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If you're looking to meet Father Christmas this year, then look no further than the Mum's guide to Hitchin round-up of all the places you'll find him. Many places get booked up early, but fear not, there are so many places, all at different budgets where you can meet him, including some where you don't need a booking!
If you know of events that are not in this guide, then please add them using this form.
I will continue to add to this guide as more events are added to the website, and there will be more guides as we get closer to Christmas, so do bookmark this page and come back!
There are a number of other guides where you can find even more great events:
- Christmas Lights Switch-Ons
- Christmas Lights Trails
- Christmas films and shows - coming soon!
- Christmas Fairs and Markets
Where to see Father Christmas!
Hitchin
Hitchin Market Place Santa's Grotto
Weekends 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
DROP IN TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS
Visit Hitchin brings this wonderful new addition to our town for Christmas. Cosy and warm within an empty shop space overlooking The Market Place, Santa's Grotto is supporting Garden House Hospice- £4 per child.
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Christmas Fayre at Offley Hoo Farm
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 10am - 3pm
PRE-BOOK TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS
Santas Grotto from 11am - 2pm both days (see link in full details to pre-book). Various stalls with gifts galore to start your Christmas shopping. Caroline Acaster Photography 1st December from 11am - 3pm. @thecuckooukulelegroup playing in the barn. Bar open @thedreambeancafeuk.
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The BIG Weekend on Hitchin Market Place
FREE ENTRY TO EVENT
Sat 14th December 2024 - Sun 15th December 2024 10am-4pm
Giant Snow Globe, Santa's Grotto, Rodeo Reindeer, Make & Take workshop, and much, much more!
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Festive Fun Day on Hitchin Market Place
FREE ENTRY TO EVENT
Sat 21st and Sun 22nd December 2024 10am-4pm
Enjoy the weekend before Christmas with a kids Fun Fair & Santa's Grotto (£4 per child in aid of Garden House Hospice).
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Children's Christmas Party at Highover JMI School & Nursery, Hitchin
LOW COST - £2 per child
Sat 14th December 2024 2-4pm
The Hitchin 7th Scouts are busy preparing for our popular Children's Xmas Party.
This year it will be held on Saturday 14th December 2024, 2-4pm.
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Breakfast with Santa at The Millstream, Hitchin
Sat 14th and Sat 21st December 2024 10am-12pm
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Festive time is coming soon and so is Santa. On the 14th December & the 21st December, we will be hosting Santa for breakfast, if your family would like to meet him please book a table as soon as you can.
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Meet Santa and Kids' Christmas Party at The Orange Tree Pub, Hitchin
Sat 14th December 2024 11am - 1pm
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
It's not your usual Santa's Grotto because kids will:
Meet Santa and other characters
Listen to stories
Play games
Dance and sing
Get faces painted
Get a present
Get a meal
Adults are welcome to book separate table and have a festive meal while kids will have fun
We will be open from 10am on that day
It will be the best Santa's Grotto in town!! 2 hours of fun!
£19 per child (full payment will be needed to be paid in advance)
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Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey, Shefford and surrounding villages
Meet and Greet Santa and Mrs Claus at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth
Saturday December 7th, Sunday December 8th, Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th 2024 10am - 2pm
FREE AND NO NEED TO PRE-BOOK
Santa is bringing his Workshop to Letchworth Garden City! Not only that but meet & greets with Santa & Mrs Claus will be absolutely FREE!
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Meet Santa and his Elf at Perfect Playland
Sat 21st December 2024 9:15-11:15am or 11:30-1:30pm
Your Session Includes:
-Meet & Greet Magical Experience Upstairs With Santa & His Elf.
-Gift from Santa.
-Photo opportunity.
-Letter To Santa Making.
-Reindeer Food To Take Home.
-2 hours access to soft play & cafe.
Price: £13 per Child. £6 per Adult.
