themed breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea!
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Notcutts Garden Centre, St Albans
From 18th November 2018
Booking required.  Visit Santa in his own magical winter wonderland.  Also tea or breakfast with Santa available, and you can see Santa arrive on 18th November at 11.30am.
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Willows Farm Santa Spectacular
21st November - 24th December 2018
There is so much to do at Santa Spectacular with a full day out of indoor and outdoor fun including meeting Santa and receiving a golden key to his Toy Shop, attending Elf Academy, saying hello to Santa’s reindeer and so much more.
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Abbey Line Santa Express
9th December 2018
Running from St Albans Abbey  and Watford Junction to Bricket Wood, hop aboard Santa’s festive train on the Abbey Line which will take you to his special grotto. Alight at Bricket Wood Station and follow the trail to the Grotto at St Stephen Parish Centre. There will also be Face Painting, Balloon modelling, Arts & Crafts, Mini ride on ‘Steam’ Railway, quiz with prizes to be won, refreshments and live music.
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Father Christmas at John Lewis, Welwyn Garden City
6th - 9th December 2018
Meet Father Christmas and choose a gift from his Toy Shop. Tickets £15 (includes a gift with a retail price of £15 chosen from a selection provided).  For £7.50 include a personalised Christmas Eve plate.  Or for £2.50 decorate your own mug.  Contact the Toy Department to book.

Father Christmas at Wardown House
2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd December 2018
Curl up with Mother Christmas to hear her festive story, share milk and cookies with one of our friendly Elves and meet Father Christmas himself to receive a special gift from under the tree.
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The Mall, Luton
23rd November - 24th December 2018
Visit Father Christmas in the enchanted fairy castle in Central Square. Queue on the day or book in advance. Special needs sessions on 2nd & 16th December 9am - 11am and signed sessions on Sunday 8th December 10am - 12 noon.
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Vanstone Park Garden Centre, Codicote
Every weekend 1st - 23rd December & 24th December 2018
Take a trip on the Santa Express into the woodland and visit Santa in his grotto.  No need to book.
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Breakfast with Father Christmas at Dunstable Downs
1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 20th - 23rd December 20158
9.30am & 10.30am
Father Christmas will be having breakfast in The View Café so why not join him? He will be there to talk to everyone so if you have any requests you can give them to him.
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Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
8th, 9th, 15th, 16th and 18th - 24th December 2018
Book a timed slot to visit Santa in his grotto (general zoo entry still required).
Throughout weekends and the week leading up to Christmas, visitors can book to Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as an extra wintery treat. Every child, will receive an early Christmas gift as well as have the opportunity to pose for a yuletide photograph with Santa.
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Wrest Park, Luton
Every weekend 1st - 23rd December 2018
Join in the festive fun with the man himself at Wrest Park this Christmas. Meet Father Christmas as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations.
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Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey - Watford Colosseum
1st - 24th December 2017
A festive show.  Songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa and a gift.
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intu: Watford
23rd November - 24th December 2018
Find our magical trail in our gallery space above Next. Simply take the escalator from the upper mall up to the grotto entrance where you’ll be greeted by a friendly elf before embarking on your magical journey to meet Santa. Once you've told Santa exactly what's on your Christmas list this year, he'll present you with a small gift to get you in to the festive spirit.
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Aldenham Country Park Frost Fair
15th November 2018
Along with all gifts, food, music and entertainment Father Christmas will be there
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Knebworth House Sunday Lunch with Santa
2nd, 9th 16th December 2018
Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic lunch at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Pre-booking essential.  Tickets expected to sell out early.
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Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell
17th November - 22nd December 2018
Santa will magically reaveal a real mini Christmas tree for each child to decorate and take home, along with his traditional present. Great Grotto’s cheeky elves will greet you with a smile upon arrival and when ready, invite you to walk through into Santa’s chamber. Only families with a pre-booked ticket can visit Santa on weekends and the week before Christmas.  Outside of these dates it's first-com first-served.
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Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Wednesdays and weekends 1st- 19th December, plus 20th - 24th December 2018
A 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway. Meet Santa in his grotto, where children up to 12 will receive an early present. For the grown-ups, free seasonal refreshments await. Booked required
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The Magic of Christmas - Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday - Sunday from 1st December, plus 24th December 2018
Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a groups story, Naughty & Nice Challenge Walk through, Magical Enchanted Forest, Make a Bear Workshop, Reindeer Flying School, Make Reindeer Food, Decorate Gingerbread in Merry Berry’s Christmas Kitchen plus entry to the Farm.
