Where to see Santa - Christmas in Cheshire & Beyond 2024
Santa and his elves will be popping up in lots of different places all over Cheshire this Christmas. You can find him in his magical Grotto where your little ones can ask for that extra special gift. Lots of Santa visits also include lots of fun Christmassy activities including writing that special letter to the big man, making reindeer food or getting a yummy hot chocolate to warm those little hands.
Be quick to book your slot as he will be heading back to the North Pole to start loading up his sleigh.
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If you are running an event and would like it to add added to the guide please get in touch and if you would like us to attend your event to create a full review for it also get in touch.
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To head back to "Your Ultimate guide to Christmas in Cheshire" Click here
If you want to look through the "Christmas Light Trails Guide" Click here
If you are after my "Pantomime and Theatre at Christmas Guide" Click here
To look through lots of "Christmas Activities & Events" Click Here
To find gifts and get into the festive spirit visit Christmas Markets and Light Switch ons Click here
Book a special treat with family or friends and enjoy an Afternoon Tea with a festive twist. Check out my guide to Festive Afternoon Teas in Cheshire here.
Featured and Recommended by Days Out and Meals Out
🎅 🛶 Santa's Island Experience at Alderford Lake
📅 21st Nov - 23rd Dec
This is an amazing experience which lasts about an hour in total. We went last year and was our favourite Santa experience. It was fantastic being on the island with the elves. They had my daughter giggling and all the activities on the way to meet Santa were really lovely and magical.
Your experience will begin with an enchanting boat journey across the lake to seek out the island of Santa and his elves. The elves will welcome you with their all time favourite treat, a gooey smore, to enjoy whilst listening to the story of how their adventure began. Head into the tipi to sit and listen to a Christmas tale. Head to the next part of the island for toy making, writing your letter to Santa, meeting the cheeky elves before you finally find Santa sitting in his gorgeous Grotto.
🎟 Childs ticket includes
• 2 gifts from Santa
• Hot Chocolate
• Boat journey
• Toy making experience
• A smore
• Write a letter to Santa
• Reindeer Food
Featured and Recommended by Days Out and Meals Out
🎅 Jingleville at Lower Drayton Farm
📅 7th -24th Dec
Get an exclusive 10% off by using "IVY" at the checkout
We visited Jingleville ourselves last year, the girls had a brilliant time and enjoyed the fact there were so many activities to do before seeing Santa. They especially enjoyed making their own teddy and picking any toy from Santa's Workshop.
Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins with a whimsical bus ride, surrounded by the beauty of twinkling lights and the crisp winter air. As you approach Jingle Ville, you’ll be greeted by friendly and mischievous elves, ready to guide you through an experience filled with fun festivities and delightful surprises.
Step into a world straight out of a storybook as you explore the charming town of Jingle Ville.
Not only will each child choose a gift from Santa’s toyshop to take home, but there are plenty of fun activities; crafting their own Christmas decorations and building their very of teddy bear. Each grown-up will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and children will get a delicious festive milkshake to enjoy.
🎄Entry to PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm on the day of your Jingle Ville experience
🎅 Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank Mill
📅 23rd Nov – 23rd Dec
Wish lists at the ready! Join us for a special 30- minute session of festive activities and crafts, including a private family visit to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.
Suitable for children from 6 months - 10 years. Tickets are also on sale for our baby and toddler festive play sessions which are specifically designed for those aged 6 months - 5 years of age.
Purchase a Father Christmas ticket for each child that you wish to receive a gift and have a photo with Father Christmas.
🎅 Meet Santa at Congleton Museum
📅 30th Nov – 2nd Dec
🍊Create a Christingle: a beautiful and meaningful tradition symbolising light and hope. Plus – they smell very nice!
🎅🏼Meet Santa Claus: Each child will have the chance to share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift directly from the big man in red. 1 present per paying child only.
🗺Explore the Christmas Trail: Embark on a fun and interactive Christmas trail throughout the museum. Discover festive surprises around every corner while learning about the history and traditions of Christmas.