To Book Please Visit Our Website Under events
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Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)
Santa's Grotto at The Westgate Shopping Centre, Stevenage
Sat 9th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024 - Various days and times, book online
LOW COST - £5 PER CHILD- PRE-BOOK OR DROP IN
Santa’s Grotto now open! Don’t forget to book online. Still only £5 to visit Santa and receive a gift
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Knebworth Christmas Lights Big Switch-On at St Martins Church, Knebworth
Fri 22nd November 2024 5-8pm
🎄 One of the highlights of the year, the village Christmas lights will be turned on at a family fun event run by Knebworth Parish Council. Highlights include:
🎶 Performances from Stagecoach, Knebworth Community Chorus, and Knebworth School choir, before the big countdown with Kevin Bonavia at 6.30pm.
🎸 🎤 Followed by more great live music from Kit Bottomley and The Scallywags on the stage, and carol singing led by Herts Musical Memories in the Church.
🎁 Browse our stalls for some fantastic Christmas presents, including beautiful skincare and jewellery, books, and unique homeware and decorations.
🎅 Visit the grotto to tell Santa if you've been naughty or nice! Don't forget the face painting and craft, and a preschooler play area in the church, and activity stalls for all ages on the Green.
☕️🥧🍷🍕🍟 Refreshments for all tastes including Oh my Dough pizzas, burger van, licensed bar with mulled wine, hot chocolate in the Parish Centre, and Knebworth's own Izzy Bakes 🧁
🌟Lucas May, Noah charity shop and Simmons will all be staying open late offering even more Christmas fun and bargains 🤩
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Santa's Grotto Experience at Frost's Garden Centres
SEN AND DOG-FRIENDLY OPTIONS TOO
Sat 16th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
Frosts Santa's Grotto experience is back, and this year is filled with enchanting new activities for the whole family to enjoy. Gather 'round the fire with Mrs. Christmas as she brings the magic of Christmas to life with her heart-warming stories. Let your imagination run wild in our Toy Factory, where children can choose a Christmas-themed cuddly toy to build, adding a personal touch to their festive keepsake. Experience the joy of meeting Father Christmas himself! Share your Christmas wishes and capture the moment with a memorable photo, he is excited to hear about all the good deeds and Christmas cheer you've spread this year. Step into a winter wonderland and join in the fun of making special reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Learn the secrets of the Elf helpers and ensure Rudolph and his friends find their way to your home. Finally take a piece of the magic home with you by working with your family to plant a mini-Christmas tree, in a beautiful bamboo plant pot. This activity is a wonderful way to create lasting family traditions and watch your tree grow year after year.
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Santa's Grotto Experience at The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton le Clay
Sat 23rd November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
A BRAND NEW 50 minute experience for 2024! Bring your little ones for 50 minutes of fun with Santa and his friends, includes a ride on the Santa Express. Tickets now on sale: £17.49 per child, £5.99 per adult. First stop is a visit to Buffer and Stoker in their Engine Shed. These clever Elves will help you design your own Santa Express decoration to take home with you whilst entertaining you with jokes and fun. Full steam ahead to the Junction Shed to meet Mr P the Station Master. He has just received a delivery of Christmassy letters from Rudolph, one for every child, and your magical reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve. Mr P the Station Master will also help you make your own special wish upon a star. Conductor the Elf will then lead the way and give each a child a ticket for Santa's special Christmas ride. At the end of the Station you will find Santa and Mrs Claus in their cosy sitting room, where Santa will have a story for you and a present for each child, enjoy your own special time with him and there will be the opportunity for you to take that memorable photograph. Wrap up warm and step outside onto the North Pole Station and climb aboard The Santa Express for more magical photographs. The fun doesn't stop there, follow the snow trail to find Santa's special Christmas ride and say "hello" to Chilly Elf and the North Pole Snowman, don't forget the photo opportunities along the way.
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Santa Experience at Shepreth Wildlife Park
Sat 14th December 2024 - Tue 24th December 2024 (Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec)
Pre-book timeslot, pay on the day
Cost: £10* per child (all funds go to the SWCC Hedgehog Hospital). Payable directly to the SWCC Charity on the day.
