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It may be early but here some great ideas for Father Christmas visits and experiences for this year. We have rounded up Santa's grottos, breakfast's with Santa and full Christmas experiences so you can take your pick. These events do book up fast, particularly weekend dates so may be subject to availability! We will be adding to this list as more information becomes available.
Christmas at the Royals
When: Santa will be at The Royals from 25th November until December 24th 2023
Tickets: Tickets are just £7.50 per person and includes a special gift!
More info: Experience the magic of Christmas with a memorable visit to see Father Christmas in his charming grotto. Souvenir photography is available on the day and you may also take your own photos if you wish.
Click here for booking details
Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory
When: Sat 9th and Sun 10th December 2023
Tickets: Tickets start at £16.63
More info: 30 minute slots. Your child will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person, in the historic setting of Prittlewell Priory where he will be seated by the magnificent Christmas tree in the Refectory and each child will have the chance to sit next to him and tell him their Christmas wishes. Children will receive a small gift, sweet treat and a ‘I met Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory’ sticker.
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The Ironworks Santas Grotto
When: Weekends throughout December from 2nd - 24th 2023
Tickets: £12pp with one accompanying adult
More info: Guests will join the elves in their workshop and create two wonderful Christmas crafts to take home, before joining Santa in his Grotto and receiving a special Christmas gift
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Caddies Christmas Experience
When: Weekends from 1st - 24th December 2023
Tickets: £19.95 child, £14.95 adult
More info: Our famous Christmas Experience & Santa’s Grotto is back for 2023, with the return of all your favourite features and a host of exciting changes and new additions for this year including a festive show, 'snowcaves' and christmassy crazy golf.
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Christmas grotto at Barleylands
When: 25th November to 24th December 2023.
Tickets: From £29.95 per child and £15.50 per adult. Carer £3 (non members)
More info: Upon your arrival at the Christmas Barn, you will be met by the head Elf whom will get you in the Festive mood! Then you will meet Mother Christmas, who has a fun, festive craft for all to enjoy. Next, you can stroll through our Winter Walkway, which makes for some great photo opportunities. Waiting for you will be Father Christmas himself, in his cosy grotto, ready to find out if you have been naughty or nice this year.
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Eastgate Basildon Santa's grotto
When: From 18th November - 24th December 2023
Tickets: Free but must be pre-booked
More info: A magical visit to meet Santa at Eastgate!
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The Party Kingdom Christmas Experience
When: Selected dates from 25th November - 23rd December 2023
Tickets: Child tickets £38.50 Baby tickets (up to 14 months old without a paying child) £12, Adults £12
More info: Included in our 2023 Christmas Experience, Invite from Father Christmas (downloaded after your booking), 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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Alton Garden Centre Santa's Grotto
When: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
Tickets: Child 0-16 yrs £15, Adult Free
More info: Our enchanted setting will transport you 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.
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View Garden Centre Santa's Grotto
When: 11am-2pm from Saturday 25th November to Saturday 23rd December 2023 on selected dates
Tickets: £12.99 for children (up to 12 years old) and £2.50 for adults
More info: Come explore our Christmas grotto where you’ll get a gift from Santa! After your experience why not wander through our enchanting Christmas wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive joy in our Christmas Department
Click here for booking details
Marsh Farm Father Christmas Experience
When:18th November to 24th December 2023.
Tickets: From £30.00 – £75.00 per person. Under 1 – FREE.
More info: 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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Breakfast with Santa at Cromwell Manor
When: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Tickets: £12 per person, Under 1's free
More info: Christmas activities, storytime with father christmas, festive music, festive gift, buffet breakfast station
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White Elm Garden Centre - SOLD OUT
Christmas at Maldon Zoo
When: Multiple dates from Saturday 25th November - 24th December 2023
Tickets: Child £16.95 Adults Free
More info: After the success of previous Christmas events we have only gone & done it again. We are pleased to confirm that Santa will be at the zoo this coming Christmas. Whilst not losing the magic of our lovely zoo animals, we have picked some very special festive friends to join the magic
Click here for booking details
Fobbing Farm Shop Santa's grotto
When: Multiple dates from Friday 24th November - 24th December 2023
Tickets: Child £14.95 + £1 booking fee, Adults free
More info: Our team of elves have been working extra-hard again this year to bring you an even more new magical experience for the whole family to enjoy. This year we will also have some amazing extra elements including an interactive sleigh-ride with additional activities such as making Reindeer food for you and the family to help you get in to the Festive spirit
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Colchester Zoo
When:25th & 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 24th December 2023
Tickets: £15.00 per child (Admission to Zoo needs to be purchased separately)
More info: 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!
Epping Ongar Railway
When: 25, 26 November; 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 December 2023
Tickets: Ticket prices vary but minimum price is £120 for a family space of 4 on the train
More info: All children receive a present from Santa. Join our vintage London bus service at Epping or Ongar - Take a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald. Meet Santa and his friends during the experience
Audley End Christmas Special
When: Selected dates from 18th November - 19th December 2023
Tickets: Child under 92cm from £9, Over 92cm from £18, Adult from £18, Child under 1 goes free
More info: Train ride to meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their Elves, Gift for every Child, Letter Writing, Illuminated Christmas walk to the Reindeer Food Factory, Holly the Christmas Fairy Storytelling Show and Adventure Play Area
Click here for booking details
The Essex Soft Play Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday 16th December 2023
Tickets: 1 x Adult & 1 x Child £45.00, 1x Adult & 1 x 2 Children £60.00, 2 x Adults & 1 x Child £65.00, 2 x Adults & 2 x Children £90.00
More info: Breakfast and 2 festive drinks included. Full Access to the soft play is included within your ticket, with Santa gifting presents to every child
Click here for booking details
Scott's of Southend Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December 2023
Tickets: £37.95 per person
More info: Elf Show, Mini Disco, Festive games, Magical Lapland VR Ride, Breakfast Buffett, Meet and greet Santa and more
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The Haven Community Hub Santa's Grotto
When: Sunday 19th November 2023
Tickets: £10 per child
More info: 11.00 - 3.00pm during the Christmas Fayre
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Gemma's of Leigh Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday 2nd - Saturday 16th December 2023
Tickets: £40 per child (Sibling discount available)
More info: Join us for a fun filled breakfast with Father Christmas & his elves! Experience includes pancake breakfast box for child, a story, a Christmas activity, a visit with Father Christmas & a present (includes free hot drink for 1 adult)
Click here for booking details
Santa on the Pier
When: Saturday 2nd - Saturday 24th December 2023
Tickets: From £30 per child
More info: Ho, Ho, Ho, 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. Santa's elves will let you know when Santa is ready to see you. Once you've had your visit with the man himself, you'll head to his toyshop to pick your own special present!
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We will be adding and amending this list as information becomes available but as always, if you have any information or events you would like to tell us about, please contact us!
