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.

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

Last updated 27th November 2019

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 6.45pm and 8.30pm each weekday night and 4.30-6.30pm at weekends.  The timetable is currently being finalised.  As and when we have the details we will include them here, but you can also check the Harpenden Santa website for the latest news plus visit the website on the night Santa is in your area and track his progress towards your street. Unfortunately they will be unable to visit every street in every area.

Mon 2nd Dec: Townsend Ln, Barns Dene, Claygate Av, Moreton End Ln, Douglas Rd
Tue 3rd Dec: Grove Av, Pipers Av, High Firs, Greenway, Sibley Av, Meadway, Leycroft Way
Wed 4th Dec: Wellbeck Rise, Cranbourne Drive
Thu 5th Dec: Jameson Rd, St James Rd, Willoughby Rd, Lea Rd, Wroxham Wy, Oulton Rise, Ox Ln
Fri 6th Dec:  Aldwickbury Crescent, Chesterton Avenue
Sun 8th Dec: Crabtree Lane (north east end) and surroundings
Mon 9th Dec: Harpenden Rise, Park Rise, Park Mount, Park Hill, Roundwood Park, Falconers Field
Tue 10th Dec: Vale Cl, Tuffnells Wy (west end), Carpenders Cl, Shepherds Wy, The Close
Wed 11th Dec: Salisbury Av, Roseberry Av, Longcroft Av, Maple Rd, Orchard Av, Rothamsted Av
Thu 12th Dec: Molescroft, Ridge Av, Ridgewood Dr, Wells Cl, Tuffnells Wy (east end), Ashley Gdns, Haslingden Cl, Brackendale Gr, Yeomans Av, Wood End Hill
Fri 13th Dec: Cravells Rd (south-west end), Eastmoor Park, Grange Ct Rd
Sun 15th Dec: Stewart Rd, Sauncey Av (south-east end), West Wy, Manland Av, Browning Rd, Elliswick Rd, Connaught Rd, Devonshire Rd, Cornwall Rd
Mon 16th Dec: Topstreet Wy, Meadow Walk, Barnfield Rd, Piggottshill Ln, Alzey Gdns
Tue 17th Dec: Bloomfield Rd, Hillside Rd, Lambourn Gdns, Ambrose Ln, Tennyson Rd, Wordsworth Rd, Hollybush Ln (east end)
Wed 18th Dec: Salisbury Rd, Batford Rd, Common Ln, Tallents Cres, Finley Rd, Holcroft Rd, Roundfield Av, Noke Shot, Porters Hill
Thu 19th Dec: Barlings Rd, The Chowns, Hawsley Rd, Penny Croft, Wheatfield Rd, Oakfield Rd, West Common Wy
Fri 20th Dec: Hyde View Rd, Westfield Dr, Springfield Cres, Rye Hill, Moorland Rd, Westfield Rd (SW end), Lindley C

Mon 23rd (6:45-8:30pm): Overstone Rd, Gilpin Gr, Crabtree Ln (SW end), Spenser Rd, Cowper Rd, Kipling Wy

Tue 24th (4-6pm): Longfield Rd, Coleswood Rd, Field Cl, Broadstone R

 

 

Harpenden Rotary Club Santa Float
The Rotary Club of Harpenden Village organise a charity Santa Float around Wheathampstead, Blackmore End and Kimpton. We will share the timetable here as soon as it is available.

Harpenden Christmas Carnival
Sunday 24th November 2019, from 12.30pm (closed 2.45 - 3.30pm)
Santa's Grotto will NOT be in Thomson's close this year!  It will be located on the green opposite Park Hall (where the ice cream van sits outside the park during the summer!)  A visit to Santa costs £3.
More details

Southdown Lights & Lanterns Extravaganza
Friday 29th November 2019, 5.30 - 7.30pm
Santa will be there in his grotto.
More details

St Nicholas School Christmas Fair
Saturday 23rd November 2019, 10am - 1pm
Plenty of fun & activities for all the family to enjoy including an amazing Santa's Grotto!
More details

Redbourn Christmas Market
Sunday 1st December 2019
11 - 5pm
Santa will be in his magical grotto on the High Street
More details

 

Wheathampstead Lights Up
Thursday 28th December 2019
5.45 - 8pm
Santa will be there in his grotto.
More details

St Albans Christmas Cracker
Sunday 17th November 2019, 12-6pm
Santa's Grotto will be located in the St Albans Museum & Gallery where you can also take part in making your own eco-friendly wrapping paper.
More details