🎟 Ticket Price: £6 per child
🌎 Congleton Museum, Market Square, Congleton, CW12 1ET
Book your tickets now
🎅 The Grotto at The Trafford Centre
📅 16th Nov - 24th Nov
A magical Santa's Grotto where you will first meet the elves and write a special letter to Santa. Then you will travel to the post room to get it ready to go to the North Pole. Finall step inside the grotto to meet Santa.
🎅 Santa is visiting the Brampton Museum
📅 Sat 7th Dec
Children can meet him in their festive Victorian parlour and receive a gift.
This event booked quickly last year. Book soon to not miss out!
To find out more or book, visit the link below:
🎅 Christmas at Lion Salt Works
📅 8th Dec 11-4pm
Free, drop in. Some activities are paid and require pre-booking.
Meet Santa and his elves in his grotto (£3 per child, limited tickets, booking necessary), take part in science experiments with Northwich Explorers – Winter Wonders (£5 per child, limited tickets, booking necessary), post your letters to Santa and get creative with free Christmas crafts, join in with Christmas carols and much more!
🎅Storytime with Santa at Bidlea Dairy near Holmes Chapel
8th, 15th and 21st December at 11am.
Children can write letters to Santa, sing with Santa's elf, make some reindeer food, Santa will read a story and give each child a small gift plus each child can choose a Diddy ice cream.
Children are £9.50 and no charge for adults.
For full details and to book please follow the link below.
🎅 Sail with Santa on the River Dee!
Santa Cruise on Chester Boats.
📅 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st Dec
On this family-friendly cruise children will have chance to meet Santa, who will bring them each a festive book to read over the holidays. The Lady Diana will be spruced up with lights and tinsel, and the ChesterBoat elves will be on hand with refreshments and fun activities.
Your ticket includes:
• A fun one-hour cruise with festive music on a decorated boat
• Tea or coffee and a mince pie for the adults
• A gingerbread man and fruit shoot for children
• An age-appropriate book as a gift from Santa for children
• Colouring, activity sheets, and stickers to enjoy onboard or take away
• Time to meet Santa, have photos taken, and show him your letters
🎟 Adult ticket £15.50, Child £15.50 including gift
https://www.chesterboat.co.uk/santa-special-cruise/
🎅 Santa’s Grotto at Cotebrook Shire Horses
📅 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec
Ticket includes a visit to Santa, gift and a free return visits for 1 month. You are welcome to visit the farm before and/or after your visit to Santa.
Adults £11, child over 3 £17, child under 3 £9.50
🎅 Christmas at Magical Malpas PYO Farm
📅 14th, 15th & 21st - 23rd Dec
Come and join the team for a festive tractor ride, gingerbread decorating, hot chocolate, games, role play areas, animal meets and much more!
Your meeting with Father Christmas will be personal and not rushed. We have plenty of games and play areas to keep your little ones super busy, so there’s no queuing to meet the big man.
💰 Children £20 each. Under 1’s £2. Adults £10.
🌎 Agden, Malpas, Cheshire. SY13 4RB
🎅 Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway Santa Ride in Chester
📅 Weekends on 30th November/1st December, 7th and 8th, 14th and 15th, 21st and 22nd December. 10am to 4pm last train 3.50pm.
Santa will be on the train.
Child £7.50 (inc gift)
Adult £4.50
2 rides round.
There will be 2 levels of special family tickets each weekend (Big savings)
It’s turn up and ride on the day
🎅 Christmas Alpine retreat, Castaway play, Congleton
📅 23rd Nov-24th Dec
Santa’s grotto, winter wonderland, wheel of Christmas fortune, meet the donkeys, make your own reindeer food, write a letter, snow globe play and photo opportunity, meet Christmas Mickey and Minnie Mouse and access to all play areas.
