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 24th November 2023

Harpenden Round Table Santa Float
1st - 22nd December 2023
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. This year’s charities are Bedfordshire Hospitals Little Feet Appeal, the Human Milk Foundation and Herts Young Homeless. Click on the link below to see the 2023 schedule and find out more about the charities.  You can also find a link to the live tracking so you can see where Santa is on the night he's in your area. Typically Santa will be out from 6:30 to about 8pm on weekdays, and 4:30 to about 6:30pm on Sundays.
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Harpenden Christmas Carnival Santa's Grotto
Sunday 26th November 2023
Santa will be there in his Grotto located opposite Park Hall.  Children are invited to come along from 12-5.30 (with a break between 2.45 and 3.30pm for Santa to take part in the procession). Children can meet Santa and receive a gift and craft activity. Entry to the Grotto is £3. Tickets can be obtained on the day, card only.
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Southdown Lights and Lanterns Extravaganza
Friday 1st December 2023, 5.30 - 7.30pm
Santa will be there in his grotto. The Harpenden Trust will be providing a free craft activity and refreshments in the Well Bean Cafe while you wait to meet Santa.
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Santa's Grotto at The Little Gym
Friday 22nd December 2023
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.
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Breakfast with Santa at Monty's
2nd, 9th & 16th December
Santa will be visiting Monty’s cafe in Harpenden Leisure Centre for breakfast and children are invited to join him.  Place are limited so booking is required.
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Aldwickbury Park Golf Club - Brunch with Santa
17th December 2023
Santa is taking a break from his busy Christmas preparations to join us for Brunch and he is bringing present for all the children!
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The Old Bell - Breakfast with Santa
9th, 16th and 23rd December 2023
The little ones can meet Santa - as well as receiving a little gift and enjoying a delicious meal.
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Redbourn Christmas Market
Sunday 3rd December 2023, 11 - 5pm
Santa will be in his magical grotto on the High Street.
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Wheathampstead Lights-Up and Christmas Market
Thursday 23rd November 2023
Santa will be in his grotto in the market in the Crinkle Crankle Gardens.
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Father Christmas at Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Sunday 10th December 2023
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.
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St Albans Christmas Cracker
Sunday 19th November 2023
St Albans kicks off the festive shopping season with a cracking day out for all the family. Musical and theatrical entertainment from local choirs and theatre companies as well as market stalls and street food, crafts, games and FREE Santa's grotto.
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Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
Weekends from 11th November then 29th November to 24th December 2023
Come and visit Santa in our magical Christmas grotto. 
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Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre - Additional Needs Sessions
Sundays 26th November to 17th December 2023, 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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Giving Grotto & Elves' Toy Workshop - The Mall, Luton (FREE)
Weekends from 25th November to 16th December then daily until 24th December 2023
Experience the magic of Christmas this year at The Mall with our FREE Christmas experience, the Giving Grotto and Elves’ Toy Workshop. Our smallest guests are invited for a special one-on-one visit with Father Christmas himself, where they can share all their hopes and dreams for the Christmas period and ensure their names are on the ‘nice list’.  With a fancy elf hat in place, they’ll venture out from Father Christmas’ secret hideaway, and into the Elves’ Toy Workshop where they can help the Elves sort through the thousands of Christmas present requests from across the world, as well as view the special Christmas Eve Delivery Route Map.  Father Christmas’ sleigh will be standing proud for all to admire, and once they’ve helped load a few more parcels, they’ll have the chance to make their own wooden Snowman-themed toy.  Guests are welcomed and encouraged to take photos of their visit with Father Christmas.  If families feel they can, and would like to, there will be a tap to donate device at the Grotto with all proceeds going to Luton Foodbank and Level Trust, as well as a giant giving box for present donations as part of our Luton Smiles campaign. Pre-booking advised.
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Giving Grotto & Reindeer Stables - The Mall, Luton - Quiet Sessions
26th November, 3rd, 10th & 17th December 2023 from 10am
Experience the magic of Christmas this year at The Mall with our FREE Christmas experience, the Giving Grotto and Elves’ Toy Workshop. Our smallest guests are invited for a special one-on-one visit with Father Christmas himself, where they can share all their hopes and dreams for the Christmas period and ensure their names are on the ‘nice list’.  With a fancy elf hat in place, they’ll venture out from Father Christmas’ secret hideaway, and into the Elves’ Toy Workshop where they can help the Elves sort through the thousands of Christmas present requests from across the world, as well as view the special Christmas Eve Delivery Route Map.  Father Christmas’ sleigh will be standing proud for all to admire, and once they’ve helped load a few more parcels, they’ll have the chance to make their own wooden Snowman-themed toy.  Guests are welcomed and encouraged to take photos of their visit with Father Christmas.  If families feel they can, and would like to, there will be a tap to donate device at the Grotto with all proceeds going to Luton Foodbank and Level Trust, as well as a giant giving box for present donations as part of our Luton Smiles campaign. Pre-booking advised.