Help Father Christmas at St Albans Museum
14th December 2019, 10am - 4pm
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.
More details

Abbey Line Santa Express
7th December 2019
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 Stephens Parish Centre. There will also be Face Painting, Balloon modelling, Mini ride on ‘steam’ Railway, quiz with prizes to be won, refreshments by 4th North Watford Scouts Bricket Wood and live music.  Entry is free with a vaild train ticket.  A nominal fee may apply for some activities at the event. Let Santa know you’re coming, register your attendance on the website.
More details

Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
16th November - 24th December 2019
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 have an opportunity to decorate their own Christmas decoration to take home and then each family will visit Santa individually and the children will receive a small gift each. 
More details 

Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre - Additional Needs Sessions
30th November, 1st & 13th December 2019
Come and visit Santa’s Grotto for one of our additional needs sessions. These sessions have been developed to provide a more relaxed and quieter environment for your child, with music volume dimmed throughout.
More details 

Notcutts Garden Centre, St Albans
From 17th November 2019
Booking required.  As well as meeting Santa, your child will receive a Christmas gift, personally given by Santa. Also tea or breakfast with Santa available, and your dog can eve have a visit to Santa!
More details

Willows Farm Santa Spectacular
23rd November - 24th December 2019
Santa Spectacular is a full day out of festive family fun and the child ticket price includes all the activities and shows plus a visit to Santa and being able to choose a gift from his Toy Shop, making a toy bear in the Create-a-Character workshop and biscuit decorating.
More details

The Mall, Luton
23rd November to 24th December 2019
Visit our magical Nutcracker Grotto for a chance to meet the Nutcracker, make a wish with your golden key in the Nutcracker wishing well, followed by a visit to Father Christmas and the toy workshop elves.  
More details

The Mall, Luton - Quiet Sessions
1st & 15th December 2019, 9am - 11am
On the quiet mornings, although the centre will be open to the general public, shops will be closed therefore creating a much quieter and more relaxing environment. There will be no background music and we’ll have plenty of staff on hand to ensure any questions/needs are fulfilled.
More details

The Mall, Luton - Signing Sessions
11th & 12th December 2019, 2 - 5pm
Families with deaf or hard of hearing children will be given a priority visit.
More details

Father Christmas at Wardown House
1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December 2019
Curl up with Mother Christmas for a special story in the library before joining Father Christmas in the dining room for a special gift from under the tree. Afterwards, you'll be treated to milk and cookies with our friendly elves.
More details

Vanstone Park Garden Centre, Codicote
Every weekend from 30th November plus 23rd & 24th December 2019
Take a trip on the Santa Express into the woodland and visit Santa in his grotto.  No need to book. £5 per person.
More details 

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Dunstable Downs
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st - 23rd December 2019
9am, 10am, & 11am
Come and join Santa for breakfast as he prepares for the festive season.
More details

 

Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Weekends from 30th November plus 23rd & 24th December 2019
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.
More details

Wrest Park, Luton
7th, ,8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December 2019
Meet Father Christmas as he tells tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations. Lucky visitors will even get a festive treat from the man himself! 
More Details


Santa Claus and the Night before Christmas - Watford Colosseum
3rd - 24th December 2019
A magical Christmas experience with songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa and a gift.
More details

intu: Watford
22nd November - 24th December 2019
Come and meet Santa in our magical Nordic Christmas Grotto. All children will receive an age-appropriate gift, alongside a photo opportunity with Santa.
More details

intu: Watford - SEN Sessions
24th November 2019, 10-11am
30th November 2019, 9-10am
5th December 2019, 9-10am
To book an SEN hour, please contact 01442 218000.
More details

Aldenham Country Park Frost Fair
14th -17th November 2019
Along with all gifts, food, music and entertainment Father Christmas will be there
More details

Knebworth House Sunday Lunch with Santa
8th, 15th & 22nd December 2019
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.
More details

Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell
23rd November - 24th December 2019
Only families with a pre-booked ticket can visit Santa on weekends and the week before Christmas.  Outside of these dates Santa will be waiting to see you in his grotto on a  first-come first-served basis.
More details

Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Weekends 1st- 22nd December, Wednesdays from 11th December plus 23rd & 24th December 2019
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
More details

The Magic of Christmas - Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
Thursday - Sunday from 30th November, plus 23rd & 24th December 2019
Includes 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  plus entry to the Farm.
More details 