💰 From £7.50 per adult & £19.99 per child (£4.99 for under 1s)
🎅 Santa’s Grotto at the ice cream farm
📅 24th November – 24th December 2024
Meet Santa and his elves, choose a gift, enjoy Christmas themed activities, make your own reindeer food and enjoy 2 scoops of ice cream served.
£28.50 per child, £2 per adult, Under 12 months £6
🎅 Family Christmas Into the Wild Bushcraft
📅 21st - 24th Dec
From December 21st to 24th head to "Into The Wild" for a magical pony trek through the enchanting woods to meet Father Christmas himself!
From 12:00 to 17:00 each day, you’ll ride alongside friends and family, surrounded by twinkling lights and the festive spirit. Don’t miss out on this whimsical journey filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer! Mark your calendars and saddle up for some fun!
Recommend age 5+ although will be at the discretion of the pony handlers on the day.
Book a time slot and you will ride within the hour time slot. The pony trek is 5min and chat with Father Christmas up to 5min. Entire session 10-15min. No need to book for Adult walking with the horse. No more than two adults per child.
🎅 Christmas Grotto at Pleasure Beach Resort
📅 16th Nov -24th Dec
Guided by elves through Pleasure Beach’s very own grotto, children will walk through a magical interactive walkway where they’ll write a Christmas wish list to hang on the wishing tree, collect reindeer food and a magic key, and of course meet Santa himself.
Included in the experience, guests can take a trip down the rabbit hole with a ride on Alice in Wonderland, then enjoy hot chocolate with marshmallows
🎅 Santa's Enchanted Grotto
Chester Grosvenor Shopping Centre
📅 22nd Nov - 24th Dec
• SEN/Autism sessions are available
• Step into a world where storybooks open up around you and adventure awaits at every turn. Guided by jolly enchanted elves, families will embark on a whimsical journey through the realms of classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters who will be sprinkling a little extra magic along the way.
🎅 The last chapter in this Christmas Tale finishes with a heartwarming visit to Santa himself, where children will receive a special gift and leave with memories to cherish “happily ever after.”
🌎 St Michaels Row, Grosvenor Shopping Centre
BOOK NOW 👉 bit.ly/grottochestertickets
🎅Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm Santa's Grotto
Introducing Santa visit with BYOG! (Bring your own gift)
This allows us to keep costs down allowing for an affordable experience, means that you don’t go away with unwanted gifts and the children receive something that they have asked Santa for!
No need to book. Children are £5, adults FREE
With opportunities for a chat with Santa and plenty of time to take photographs. 📸
As always there will be lots going on including:
🎄Festive ice cream flavours
🎄Festive food (including our pigs in blankets with dipping gravy)
🎄Mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate
🎄Lots of photo opportunities
🎄Christmas Tree sales
🎄Naughty Elf Scavenger Hunt
🎄Christmas events (TBA)
🎅Santa's Grotto at Chester Town Hall
📆Fri 6th, Fri 13 Dec, Sat 14th, Fri 20th, Sat 21st December
Step inside the festive Assembly Hall to meet Santa's helpful elves, Sparkle & Jingle! They've set up their arts and crafts workshop and they can't wait to meet you! Craft a giant, snow filled bauble ready to hang on your tree, package your own bag of magical reindeer food, colour and sparkle a festive gift bag and write a letter to Santa himself.
Adult £8, Child £15
All tickets include:
Craft workshops with the elves (inc. all materials)
Santa Meet and Greet with photos
A present from Santa himself (gender neutral)
Optional Christmas story with The Lord Mayor of Chester*
A mulled wine or cider (grown-ups only!)
Access to Chester Town Hall
🎅 Meet Father Christmas at Tatton Park farm
📅 23rd Nov – 24th Dec
Enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Cafe located in the Clydesdale Barn.
Huddle together in Santa’s sleigh for a festive photo and make your own magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!