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Willows Farm Santa Spectacular
Friday - Monday from 27th November, then 15th - 24th December 2023
There’s no better place to bring your children to meet Santa and enjoy a fabulous festive family day out.T ake 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!
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Father Christmas at Wardown House
Saturdays from 9th December plus Friday 22nd December 2023
A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery.
Listen to a festive story from Mother Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when you meet Father Christmas. Plus, you'll be treated to milk and cookies in our cozy café afterwards! 
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Santa's Grotto at John Lewis, Welwyn
24th November to 24th December 2023
Can you crack the code and unlock the door to meet Santa? Work your way through our interactive grotto (with the help of Santa's mischievous little helpers). Complete your mission and you’ll meet Santa, have your photo taken and receive a very special gift.
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Santa's Grotto at John Lewis, Welwyn - Relaxed Sessions
Wednesdays & Thursdays in December 2023
We’re running relaxed grotto sessions in most stores for those who prefer a more laid-back experience. Our team will try to help everyone feel comfortable enough to talk, sing, dance and even shout out at any point during the experience - or to navigate it quietly if they prefer.
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Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
25th November - 24th December 2023
This December, Meet Santa returns to Whipsnade Zoo! Sign up on the website for more information when booking opens.
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Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa at Tring Garden Centre
Breakfast: weekends from 2nd December then 22nd – 24th December 2023
Afternoon Tea: 16th, 17th 2nd & 23rd December 2023
Come join us for a magical morning to create wonderful memories with the whole family! Tuck into a delicious cooked breakfast or afternoon tea whilst your little ones play games and sing songs.  Take the opportunity for a photo with Santa before receiving a special gift and handing over those all-important letters!
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Santa's Flight School at Atria Watford
2nd to 24th December 2023
Santa’s Flight School returns to Atria, Watford with a new story and adventure to entertain the little ones this festive season. This unmissable FREE event was a sell-out last year so to avoid disappointment we recommend you book your FREE ticket today! This year Santa invites you to an enchanted Forest Glade, to meet his magical reindeer, play games with the Forest Flight elves and, of course, learn to fly in his famous sleigh!
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Santa's Flight Schoool at Atria Watford - Additional Needs Sessions
2nd to 24th December 2023
The experience is step-free though getting onto the sleigh may be difficult for some people. If your child is unable to get onto the sleigh, Santa will be happy to get off the sleigh to meet your child and they will still be able to activate the controls of the reindeer. If your family would benefit from additional support please book the earliest session each day when the event will have a slightly reduced capacity to allow children with SEND, for example, more time to complete the activity. If your family does not require this provision, please consider booking another session as SEND places are limited.
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Santa’s Grotto at Winter-Fest at Aldenham Country Park
25th November to 24th December 2023
Take a memorable trip through Santa's Magical Grotto to meet the excitable Elves! Venture on to meet the big man himself, and share all your Christmas wishes. Enter into his workshop and choose your perfect gift. On your way out, don't forget to write your letter to Santa and post it to receive a video message reply from Santa! 
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The Nutcracker Family Christmas Experience, Ashridge House
19th - 24th December 2023
Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince; help them defeat the Mouse King, venture through the Land of Snow, onto the Land of Sweets, and learn how to dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy.Your epic journey ends with the opportunity to meet and receive a present from Father Christmas, take photos and place a magic wish on Father Christmas’ Wishing Tree.
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Knebworth House Dine with Santa
17th and 22nd December 2023
Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic meal at Knebworth Barns, either lunch or dinner, complete with a visit from Santa. Pre-booking essential.  
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Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell
Friday to Sunday from 4th November, then daily from 23rd November 2023
Guided by Santa’s little helpers, make your way to meet Santa himself sitting on his throne, as he awaits your arrival, and to receive a very special gift! Booking required.
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Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday from 2nd December then 16th - 24th (except 19th) December 2023
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. 
