As any parent knows, Christmas is a big deal for children. From nativity plays, wrapping paper and Elf on the Shelf (if you know, you know) to the best toys to buy, stocking fillers galore and advent calendars, there's just so much to remember. As a mother of two, booking a visit to see Santa, complete with a magical grotto, is also high on my list.
We all know that there are some seriously unimpressive grottos that you shouldn't waste your money on, but equally, there's also some incredible displays of festiveness for all the family that you can't miss - from London to Essex, Cornwall, and beyond.
© GettyPremium grottos often sell out months in advance, so it's worth checking ticket availability as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. So, grab yourself a cup of tea, a mince pie and get scrolling for Yuletide inspiration…
Chessington's 'Winter's Tail' is back for 2025
Santa at Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is one of the UK's best-loved theme parks, and its enchanting attraction, known as the 'Winter’s Tail', is set to return. Due to last year's huge success, it's back for 2025 and not to be missed.
Guests, guided by very realistic elves, walk through a stunning snowy forest to the Christmas Village, where they come to a cosy, woodfire-lit grotto where Father Christmas awaits. There's also the Enchanted Hollow, where the elves have set up their toy workshop, and every child on the 'good list' gets the cutest gift. Kids can enjoy letter writing to Father Christmas and devour a complimentary festive cookie, too. There's also a delightful Christmas Panto, and festive carol singers, too.
Prices start from £32, and the event opens from 22nd November until 31st December.
© Lapland UKFather Christmas at Lapland UK
Lapland UK has such a hype around it for good reason - their Father Christmas and Lapland experience is other worldly.
Sceptical kids will be convinced in the magic of Christmas thanks to the pure whimsy of this place, from making toys at the toy factory to ice skating in Elven Village and sending a letter at Elva Post Office.
The whole experience culminates in a snowy walk through the forest to meet with the Father Christmas, who really knows your child thanks to some information the 'big folk' give him before the event.
Prices start from £60, and the experience is now available in Ascot and Manchester until 24 December.
The Christmas Special is a beautiful way to meet Santa
Audley End Miniature Railway, Essex
In Saffron Walden, Essex, sits Audley End Miniature Railway, a truly enchanting place for children (and adults!) On arrival, Holly the Christmas Fairy takes guests onto the train - a steam locomotive that is the stuff that childhood dreams are made of. Guests are taken through the enchanted forest, before arriving at Father Christmas’ workshop, where elves, a Nutcracker and a graceful Ballerina lead kids to the meeting of Father Christmas and Mother Christmas, who will greet each child personally from the comfort of the train carriage and present each little one with a small gift.
Father Christmas’ workshop at Audley End even has elves!
Afterwards, get into the Christmas spirit with a stroll around the Fulfen Forest, where kids can make reindeer food and write letters to Santa. There's also an adventure playground and endless hot chocolate. Fabulous!
Open from 22nd November to the 24th December, tickets start from £23.25
Marsh Farm's Grotto offering is incredible
Marsh Farm, Essex
If you are in the Essex area, Marsh Farm's grotto experience is a first-rate option. From 15th to Christmas Eve, Perfect for imaginative kids this three-hour experience is packed to the brim with festive fodder.
Kids will be enchanted with the three hour extravaganza
It features a guided tour of the enchanting space, interactive arts and crafts, live shows, a make-a-bear activity, and, of course, meeting with Father Christmas himself. The North Pole-themed event also includes a trip to the 'Elf Emporium' for a gift in exchange for 'Elf' money. Genius! There are also festive rides, farm animals, and indulgent treats available throughout the day. Prices start from £35 per person.
From 16th to 24th December, tickets start from £35
© GettyWinter Wonderland has a free Santa's grotto
Santa Land at Winter Wonderland, London
Get the Christmas celebrations underway at Winter Wonderland, which returned to London's Hyde Park on 14 November. The park's Santa’s Grotto is free to enter - the largest free grotto in London. It's a must-visit for young families in London over the holiday season, and for the first time, Mrs Claus will join the festivities in 2025, greeting visitors from the grotto balcony with waves and warm interactions. It is important to note that 'Santa Land' at Winter Wonderland is open from 10 am - 6 pm, but it is not a bookable activity; it's based on a first-come, first-served basis, so allow queuing time.
Winter Wonderland is now open and tickets start from £5 to enter.
© The Eden ProjectCheck out the Eden Project's festive interactive trail
Eden Project, Cornwall
If you're in Cornwall, you must check out the Eden Project's festive offering. This Christmas, guests can step into a brand-new interactive theatrical Father Christmas experience that's brimming with festive storytelling, seasonal wonder, and joyful surprises. Every child will meet the main man and leave with a precious keepsake to take home.
Tickets cost £16 each, and the Christmas experience is open on 22, 23, 29 and 30th November, and 6,7,13 -24th December.
© GettyThis family-run event is pure magic
Noir Kringle
Charlotte Lewis set up Noir Kringle 'The Black Santa's Grotto Experience' in 2018. This family-run event gives children and parents the opportunity to visit a magical Christmas grotto where Father Christmas and all of his elves are Black.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, Charlotte said: "The notion of a Black Santa figure has been around in the States since the 1940s, but when I had my daughter, I searched and searched but couldn't find anything like that in the UK.
"I decided there and then that I wanted to set up a grotto for myself. There were lots of people, not just Black people, who wanted something different. It's been my passion project ever since."
From 17th to 22nd December, tickets start from £32.
The enchanted elevator is a festive masterpiece!
Stockeld Park
From 22 November, Stockeld Park’s Christmas extravaganza is open and ready for families to enjoy. Immerse yourself in Christmas magic at the 2,000-acre stately home turned family adventure destination. The Grotto Dome experience has an explorative pathway through to Santa’s grotto, past streets of festive scenes with interactive features to keep little ones busy and entertained. There's an enchanted elevator that takes you to Santa's cosy log cabin, where kids are welcomed by Mrs Claus before heading in to meet Father Christmas himself.
From 22nd of November until the 24th of December, prices start from £13