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The Santa Show, Hertford Theatre
222nd - 24th December 2018
This exciting brand new sing along interactive show is perfect for 2 – 5 yr olds and their families. Children will also get the chance to meet Santa and receive their very own Christmas present!
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The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Beds
Open every Saturday & Sunday from 1st December 2018 and every Friday, Saturday, Sunday in December from 7th December 2018, plus Monday 24th December 2018.
Tinseltoes and Snowball are waiting to take you on a special 40 minute, fun-filled adventure of festive singing and high jinks with Rudolph and Percy the Polar Bear, before a surprise visit and story from Santa himself! Booking required.
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Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
18th & 24-25th November, 1st - 20th December 2018
Be greeted by Santa’s Head Elf and his team who will get you in the festive mood with singing and dancing. Decorate your very own gingerbread biscuit in Mrs Christmas' Kitchen. Fun and games with Santa’s elves. You will have individual family time with Santa and one of his elves will capture the perfect festive photo. Santa will have a gift for the whole family to enjoy as well as your pre-chosen gift for each child. 
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The Centre:MK – Santa’s Grotto
9th November - 24th December 2018 (except 12th - 16th Nov)
Join Chef Ginger-Snaps, our jibbering, jabbering Nordic Christmas Chef in centre:mk’s chaotic kitchen as the annual ‘Elf Christmas Feast’ preparation is in full swing! Decorate your very own Gingerbread Christmas Tree before meeting the big man himself – Santa!!
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Buckinghamshire Railway - Festive Day out with Thomas
Every weekend 1st - 23rd December 2018
Santa's steam train will be pullled by Thomas the Tank engine.  A ride on a steam train and you will be joined on board by Santa
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Chiltern Open Air Museum - Traditional Christmas
1st & 2nd December 2018
Enjoy a traditional Christmas and meet Santa (additional charge)
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Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne
Every weekend plus Monday, Wednesday Friday from 17th November then daily 15th - 24th December 2018
Santa will arrive on 17th November at 10.30am and light the Christmas tree before taking pride of place in his magical grotto. Enjoy Gingerbread and bauble decorating, Christmas arts and crafts and the opportunity to write your letters to Santa. All children receive a sticker, badge and a gift from the toy factory.
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Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill, Enfield
From 17th November 2018
Climb aboard the Santa Express for a train ride to Christmas Wonderland. Largest grotto in London. Advance booking available, but you can also turn up on the day and queue.
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Santa's Grotto at Lee Valley White Water Centre
1st - 24th December
Part of their Christmas event which also includes ice-skating and a fun fair.  Children can book to see Santa and receive a gift.
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Odds Farm Park, High Wycombe
1st – 24th December 2018
Take your Christmas Spectacular Pass through the Enchanted Forest, to start your magical journey to the North Pole. Meet the Elves and Father Christmas, head into the Elves’ Workshop to create your extraordinary take home gift and finally step into the Toy Shop to choose your Christmas Spectacular present!
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World's End Garden Centre, Wendover
17th November - 24th December 2018
Meet Santa and his helpers in Santa's Grotto.  There is no pre-booking, just turn up on the day.
Breakfast, Lunch or Tea with Father Christmas also available (booking required)
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Bletchley Park 1940s Vintage Christmas Grotto
2nd - 23rd December 2018 (selected dates only)
Each child will receive a present to keep, and enjoy festive crafts and music while they wait. Don’t miss out on a chance to step back in time and experience our 1940’s style Christmas Grotto.
MUST BE BOOKED 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE
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Milton Keynes Museum - A Victorian Christmas
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 30th November - 23rd December 2018
As part of their Victorian Christmas experience, which includes a market, crafts, roaring fires, carols and more, Santa and his elves will be waiting to hear whether young visitors have been naughty or nice – and give them a special gift to take away. Booking is recommended for Santa.
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Brent Cross Shopping Centre
15th November - 24th December 2018
This FREE grotto promises an unforgettable experience, but walk-up slots cannot be guaranteed so booking is recommended (£1 booking fee applies) to avoid disappointment. There will also be specific quiet times arranged for children who have additional needs. Customers who would like to book for this section, need to book online.
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Christmas at the RAF London Museum
15th - 16th November 2018
Father Christmas will be camping out in the Nissen Hut, surrounded by First World War aircraft. Every child will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his special First World War era grotto. There will be a special Christmas gift for each child to take home and a chance to take photographs at the end of your visit.  Tickets can be purchased on the day subject to availability, but advance booking recommended to avoid disappointment.
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