💰 Adult £11 & Child £12.50 (includes Farm entry and gift for children from Father Christmas)
🎅 Poole Caverns Poole's Cavern & Country Park
📅 Days: Sun 1st Dec, Sat 7th Dec, Sun 8th Dec, Sat 14th Dec, Sun 15th Dec, Sat 21st Dec, Sun 22nd Dec, Mon 23rd Dec,
Tues 24th Dec
💰 Prices: £20 per entry. Maximum of 6 people per booking, maximum 3 children per booking. Under 12 months are free.
Meet Santa in his favourite REAL grotto, and explore the beautifully illuminated natural cavern deep beneath the hills of Buxton. All young people will receive an age appropriate present from Santa during their private audience with lots of opportunities to take photos in his magnificent grotto. After your Santa visit, you can then follow the cavern walk way to see the spectacular Poole’s Cavern formations illuminated for the festive season. The cavern visit takes around 30 minutes but you can follow the path at your own pace. This event sells out quickly but keep checking back as sometimes has slots become available due to cancellations.
🎅 Santa Experience at The Hayloft Cheshire
📅 30th Nov - 24th Dec
Join the elves for some fun in their enchanting workshop, including making magical reindeer food, then enter the magical grotto to enjoy a story from Santa and receive a gift for each child! Depart the grotto on the miniature Christmas railway
Approximately 45 minute experience: £18.50 per child including gift and train ride, £7 per adult (14 years +) including train ride.
Under 1s WITHOUT an older paying sibling will require a full child ticket please.
Under 1s, £7.50 WITH an older paying sibling and will receive a gift.
🎅 Farmer Christmas Experience, Reddish Vale Farm
📅 30th November – 24th December
Head to passport control to collect your passport, the elves are on hand to check you have everything you need for your journey.
• A Full tour of the North Pole Christmas Headquarters
• Elf Academy
• Build your own Christmas Friend (Build A Teddy Bear)
• Meet the Pole Office Elves
• Head to Elf Ville, don’t forget to stop at Holly Jolly Gumdrop Sweet Shop and receive a special treat
• Visit Mrs Claus to decorate gingerbread with a festive treat for the grown ups
• Visit Santa’s stables with his farmyard friends
• Lots of jolly photo opportunities for all the family including Father Christmas’s sleigh!
• Special personal visit from Father Christmas
• Visit Fathers Christmas’s toy shop
Take your own photographs or purchase on the day
💰 Adults £16.50, Child £45, under 1s £10
🌎 Country Park, Reddish Vale Rd, Stockport SK5 7HE
🎅Santa's Grotto at The Dunham Barns
📆29th Nov - 23rd Dec
As the Christmas lights twinkle, step into a world of wonder and enchantment at The Dunham Barns Santa’s Grotto. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and embark on a memorable journey that will leave you filled with joy and excitement.
£15 for one adult and one child.
🎅Christmas at Cockfields Farm
24th Nov - 24th Dec
Visit Cockfield's to meet Santa and his elves in the grotto, and experience lot of different activities on the farm.
• Head into Santa's Grotto to tell him your Christmas wishes and to get a photo.
• Journey into the indoor Christmas winter woodland toy shop to claim your special present.
• Venture into the teddy building workshop and lend a hand to Santa's hardworking elves.
• Meander through the Quality Street village, where a majestic Christmas tree stands tall, adorned with shimmering lights and ornaments.
• Gather around a crackling fire to toast marshmallows and make s'mores
• Meet the real life Prancer & Dancer.
• Perfect Gingerbread Man in Mrs Clauses Kitchen
• Magical Christmas Story from the Reindeer Keepers
• Cuddle the animals in Elf Village.
• Post a Thank You letter it in the North Pole Post Box
• Elf show, where lively dances and tunes spread joy and laughter
🎟 Full Price Child Ticket from £34.79- over 12 months up to 12 years old - Includes all activities, a gift, a hot chocolate & a gingerbread man.
🎟 Adult Ticket from £20.99 - 12+ - Accompany a child through the full Santa Experience - no additional gifts.
