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Updated 09/12/23
Christmas isn't far off now and some Christmas events will be fully booked long before the season begins.
Santa, Father Christmas, St Nicholas - whatever he is known as in your house, the little ones all love him! There are lots of options available this year where you can see Santa. We are updating this page regularly as new information is available.
Take some time to check details before you make a booking to ensure that the event is suitable for you and your family.
Where To See Santa 2023
In no particular order...
Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield SOLD OUT
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd December 2023
Event includes letter writing to Santa, visit from Santa with gift, a Christmas Trail, free mince pie & mulled wine (warm squash for children), miniature Christmas village, general admission to the sanctuary and an "Elfie” station. There are both indoor and outdoor activities, so the event will go ahead come rain or shine!
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Believe at Bluewater LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Bluewater Shopping Centre: 1st - 24th December 2023
This year, Believe will receive a magical makeover, with a brand-new theme and story – plus plenty of fun family activities.
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Santa Express SOLD OUT
North Weald & District Miniature Railway, Harlow Garden Centre: 2nd & 3rd, 6th & 17th, 24th December 2023
This lovely miniature railway in the gardens of Harlow Garden Centre is run by volunteers and always push the boat out at Christmas. Pre book via the website.
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Santa Specials SOLD OUT!
Barnards Farm Miniature Railway, West Horndon, Brentwood: 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th of December 2023
This is a superb venue and a really beautiful railway. The experience will last around 90 minutes and includes a family visit to see the man in red along with a photo opportunity. Book via the website
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The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo: 25th & 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 24th December 2023
Journey through our magical Santa Experience filled with festive scenery and cheeky elves, where you will also have the chance to meet Santa himself and take home Spirit, the White Tiger cuddly toy!
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A Christmas Journey
Old MacDonald's Farm: 17th - 19th Nov, 24th - 26th Nov, 1st - 3rd Dec, 8th - 10th Dec, 16th - 24th December 2023
Whether you are trying to track down all of the missing Gingerbreads, riding on one of our awesome rides or enjoying our Farms attractions or festive shows, you are going to love this year's Christmas event at OMD's
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The Jolly Grotto LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Thurrock Garden Centre: 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th November, 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 13th, 15th - 17th, 20th - 24th December 2023
The Jolly Grotto is a magical experience where children can meet Father Christmas himself! The grotto is decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a warm and welcoming Christmas celebration atmosphere.
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Santa's Grotto at White Elm SOLD OUT
White Elm Garden Centre and Petting Farm
The Elves are getting excited as Christmas Day is getting closer, come and join us to visit Santa and his Elves in his magical Grotto at White Elm Garden Centre!
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Santa's Grotto at Havering Christmas Land SOLD OUT
Havering Christmas Land, Harrow Lodge Park RM11 1JU
Help raise money for this fantastic charity (Havering Mind) supporting people's mental health. Santa will be busy again this year so you will need to book to visit his Grotto.
More details to follow
Breakfast with Santa LIMITED AVAILABILITY
The Old Plough House Upminster: 2nd Dec, 9th December, 22nd December 2023
Children will enjoy a hearty breakfast whilst decorating a gingerbread man before receiving a small gift from Santa, don’t forget to bring your cameras for a photo with Santa.
There are also Afternoon Tea with Santa - 3rd December
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Santa is coming to Liana's Tea Shop
Liana's Tea Shop, Hornchurch: 19th December 2023 3:30pm & 4:30pm
Only 25 tickets per time slot. Includes a gift, a hot chocolate, a biscuit and of course a meeting with Santa. Tickets available from the Tea Shop (Langtons)
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Santa Specials 2023 LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex: 2nd &3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 21st - 24th December 2023
You will meet Santa in his grotto before travelling on our diesel train to collect your present from Santa's Toy Shop.
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Santa’s Grotto Experience at Alton Garden Centre
Alton Garden Centre, Arterial Road, Wickford: 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th November, 1st - 24th December 2023
You will be transported straight to the forest of Lapland, where magnificent Christmas trees covered in twinkling fairy lights and the joyful sounds of Christmas carols set the stage for an unforgettable holiday adventure. Every child will receive a special keepsake gift to remember this magical day.
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The Christmas Experience SOLD OUT
The Party Kingdom, Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon CM3 6HB: 25th & 26th Nov, 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 15th - 23rd December 2023
Included in our 2023 Christmas Experience: Invite from Father Christmas (downloaded after your booking), option to upgrade to a Deluxe Elf Pack, arts and crafts with Mother Christmas, 4 winter wonderland sections, Santa’s Train (weather permitting), 6 new amazing interactive sections, personal family visit to Father Christmas, present from The Elf Post Office, favourite Christmas characters, lots of fun, and interactive games throughout
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Christmas Special 2023 ONLY 2 DATES LEFT!
