articles, blogs & news

Updated 29/09/2025

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. 

For Breakfast/Afternoon Tea options, scroll to the bottom of this page.

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 2025

In no particular order...

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield 
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary CM15 9BZ: 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th. 20th - 23rd December 2025
Event includes letter writing to Santa, visit from Santa with gift, a Christmas Trail, free mince pie & mulled wine for the grown ups, gingerbread and warm squash for children, miniature Christmas village, general admission to the sanctuary. There are both indoor and outdoor activities, so the event will go ahead come rain or shine!
More details

Santa Specials
North Weald & District Miniature Railway, Harlow Garden Centre CM17 9LD: 6th & 7th, 20th & 21st, 24th 2025 
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.
More details

Santa Specials 
Barnards Farm Miniature Railway, West Horndon, Brentwood CM13 3FY:  6th & 7th, 13th &14th December 2025
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
More details

The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo CO3 0SL: 22nd & 23rd November, 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 19th - 24th December 2025
Step into the magical wonderland of the North Pole as you journey through the white woodland, take a break at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen and discover how ‘Mila & River’, the Amur leopard toys are made in the Elf Workshop and see if you can spot the cheeky elves playing. Visit includes a visit to Santa and a gift.
More details

A Christmas Journey 
Old MacDonald's Farm CM14 5AY: 21st - 23rd November, 28th - 30th November, 5th - 7th December, 12th - 24th December 2025
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
More details

Santa's Grotto at White Elm  
White Elm Garden Centre and Petting Farm CM3 4LR: 22nd & 23rd November, 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th (SOLD OUT), 13th & 14th (SOLD OUT), 19th - 23rd December 2025
Each Child ticket entitles a child to walk through Santa’s Magical Grotto, meet and chat to Santa in his lounge and receive a gift.
More details

Santa's Grotto at Havering Christmas Land 
Havering Christmas Land, Harrow Lodge Park RM11 1JU: 28th , 29th and 30th November,  2nd 3rd, 5th , 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December
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

The Christmas Experience 
The Party Kingdom, Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon CM3 6HB: 29th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th - 22nd  December 2025
This year there are two difference experiences (and price points) so you can choose which suits you and your family best. Platinum includes a seasonal ‘Build a Bear’ and your own family Winter Wonderland session, Gold has been introduced for children who may get overwhelmed with the whole experience and also suitable for younger families. It is a fantastic experience including a ride on Santa's Express and also in the magical elevator.
More details

Christmas Special 2024
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB: 22nd November - 24th December 2025
Make memories this Christmas at Audley End Miniature Railway and journey into the magical woods to the grotto. Enjoy the show in the grotto from the comfort of your train carriage, where each child will meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift. Enjoy a walk through the beautifully lit woodland where there will be other activities to do like making reindeer food and writing letter to Father Christmas. SEND & Autism friendly sessions available.
More details

Father Christmas at Audley End House 
Audley End House, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF: 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st December 2025
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.
More details

Santa's Grotto at Mercury Mall
Mercury Mall, Romford RM1 3EE: DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Romford's longest running grotto is in its 30th year. Open every day until Christmas Eve.
No booking necessary, just turn up.

Elf Village Grotto
The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford RM1 3RL: DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
SANTA'S PARADE Join us in welcoming Santa to The Liberty. Santa himself, accompanied by his spirited band of musical elves, nutcracker drummers, and a cast of enchanting elf performers. Santa and his merry entourage will spread festive cheer throughout the centre, filling the air with music and creating a truly magical atmosphere. Bring the whole family to celebrate the start of the festive season.
More details

Polar Express Train Ride 
Mid Norfolk Railway NR19 1DF:: 8th & 9th November, 14th - 16th November, 21st - 23rd November, 28th - 30th November, 3rd - 7th December, 10th - 14th December, 18th - 23rd December 2025
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...
More details

The Father Christmas Experience at Barleylands 
Barleylands Farm CM11 2UD.:  29th & 30th November, 5th - 7th December, 12th - 14th December, 18th - 24th December 2025
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...
More details

Havering Miniature Railway Santa Specials 
Lodge Farm Park  RM2 5AP (car park): 6th December 
Tickets for a train ride to  see Santa in his grotto + gift bag + sweets and a mince pie.
More details

The Father Christmas Experience 
Marsh Farm CM3 5WP:  15th & 16th November, 22nd & 23rd November, 28th - 30th November, 5th - 7th December, 12th - 14th December, 18th - 24th December 2025
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, the expert Elves in Passport Control will make sure all your papers are in order and send you on your way.
More details

Santa Specials 2024
Epping Ongar Railway: 29th and 30th November, 6th & 7th December, 13th & 14th December, 19th - 24th December 2025 
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!
More details

Tiara's, Treats & Princess Meets
Orsett Hall RM16 3HS: 6th & 14th December 2025
Join the Ice Queen and the Snow Princess for an unforgettable afternoon filled with festive sparkle, musical magic, delicious food and royal fun.
More details

Santa on the Pier
Southend on Sea Pier SS1 1EE: DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
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.
More details

Santa's Cabin at Lakeside
Lakeside Shopping Centre, The Quay, Thurrock RM20 2ZP: DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Children will receive a special gift from Santa himself. The chance to capture unforgettable memories with photo souvenirs will also be available. Spaces are very limited, so pre-book your visit secure your spot in Santa’s busy schedule! So, secure your spot for this magical experience before it’s too late!
More details

Simply Santa's Grotto
Thurrock Garden Centre, RM15 6DU: DATES AND DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED!

Breakfast with Santa

The Old Plough House Upminster RM14 3SR: 7th, 22nd & 23rd December 2025
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.
More details

Afternoon Tea with Santa 
The Old Plough House, Bulphan RM14 3SR: 7th & 21st December 2025
Children will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea whilst receiving a visit from Santa. There will also be a children's entertainer from 3pm-4pm. Children will receive a gift from Santa
More details

Harvester restaurants in Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Hornchurch
Santa is coming to Harvester. Bring your little ones along for an extra special Christmas breakfast. 
More details

 

 

We will be adding to this list as information is available to us.