🎟 Under 12 months Ticket from £11.99- Includes 1 gift from Santa only, does not include additional activities
🎅 Meet Father Christmas at Trentham!
📅 16th Nov - 24th Dec
Join Father Christmas and his friends in his brand-new grotto! Enjoy magical stories and unforgettable experiences at Trentham’s North Pole. Create Christmas spirit, leave your letters in Santa's magic post box. Each boy and girl will also receive 1 soft toy to take home with them.
🎟 Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/FatherChristmasTicketing
🎅 Journey to Christmas-Shire at Kings Dock, Liverpool
📅 16th Nov - 22nd Dec 2024
Experience Christmas like never before with an interactive performance where you are part of the story. This year, Nutmeg the Elf has discovered a magical leak that threatens to ground Father Christmas’s sleigh. Families are invited to join elves Nutmeg and Sprout, in a quest to create enough Christmas magic to ensure Father Christmas can make his important journey around the globe.
You’ll enter through a secret gateway into Christmas-Shire, where they will meet the hardworking elves and engage in interactive storytelling and performances. Every child will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, share their wishes, and receive an ethically sourced gift.
🎅 Lapland Liverpool
📅 23rd Nov -24th Dec
Enjoy up to three hours of festive fun and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Seek out the magical passport control and meet the friendly helper elves.
A magical doorway has appeared deep in the enchanted woodlands! This wonderous entrance will whisk you away, big and little humans alike, from Liverpool straight to the heart of Lapland.
• Join the elves at Elf Academy
• Roll up your sleeves and help Mrs. Claus make Christmas's favorite treats extra special.
• Inside the workshop help the elves make a cuddle toy
• Santa's Cozy Cabin! Father Christmas himself awaits by the crackling fireplace, eager to hear all about your Christmas wishes.
• After your magical visit with Father Christmas, lace up your skates and glide across our glistening skating rink!
• Browse our Festive selection of shops and restaurants.
• Take a trip to Mr Toasty's Marshmallows where you can enjoy toasting your own Marshmallows over the firepit!
• Step inside the Lapland post office to write your letter to Santa ans post it so it goes direct tk the North Pole.
💰 Tickets cost from £31.19 per person
🌍37 Otterspool Drive, Liverpool, Aigburth, L17 5AL
🎅 Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC
📅 16th Nov - 23rd Dec
An amazing Christmas experience. Relive the classic story on board a steam train ride, have a hot chocolate and cookie before meeting Santa as he boards the train at the North Pole. The story is retold by the train staff singing and dancing along the isles of the train. Join in the fun by singing along and getting into the festive spirit. Wear your pyjamas and wrap up warm for this magic journey to the North Pole
🎅 Bewilderwood Cheshire Presents Christmas
Meet Father Christmas himself and children will even receive a small, sweet treat! Join us for a very special BeWILDerwood pantomime suitable for all ages. Full of family fun and magical merriment, enjoy our unique spin on a traditional pantomime. Follow The Sparkly Light Trail through BeWILDerwood this Christmas! Spot Silly Snowmen, candy canes and other festive favourites along the way!
🎅 Follies Safari at Hawkstone Follies
📅 29th Nov - 23rd Dec
Arrive at Hawkstone Park Hotel and check in for your trip. After a warming festive drink you’ll be whisked off in one of our Land Rovers across the Park, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s spectacular network of caves.
Wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you finally arrive at your destination – the magical grotto itself! Where every child is greeted by Santa and gets a gift.
💰 Price for a vehicle up to 8 people:
Daylight: £175.00 or £180.00
Twilight: £175.00 or £190.00
Pre-booking is essential and spaces fill up quickly so book yours as soon as you can!
🎅 Reindeer Lodge
📅 22nd Nov - 24th Dec
Get ready for a whole NEW immersive world as we go FULL walk-thru for Christmas 2024! Enjoy MORE time with the reindeer, MORE time with lots of festive characters and elves, MORE time exploring enchanted elf villages and awesome lighting trails... and MORE time with Father Christmas himself.