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden: 18th November - 24th December 2023
With a Nutcrackers help, this winter you will board the Polar Express and journey deep into the Enchanted woods of Audley End to visit Santa’s winter workshop!
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Father Christmas at Audley End House ONLY 2 DATES LEFT!
Audley End House, Saffron Walden: 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd December 2023
Join in the festive fun with Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens as the man himself tells seasonal stories among the traditional decorations.
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Wonderland at Adventure Island
Adventure Island Southend 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th to 24th December 2023
Come in and see the big man himself - each child leaves with a magical toy. The fun doesn't stop there!
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Breakfast with Santa SOLD OUT
Thurrock Garden Centre: 25th & 26th Nov, 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 21st - 24th December 2023. Monday 5th and Wednesday 13th December under 5s only.
Join Santa, Party Monsters Children's Entertainers and our Woody's Restaurant Team for a fun-filled event sprinkled with Christmas spirit.
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Santa's Grotto VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Romford Shopping Hall: 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 20th - 24th December 2023
Tickets are selling out fast - this is a great local venue to see the man himself and you can take as many photos as you want on your phone during your visit.
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Santa's Grotto at Mercury Mall
Mercury Mall, Romford
Open every day until Christmas Eve
No booking necessary, just turn up.
Meet Santa SOLD OUT
The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford: 25th & 26th, 30th November, 1st - 3rd, 7th - 10th, 13th - 24th December 2023
Join Santa and his magical elves at The Liberty’s Ice Kingdom and help us make miracles happen this Christmas. All proceeds from the ticket prices will be donated to our resident charity, Mitchell’s Miracles, supporting families affected by Neuroblastoma childhood cancer.
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Polar Express Train Ride SOLD OUT
Mid Norfolk Railway
As you and your family take in the festive decorations at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride station, you can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance and the fun begins...
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The Father Christmas Experience at Barleylands SOLD OUT
Barleylands Farm: every weekend from 25th & 26th Nov, 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 14th - 24th December 2023
Start your journey with one of Father Christmas’ elves who will guide you to our Christmas barn, here you will meet Mrs. Claus who has a festive story for all to enjoy. There will be so much to see and do...
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Thames Chase Christmas Grotto
Thames Chase: 25th & 26th Nov 10am-4pm, 3rd Dec12.30pm-3.30pm (Relaxed session suitable for anyone with additional needs), 18th Dec 10am-2pm, 20th Dec 10am-3pm, 22nd Dec 10am-12pm
Can you help Father Christmas fix his sleigh in time for Christmas Eve? Join Father Christmas and his helpers in his magical workshop. Let your child feel the magic of Christmas, here at Thames Chase. Listen to a story by Father Christmas, take part in the magic of fixing his sleigh, make some reindeer
food for Christmas Eve and then take photos with Father Christmas and his sleigh. All those on the good list will receive a Christmas gift! To book call the centre on 01708 642970
The Father Christmas Experience
Marsh Farm: 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th November, 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 14th - 17th, 20th - 24th December 2023
A wondrous journey awaits you, but before you can embark on your enchanted adventure, you’ll need to be granted special access to the North Pole! Don’t worry, our expert Elves in Passport Control will make sure all your papers are in order and send you on your way.
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Santa Specials 2023 VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Epping Ongar Railway: 25th & 26th November; 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 20th - 24th December 2023
The experience starts as you join our vintage London bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar at the times shown below. When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from our festive food stall whilst you listen to our live brass band! As you wait for the train perhaps you will meet our characters who will be walking around the crowds looking for the nice children to make sure that Santa will find them later. Naughty children will not be allowed to board the train!
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Santa's Banquette Bash
Orsett Hall: 16th & 17th, 21st - 23th December 2023
A fun Christmas Family Event for a whole family with food and children's entertainment.
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Breakfast with Santa
Harvester restaurants in Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Hornchurch: 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 21st - 24th December 2023
Santa is coming to Harvester. Bring your little ones along for an extra special Christmas breakfast.
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Christmas at Maldon Promenade Zoo
Maldon Promenade Zoo: 25th & 26th November, 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 21st - 24th December 2023
The zoo will be lit from start to finish with all our festive lights. Your mission will be to find Rudolph along the way whilst meeting some of his festive friends. While your on your magical journey, you will get to enjoy some lovely festive music which will be playing all day.
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Fairytale Tots SOLD OUT
Christmas Special Event 9th December 2023
Spaces are limited on these two parties so book early
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Santa on the Pier
Southend on Sea Pier: 2nd - 24th December
Santa is returning to Southend Pier this festive season! Book your little one's ticket for a magical experience like no other. Children and one accompanying adult will be whisked down to the end of the Pier by pier train where you will meet Santa and his merry band of helpers.
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