Santa Claus is coming to a variety of places in and around Wales this festive season! Now is your chance to take your children down to see him in person and tell him what’s on their wish list. Here’s our guide to the best Santa’s grottos in Wales.
4. Cathedral Cave Christmas Experience, National Showcaves Centre
If you’re looking for a place where the Santa’s grotto experience is a bit different to a garden centre or a high street store, how about a Welsh mountain with ancient caves? Kids will have a magical experience visiting Santa in caves that are guarded by friendly dinosaurs. Enter the caves to see stunning Christmas decorations, hanging cave formations and bright colourful artworks that have been created by Santa’s elves.
Kids will get the chance to meet the elves and of course – Santa himself. They can tell him what is on their Christmas list, and receive a gift from Santa to take home, whether they’ve been good or bad this year! The National Showcaves feature one of the world’s largest life-sized dinosaur collections. After seeing Santa, there will be a train waiting to take visitors back to the Morgan Brothers’ farm to meet the farm animals, including the shire horses. Kids can also let some steam off in the Owl’s Playground.
Pricing:
Prices range from £20 for adults, to £18 for children aged 3-12, and £10 for infants under two.
Dates:
Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st December, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December 2024.
3. Santa’s Toy Mine at Rhondda Heritage Park
Children will get to see how Santa makes all of the toys he delivers at the Toy Mine. Kids will get a true Welsh Mining experience by going underground to visit Santa in his grotto, where they can tell him their Christmas wishes. They can also take part in crafts like making their own chocolate and festive treats, and teddy building at the Christmas Craft Fayre.
Small huts are located across the site, and this is where kids can write and post their letters to Santa. There’s also a Christmas photo shop and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs of your trip. Tickets are selling fast though, so you’ll need to book quickly to reserve a space. The whole family can also tuck into the festive catering on site, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive hot meals and snacks.
Pricing:
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and children over 18 months. Tickets cost £5 for babies aged 18 months and under.
Dates:
23rd November – 24th December
2. Meet Santa at Folly Farm
If your child loves animals, take them to Folly Farm where they can meet lots of furry friends like reindeer and rare Pointu donkeys, before seeing the big guy in red himself!If you’ve not done much preparation, this grotto is a good pick, because you don’t have to book in advance, just turn up and pay in cash on the day.
Kids can tell Santa exactly what they want for Christmas, and will receive a goodie bag from him containing presents for Christmas. Adults aren’t left out either – there’s mince pies and mulled wine to keep you warm and toasty. After visiting Santa, head to the Asian Adventure habitat, where you’ll find Santa’s reindeer getting ready for their next adventure. There’s also a selection of indoor fairground attractions and a gingerbread trail… you can win a prize if you complete it!
Pricing:
Tickets are £8.50 per child. Santa visits only run on weekends, so expect long queues.
Dates:
Weekends from 9th November – 22nd December, plus the 6th, 13th and 20th of December.
1. Gwili Steam Railway
Throughout December, little ones can meet Santa and take a scenic train trip with him at the Gwili Steam Railway. Departing from (and returning to) Bronwydd Arms Station, the whole family can enjoy the scenery of this 90-minute trip on a steam train in original 1950s carriages.
All kids under 11 will receive a special Christmas gift from Santa, and there will be the opportunity to take photographs with him, too. There’s also complimentary sherry and a mince pie for all adults, and drinks and snacks for children. Don’t forget to visit the Victorian Tea Rooms after you have completed your train ride! Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time.
Pricing:
First class compartment for up to six people – £225
Traditional compartment for up to six people – £175
Traditional compartment for up to eight people – £225
Open seat ticket (ages three and over) – £30
Infants (up to 24 months) – £15
Dates:
Weekends from 30th November – 22nd December, plus Monday 23rd December.
Check out our full list of the best Santa’s grotto’s in the UK for more festive fun ideas.