The Magic of Christmas - Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard - Autism Friendly Session
1st December 3-6pm
Limited queuing. Small group sizes. Calm lighting. Sessions exclusively for autistic individuals & families
More details 

The Santa Show, Hertford Theatre
14th, 15th, 17th-19th, 21st - 24th December 2019
This exciting, colourful, sing along interactive show is perfect for 2 – 6 yr olds, their families, pre-schools and nurseries. Children will also get the chance to meet Santa and receive their very own Christmas present!
More details

The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire
Weekends from 23rd November, including Fridays from 6th December plus 23rd & 24th December 2019
The naughtiest elf in the south pole, Elfie selfie, together with his friends including Rudolph and percy the polar bear, will be causing festive mischief as they take you on a magical 40 minute fun-filled experience of singing, stories and more and enjoying a story and a present from Santa himself in Mrs Claus’s cosy sitting room. Booking required.
More details


Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
Weekends from 9th November then 1st - 24th December 2019
Santa’s Head Elf and his team will get you in the festive mood with singing and dancing. In Santa’s toy workshop every child will be able to  choose a cuddly toy to create. Then get comfy for a wonderful magical story read by Santa himself. You will have family time with Santa and one of his elves will capture the perfect festive photo.
More details

 

Buckinghamshire Railway - The Panto Express with Father Christmas
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December 2019
All aboard The Panto Express to enjoy a visit from Father Christmas on the train. When the train comes back into Platform 4, come inside the Visitor Centre and take your seats to enjoy our mini family pantomime, brought to you by a professional touring theatre company!
More details

Chiltern Open Air Museum - Traditional Christmas
7th & 8th December 2019
Visitors can meet Father Christmas and hand deliver their Christmas lists to him at this special Christmas event.
More details

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne
Every from 23rd November then Friday – Sunday during December, then daily 15th - 24th December 2019
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.
More details

 

Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill, Enfield
From 
Take an enchanted train journey through magical lands on the Santa Express to the elves workshop to meet Santa. Departing from North Pole Station you’ll journey deep into Christmas wonderland with much to see along your travels.
More details

 

Odds Farm Park, High Wycombe
30th November – 24th December 2019
Take an enchanting, immersive stroll deep into the sparkling, wintry wonderland in search of Father Christmas. Enjoy a personal visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. Head on into the Elves’ Workshop to create your extraordinary take home gift and finally onto the Toy Shop to choose your Christmas Spectacular present. New for 2019 - Tea & Story Time with Father Christmas.
More details

Brent Cross Shopping Centre
19th November - 24th December 2019
Book your slot online.  Only £2 to meet Santa. 
More details

Brent Cross Shopping Centre - SEN Hours
21st November 2019, 7pm-8pm
27th November 2019, 10am-11am
1st December 2019 ,11am-12pm
10th December 2019, 7pm-8pm
16th December 2019, 10am-11am
20th December 2019, 10am-11am
Book your slot online.  Only £2 to meet Santa.
More details

 

The Centre:MK – Santa’s Grotto
Come along and join ‘Santa’s Snow School’. Amongst the festive Lab bubbling with flasks and smoking test tubes, the children will learn the Professors magical secret and take part in an incredibly ancient experiment creating real snow right before their very eyes! Children will have the opportunity to create their very own test tube of ‘Santa’s Snow-Nog’ using scrummy coco powder and lots of sprinkles to take a super chocolatey wintery treat home with them!
More details

 
Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto
30th November - 23rd December 2019 (on 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. Accompanying adults will need to purchase entry to the Museum. Special Autism-friendly sessions will run on Sunday 1st December and Thursday 19th December. MUST BE BOOKED 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
More details

Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto - Autism-friendly Sessions
1st & 19th December 2019
Every child that visits Father Christmas will receive an age appropriate present and while you wait there will be a reduced-noise festive craft area for your children to enjoy. During the sessions, we aim to adjust the lighting level to suit your child, turn music off if preferred, provide a specific time slot to minimise waiting time, offer you the chance to discuss any particular triggers for your child in advance.
More details

 

Christmas at the RAF London Museum
14th - 15th November 2019
Father Christmas will be nice and cosied-up next to the fireplace inside the Claude Grahame-White Office in Hangar 2. There will be a special Christmas gift for each child to take home and a chance to take photographs with Mr Clause at no additional charge.  
More details