So What's included?
🌟See the reindeer in their stables and paddocks
✨Watch Reindeer talks
🌟Awesome lakeside and woodland walk lighting trail
✨Rollercoaster and Fairground Rides
🌟Watch the Stage Shows
🌟Letters to Santa in Toy Town Post Office
✨Meet the story time characters and Elves
🌟Explore quirky Elf villages
✨Visit The Toy Workshop
🎁 Gift for every child when booking to see Father Christmas, one family at a time**
Tickets available FROM £24 per person (under 3's FREE). Find out more and book your tickets now at:
Reindeer Lodge, Leeswood, Mold, CH7 4SB
**Meeting Father Christmas is optional this year and can be added when booking your tickets.
🎅 Peak Wildlife Park
📅 23 Nov 2024 – 24 Nov 2024
This Christmas bring the whole family to Peak Wildlife Park to meet Santa in his magical grotto! The elves have some Christmas crafts planned for all to enjoy and are on hand to help you write your letter to Santa before visiting the man himself for an early festive treat.
Please note, all bookings for Santa’s Grotto must also include park entry tickets
https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/
🎅 Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth
📅 Fri 6th, Sat 7th, Sun 8th, Fri 13th, Sat 14th, Sun 15th, Fri 20th, Sat 21st, Sun 22nd, Mon 23rd Dec
Father Christmas will captivate little ears with the story of the first Christmas. Children will then be able to help our elves make some reindeer food and receive a small gift to take home.
£17.50 per child | £12 per adult
Enjoy a magical family visit to listen to Father Christmas. Includes entry to the farmyard and playground.
🎅Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers
📅Dates not announced yet
Start your Christmas story with sensationally festive experiences at Alton Towers Resort. With an exclusive visit to Santa's grotto and receive a special gift. Enjoy festive atmosphere and experience family rides and attractions, including the UK's only CBeebies Land and entry to our splashtastic Waterpark. Complete the experience with the New for 2024 Alton Towers Resort Panto!
For a spellbinding Santa Sleepover this Christmas, set a course to Alton Towers Resort and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Check-in day
1-Day Entry to the Theme Park with a selection of family rides and attractions
A unique visit to Santa’s Grotto
New for 2024 traditional Panto
A fantastically festive evening meal and festive entertainment
An overnight stay in one of our fabulously themed hotels
Check-out day
A delicious buffet breakfast
Entry to the splashtastic Waterpark
9 holes of crazy Extraordinary Golf
🎅 Santa Cruise at Anderton boat lift Anderton Boat Lift
No info on dates and booking yet
Meet Father Christmas at the museum in his Grotto with the option of also taking a festive boat trip along the canal with some of his elves and enjoy singing, games, stories and a treasure trail
🎅 Santa’s Grotto at Gullivers World
16th Nov - 24th Dec
Escape to Gulliver’s World for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie mischief, fairy fun, snowy surprises and meet Father Christmas
🎅Christmas at Warwick Castle
Join us for Christmas at the Castle starting on November 23rd with Santa Sleepovers, ice skating, Light Trail and Stories with Santa🎅 ✨🎄
🎅Festive Sleepover at Chessington World of Adventures
Special exclusive discount through my link
Dates 22nd, 24th, 29th of November and 1st, 6th, 8th of December from just £149 for the whole family (normally from £168)
All other dates have 10% off
YOUR SHORT BREAK PACKAGE INCLUDES:
An overnight stay in our Resort Hotels
Entry to Winter’s Tail, Theme Park, Zoo and SEA LIFE Aquarium
A delicious breakfast
Access to the Savannah Splash Pool†
Wild Hotel Entertainment
Free parking and WiFi
Book on a visit to Santa's Grotto as an extra when booking.
To find even more Christmas Day Out ideas head back to "Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Cheshire" to find Christmas Lights, Pantos and other Christmas activities.
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