Pre-booking of a time slot is required. Please use the booking form. Each child must be booked onto a separate time slot, or together at your discretion, but please note the £10 per child donation still applies.
Includes: 5-minutes with Santa and a Christmas gift +
Child Winter Zoo Pass valid for one future visit between 1st October - 31st March any year.
*Does not include entry into the wildlife park which is required for this experience.
As you are paying a discounted entry into the Wildlife Park, in addition to £10 donation for the Santa experience, you are welcome to arrive anytime from 10am to visit the animals and then visit Santa at your pre-booked time. Child and all accompanying guests (minimum of one adult required per booking) will receive our discounted entry rate of £10 per person on the day. There is no requirement to book these tickets in advance.
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Winter Wonderland breaks at Center Parcs, Woburn
Fri 8th November 2024 - Thurs 2nd January 2025
BOOK SEPARATELY TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS
Ready to feel the magic in the forest? If you join us between Friday 8 November 2024 until Thursday 2 January 2025 you'll get to experience the wonder of a Winter Wonderland break at Center Parcs. An enchanting experience for all ages... and magical memories you'll treasure forever.
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Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm, London Colney
Mon 25th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
As well as lots of your Willows favourites, there is so much to look forward to including:
Take a trip through our magical winter wonderland where you'll find Santa in his amazing Grotto. Santa will give children a key to his Toy Shop where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling.
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Father Christmas visits Wardown Museum at Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Luton
Sat 7th December 2024 - Sat 21st December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
A magical Christmas experience for the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery. Children are invited to listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when they meet Father Christmas. Plus, they can enjoy milk and cookies in our cosy café afterwards, while you enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee! There will be an opportunity to take photos of your children with Father Christmas, and enjoy the festive backdrop of the beautifully decorated house, decked out in traditional Victorian style decor. This is a very popular event and some slots sell-out. Book early to secure your visit with Father Christmas!
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Father Christmas at Luton Hoo Estate - The Walled Garden, Luton
Sun 8th December 2024 10am - 4pm
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Father Christmas is taking some time out from his busy schedule to have a chat and a mince pie at Luton Hoo Estate. Places are limited - book early to avoid disappointment.
What's included with your ticket:
- Visit the big man
- An age appropriate gift to take home
- An opportunity for you to take your own pictures
- Mince pies for all
- Visit our 'standby' reindeers (our lovely horses) - (always at hand if one of Santa's reindeer decides to take Christmas off)
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Christmas at Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne
Sat 30th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
First come first served to see Father Christmas (included in ticket price)
Entry to Santa's Grotto is included with your day tickets. You will have the opportunity to meet and have your photo taken with Santa. Santa's Grotto is a first-come, first-serve queuing system.
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Further Afield
Christmas Special 2024 at Audley End Miniature Railway at Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden
Thurs 21st November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Embark on a magical journey this Christmas. Audley End Miniature Railway, tucked away in an ancient Woodland, near Saffron Walden in North Essex. Our Nutcracker Station Master invites you to climb aboard the Christmas Express and journey deep into the enchanted woods of Audley End to visit Father Christmas' winter workshop! You'll see Mother Christmas and her elves hard at work making sure all the toys are ready for Christmas Eve. Meet Father Christmas as he greets everyone along the train and gives each child a special gift.
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Farmer Christmas at Foxholes Farm Park, Hertford
Sat 7th December 2024 - Sun 8th December 2024 and Sat 14th December 2024 - Sun 15th December 2024
PRE-BOOK YOUR TIME TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS
Farmer Christmas' grotto will be at Foxholes Farm Park on the 30th November, and 1st & 7th & 8th & 14th & 15th of December. Adults are £3.95 each and children are £9.95 each. Each child will receive a gift.
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Santa at Van Hague, Great Amwell
Weds 20th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
This Christmas, join Great Grottos for an unforgettable experience! Children will have the chance to meet Santa, share their excitement for the big day, and personally deliver their Christmas wishes. Each child will also receive a special gift from Santa himself. Book via the dedicated booking site at Great Grotto's, simply select your preferred date and time slot, and your ticket will be emailed to you upon completion of the booking process. Tickets are £13 per child, with free entry for adults.
