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Mum's Guide To St Albans Blog

Where to see Father Christmas 2019

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Article updated Wednesday 27th November 2019

One thing that we love to do is take our little angels to meet Santa, and we are spoilt for choice in our area for where to see him this year.

We’ve listed the places below which already have their information available and we’ll continue to add more as and when their 2019 details are up to date. Some of the most popular ones get booked up very quickly so don't delay and get booking!

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.

 

St Albans Round Table Santa Float 

Dates: Between 2nd and 24th December 2019

During December Santa’s sleigh will be travelling through St Albans collecting money for various local charities. There’s something magical for little ones about seeing Santa go past the window. They now have a street look-up and a live Santa Tracker which will make the experience even more fun. Click the link above for the full schedule. 

 

Santa's Grotto at the St Albans Museum + Gallery with St Albans for Refugees

Date: Saturday 14th December 2019

Everyone can come to see Father Christmas free of charge and all they ask is that you bring a Christmas present for a refugee. Those who don't have time to buy a present can make a small monetary donation on the day. Photographs can be taken free of charge and each child will receive a lollipop and a letter from Father Christmas. Suitable presents include: hats, scarves, gloves, socks, warm waterproof jackets, jogging bottoms, walking boots, hoodies, sleeping bags, blankets and underwear. All items can be second hand in good condition, except underwear.

 

Real Reindeer at St Christophers Place

Date: 21st December 2019

Ok, so strictly speaking you won’t see Santa here, but you can meet and pet an actual reindeer at Christopher Place shopping centre on Saturday 21st December 11am - 3am. And it's free.

 

Willows Farm Santa Spectacular

Dates: 23rd November - 24th December 2019

The Santa Spectacular is a full day out of indoor and outdoor fun including meeting Father Christmas in his glorious grotto and receiving a golden key to his Toy Shop, attending Elf Academy, saying hello to Santa’s reindeer, making a toy bear in the Create-a-Character workshop and biscuit decorating. 

 

Christmas Grotto at Burston Garden Centre

Dates: 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. Festive meal packages can also be purchased in the cafe afterwards. 
 

Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Dates: Weekends from 7th December plus the 5 days leading up til Christmas. SOLD OUT EVERY DAY EXCEPT FRIDAY 20th DECEMBER. VIP Breakfasts are still available (see website). 

Book a timed slot to visit Santa in his grotto. See Mrs Claus and meet the elves, and join in with Christmas crafts, before meeting the man himself. Every child will receive a Christmas gift. 

All children aged 3 and over will require a Zoo admission ticket or valid ZSL Membership in addition to a Meet Santa ticket. Children under 3 years will require a Meet Santa ticket only. All accompanying adults will require a Zoo admission ticket or valid ZSL Membership. ‘VIP Breakfasts’ with Mrs Claus are an optional extra. 

 

Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill, Enfield

Dates: Every day from Friday 8 November 2019 until Christmas Day

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. Pre-booking is not essential - tickets can still be purchased on the day, even where advanced tickets have sold out, simply join the queue when you arrive. 

 

Father Christmas Special at Audley End Miniature Railway: SOLD OUT

Dates: Weekends from 23rd November plus the 5 days leading up until Christmas Day. SOLD OUT

At the Audley End Miniature Railway you can take the Santa Express into the woods of the Audley End Estate where you will arrive at Father Christmas’s Winter Wonderland to meet the big man himself and receive a gift. Once you have returned, you can then visit the Activity Area where you can write Father Christmas a letter and post it to him at our festive post office. Also enjoy craft making, face painting, story telling and their dance tent. Advance booking is required. Tickets will not be available to purchase on the day. 

 

Meet Father Christmas at Mead Open Farm: LIMITED SPACES REMAINING 

Dates: Weekends from 30th November plus the 6 days leading up until Christmas Day

Booked your timed slot in advance to meet Father Christmas, plus: a group story with Father Christmas, a magical enchanted forest, Make a Bear workshop, reindeer flying school and gingerbread decorating. 

 

Grotto at Redbourn Christmas Market 

Date: Sunday 1st December 2019

Santa will be in his magical grotto on the High Street of the historical village of Redbourn during the annual Christmas Market, where there will be an abundance of quality local craft stalls, carol singing, children's crafts, festive refreshments and a BBQ. 

 

Santa’s Grotto at Notcutts St Albans Garden Centre: ONLY LIMITED WEEKEND SPACES AVAILABLE

Dates: From 17th November 2019 until Christmas Day

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 even have a visit to Santa!Booking required.  

 

Father Christmas at Wardown House

Date: 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.

 

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Dunstable Downs LIMITED SPACES REMAINING 

Dates: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st - 23rd December 2019

Come and join Santa for breakfast as he prepares for the festive season.

 

Santa Claus and the Night before Christmas - Watford Colosseum

Dates: 3rd - 24th December 2019

A magical Christmas experience with songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa and a gift.

 

Aldenham Country Park Frost Fair

Dates: 14th -17th November 2019

Along with all gifts, food, music and entertainment Father Christmas will be there. 

 

Knebworth House Sunday Lunch with Santa: SOLD OUT

Dates: 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. Booking is essential. 

 

Father Christmas at Van Hage Great Amwell: VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Dates: Weekends from 16th November, then 16th - 22nd 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.

 

Santa's Steam Specials at Leighton Buzzard Railway

Dates: 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 will receive their gift. Booking required.

 

Christmas Grotto at The Olde Watermill Shopping Centre, Barton-Le-Clay VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Dates: 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.

 

Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands WEEKENDS SOLD OUT

Dates: 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.

 

Buckinghamshire Railway - The Panto Express with Father Christmas EXTRA TICKETS JUST RELEASED. Ring on 01296 655720 to book.

Dates: 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!

 

Santa's Grotto at Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne WEEKEND TICKETS SOLD OUT

Dates: 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.

 

Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto SOLD OUT

Dates: 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 the 1940’s style Christmas Grotto. Accompanying adults will need to purchase entry to the museum.

 

St Albans Lions Club Santa Float

The St Albans Lions will be touring the town with Father Christmas and his sleigh, Christmas music whilst collecting money for charity. They visit slightly different areas than the Round Table, so most of the town is covered by a visiting Santa! Check their website for the full timetable. 

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