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Christmas at Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 15th - 17th and 20th - 24th December 2023
Enjoy festive activities, meet our friendly animals, and indulge in delicious treats this Christmas at Mead Open Farm. Includes meeting Father Christmas for an enchanted group story and selecting your gift from Santa’s Toy shop as well as decorating a Gingerbread, picking up your bear which is included in your ticket at the Make a Bear Workshop and more!
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The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire
Various dates from 25th November 2023
A fabulous festive fifty-minute experience with delights for all the family. Starts in Santa’s workshop where the Elves will help you colour your own special Christmas light decoration. In the Magic Moss Mine Rocky the Elf will help you send your secret wish to Santa, and you can make some magic reindeer food for Santa’s reindeer. Then it's time to give your wishes to Santa, share a story and take your photographs. Every child will leave with a present. The excitement continues outside where there’s time for more photographs with Rudolf and his friends and a wander round the glittering Christmas Winter Wonderland. Booking required.
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The Olde Watermill SEN Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire
Sunday 18th November and Thursday 30th November 2023
Our SEN Sessions are a great chance for the whole family to enjoy some magical, festive time with Santa and Mrs Claus. These exclusive family sessions will make sure that there is minimal queuing, minimal crowds and the noise level will be reduced to ensure that you and your family will enjoy your visit to Santa’s Sitting Room and the magical surroundings outside the grotto. Booking required.
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Panto Express with Father Christmas, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
25th & 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th December 2023
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime – all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year's mini pantomime is Beauty & The Beast.
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Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
Weekends from 11th November, then daily 25th November - 24th December 2023
There will be time for fun and games with our playful elf before you each head off to the reindeer stables to mix up some magical reindeer food with Reindeer Ronnie. Then it’s time to see the big man himself... you will have individual family time with Santa in his cosy living room and one of his elves will capture the perfect festive photo. Santa will gift a storybook exclusive to Frosts Grotto for the whole family to enjoy! Children will be able to choose a toy from our large selection in the Toy Workshop. Next you'll enter Mrs Christmas' Kitchen where the little ones will be able to decorate their very own gingerbread biscuit*. Our team of elves will entertain you and get everyone in the festive mood with lots of singing and dancing! Your family will leave the experience with a special festive gift for you to all use together on Christmas eve. 
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Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands - Exclusive SEN Sessions
19th & 26th November & 3rd December 2023
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 at Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne
Every weekend from 2nd December then daily 16th to 24th December 2023
Santa will be arriving at Paradise in a beautiful grotto based at our Safari Stage where your little ones can join him safely for a fabulous photo opportunity. Make sure to get a space in the queue early to not miss out, as we cannot guarantee everyone will be able to meet Santa on the day of your visit. Santa has also brought the winter wonderland with him! There will be a glorious festive fairy light tunnel to walk through and enjoy with your loved ones. 
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Christmas at The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
16th & 17th December 2023
Embark on a magical journey to save the Royal Gunpowder Mills from the mischievous elves and their questionable leader, the green and grumpy one! This festive event promises three hours of enchantment, filled with captivating activities for the whole family. Step into the magical wonderland of Santa's grotto and meet Santa Claus himself! Receive a special gift and capture the joy of the season with a memorable photo.
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Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill, Enfield
11th November - 24th December 2023
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.
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The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Waltham Abbey
3rd - 24th December 2023
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 Elves Magical Show, decorate a gingerbread person in Mrs Claus' Kitchen and meet Santa with photo opportunities and goodies for the children. Only pre-bookings will be able to see Santa Claus.
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Odds Farm Park, High Wycombe
25th November - 24th December 2023
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!
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The Centre:MK – Santa’s Grotto with The Snowman
17th November - 24th December 2023
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join us on a magical journey to the North Pole this festive season as we welcome ‘The Snowman’ Christmas experience to the centre!
This nostalgic adventure begins with an exciting and heart-warming, live interpretation of ‘The Snowman’, brought to life by actors portraying the well-loved characters from the original story! A snowy landscape provides the perfect backdrop to view some of the most memorable and magical moments from the original animated film and all children will be given the opportunity to decorate a Christmas biscuit treat* before meeting with Santa in his woodland cabin!
A truly immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy and certainly one not to be missed this Christmas!
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Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto
3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2023
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! Children will have a magical meeting with Father Christmas in our beautifully decorated Mansion, where they’ll receive a lovely Christmas gift to take home.
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Bletchley Park Relaxed Christmas Grotto
Saturday 2nd December 2023
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.
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Father Christmas and Nativity Barn at Herrings Green Activity Farm
9th,10th,16th & 17th December 2023
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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