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Santa's Grotto at centre:mk
Fri 15th November 2024 - Tues 24th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
There’s a very secret Christmas story Santa likes to keep, about a little reindeer would you like to take a peep? His reindeer name is Norbert and although he’s very small, he has a GIANT DREAM, he’d like to share it with you all! So, if you’re fond of Christmas and can’t wait till Christmas Day, come join us for some festive fun, right here at centre:mk. The interactive performance begins with Elf Twinkletoes guiding families to a cosy seating area for the story to begin. Families are welcomed into Santa’s wondrous reindeer stable, where they can experience the story of Santa’s newest reindeer, Norbert, in a heartwarming, immersive adventure. Norbert is an adorable reindeer puppet, who communicates through his elf puppeteer, to interact with the children as his special story of Christmas magic unfolds. On their way to meet Santa, children will make reindeer food in the craft workshop to take home with them, before finally stopping off at Santa's Grotto for their intimate family visit, where they will have the opportunity to take a family photo with the big man himself and receive a gift!
Norbert’s story is one of courage, kindness, and the joy of embracing our differences. The full experience lasts around 30 minutes.
Prices:
Children - £15.50
Adults - £6
Baby Under One: £5
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WinterWonderland - Bedford
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 5th January 2025
PRE-BOOK YOUR TIME TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS
Bedford's first WinterWonderland is back for another magical experience including skating under the stars, amazing views from our Big Wheel, taking a walk through the magical Christmas Tree Maze, and Santa's Grotto for that magical Christmas feeling. Enjoy all your festive beverages and treats in Alpine Bar. We have it all here at WinterWonderland Bedford.
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The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey
Sun 24th November 2024 - Sun 29th December 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
A Christmas treat for the whole family. Our fabulously festive Santa Claus Experience is a great way to start your festive celebrations this year. Santa's cheeky elves can not wait to welcome you on our magical group experience of festive fun. Your tour will typically take 90 minutes*.
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Christmas at Gulliver's Land Resort
Weekends from Nov 23rd 2024 then Fri Dec 20th - Mon Dec 23rd 2024
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
All Christmas theme park packages at Gulliver's Land Milton Keynes include a visit to Santa's Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift. If you want to extend the fun, then book a fantastic festive short break.
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Panto Express at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 - Multiple Times
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime - all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year, it's bigger and better than ever! Start your journey with our family-friendly pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, in our festive Visitor Centre. Enjoy your performance and then make your way to the Booking Hall to board the steam train. You will be shown to your compartment where you will be visited by Father Christmas, who makes his way along the train to present a special golden ticket to all the children. After the train ride, your adventure continues in the museum with our brand-new experience! You will be magically transported to Santa's workshop, where you can meet Mrs Claus and the elves, and your child can exchange their golden ticket for a gift of their choice. Pre-booking for Christmas is essential! Panto running time approx. 25 mins; train ride approx. 25 mins. All bookings are subject to a £3 fee per booking.
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Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Thurs 21st November 2023 - Sun 5th January 2025
SEEING FATHER CHRISTMAS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs for six magical weeks from Thursday 21st November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025, with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more available. Get your hands on tickets now so you can join us to make magical memories with your loved ones!
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Legoland at Christmas
Weekends until Dec 8th, then daily (except 24th/25th/26th) until Saturday January 4th 2025
BOOK TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS SEPARATELY
Enjoy a festive family day out with your little elves as LEGOLAND transforms into a wintery wonderland! Our twinkly lights, giant DUPLO® Christmas tree and magical atmosphere will have the whole family full of Christmas spirit. There is so much to do from festive shows and entertainment to LEGO® building fun and of course your favourite rides and attractions. You'll build memories that will last a lifetime! LEGOLAND at Christmas is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Don't miss out, book your tickets today! Are your little builders on the Nice List? Create the ultimate family memory this festive season, book your exclusive meet and greet with Father Christmas in his magical cabin.
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