If you’d like to give your child a magical surprise they’ll remember forever this Christmas, there’s no better way than a visit to see Santa himself. But you’ll need to be quick, as places are selling out fast! Here’s where you can see Santa at the best Santa’s grottos in the South West.
1. The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court
Visit Ashton Court Mansion this Christmas for an interactive Santa’s grotto experience that’s fun for all the family. The event is held in a beautiful Victorian manor house and is returning for its sixth year in 2024.
Start your visit in the Great Hall and enjoy a 20-minute interactive experience with professional actors before meeting Father Christmas. Each child receives a special gift from Father Christmas, as well as a small gift for each grown-up.
Pricing:
Adults – £6
Children – £15
Dates:
Every weekend and selected weekdays from Thursday 28th November – Monday 23rd December.
2. Christmas Experience at Avon Valley
When it comes to grotto experiences, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park has everything you could think of, making for a fun family day out that is so much more than a quick couple of minutes on Santa’s knee. Visit Santa in the heart of Lapland, meet his Candy Cane Crew, and take photos with him as a reminder of your special day. In 2024, you can now enjoy the all-new Grinch Show as well as the fun from previous years.
There’s also a surprise ‘Santa Show’, with plenty of sing-alongs, mischief and mince pies! Kids can visit Santa’s Toy Factory at Lapland Village where they can use their magic token from Santa to purchase a toy for Christmas. They can also meet resident reindeer Donner and Blitzen, who are getting ready for their big sleigh trip. Don’t forget to visit the Post Room, where children can post their wish letters to Santa.
Mrs Claus and her helpers are also busy in the Christmas kitchen decorating gingerbread for Christmas day, and they’ll talk visitors through how they do it so beautifully! If that wasn’t enough, there’s a magical forest you can walk through with plenty of sparkles and surprises in store. And a festive miniature railway, too. The whole family can throw some shapes in the play barn, where there’s a massive festive disco party, and don’t forget the food stalls offering toasted s’mores and mulled wine.
There’s also a 300 square metre ice rink that you can enjoy by purchasing an extra ticket for skating if desired. The Festive Family Fun Fair is also open, with payment per ride.
Pricing:
Christmas experience tickets range up to £27.50 per adult, to £32.50 per child. Babies go free. Extra tickets are required for access to the ice skating or Christmas Nights Lights Trail.
Dates:
Select dates from 30th November – 24th December
1. Snack with Santa Experience at Bicton Park
Come and join the ‘Snack with Santa’ event and let your little ones tell him what they’d really like for Christmas with a trip to his snow globe at Bicton Park. Between one and five children per time can visit Santa, and the best bit is that Santa will give children a present that has been pre-selected and approved by parents. Parents can choose from different present types when booking tickets.
It also helps Santa to know what your kids’ favourite hobbies and interests are, as this makes their Santa experience all the more personal. You’ll need a Bicton Park membership in order to attend Santa’s grotto. When booking, you can request an official invitation letter sent by recorded delivery that you’ll need to bring along to your visit on the day.
Pricing:
£19 per child plus £4 per adult (Annual Pass holders)
£29 per child plus £14 per adult (Non-Annual Passholders)
Dates:
14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December
