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Updated 12/09/24
Christmas isn't far off now and some Christmas events will be fully booked long before the season begins.
Santa, Father Christmas, St Nicholas - whatever he is known as in your house, the little ones all love him! There are lots of options available this year where you can see Santa. We are updating this page regularly as new information is available.
For Breakfast/Afternoon Tea options, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Take some time to check details before you make a booking to ensure that the event is suitable for you and your family.
Where To See Santa 2024
In no particular order...
Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary CM15 9BZ: 30th Nov & 1st Dec, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec 2024
Event includes letter writing to Santa, visit from Santa with gift, a Christmas Trail, free mince pie & mulled wine for the grown ups, gingerbread and warm squash for children, miniature Christmas village, general admission to the sanctuary. There are both indoor and outdoor activities, so the event will go ahead come rain or shine!
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Santa Express
North Weald & District Miniature Railway, Harlow Garden Centre CM17 9LD: 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd, 24th Dec 2024
This lovely miniature railway in the gardens of Harlow Garden Centre is run by volunteers and always push the boat out at Christmas. Pre book via the website.
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Santa Specials
Barnards Farm Miniature Railway, West Horndon, Brentwood CM13 3FY: 30th Nov & 1st Dec, 7th & 8th Dec 2024
This is a superb venue and a really beautiful railway. The experience will last around 90 minutes and includes a family visit to see the man in red along with a photo opportunity. Book via the website
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The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo CO3 0SL: 23rd & 24th Nov, 30th Nov & 1st Dec, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 19th - 24th Dec 2024
Step into the magical wonderland of the North Pole as you journey through the white woodland, take a break at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen and discover how ‘Wilbur the Woolly Mammoth’ is made in the Elf Workshop before visiting the main man himself and receive a special gift, ‘Wilbur the Woolly Mammoth’.
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A Christmas Journey
Old MacDonald's Farm CM14 5AY: 22nd - 24rd Nov, 29th - 30th Nov, 1st Dec, 6th - 8th Dec, 13th - 24th Dec 2024
Whether you are trying to track down all of the missing Gingerbreads, riding on one of our awesome rides or enjoying our Farms attractions or festive shows, you are going to love this year's Christmas event at OMD's
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Santa's Grotto at White Elm
White Elm Garden Centre and Petting Farm CM3 4LR: 23rd & 24th Nov, 30th Nov, 1st Dec, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 19th - 23rd Dec 2024
The Elves are getting excited as Christmas Day is getting closer, come and join us to visit Santa and his Elves in his magical Grotto at White Elm Garden Centre!
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Santa's Grotto at Havering Christmas Land
Havering Christmas Land, Harrow Lodge Park RM11 1JU
Help raise money for this fantastic charity (Havering Mind) supporting people's mental health. Santa will be busy again this year so you will need to book to visit his Grotto.
More details to follow
Santa’s Grotto Experience at Alton Garden Centre
Alton Garden Centre, Arterial Road, Wickford SS12 9JG: 16th & 17th, 23rd & 24th, 30th Nov, 1st - 24th December 2024
Step into the enchanting world of Christmas as you’re greeted by one of Santa’s very own Elves, who will present you with a special Elf name to begin your journey! Make your way through the magical Grotto passing the busy post room then onto wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ to Santa’s favourite Reindeer! The Elves will then introduce you to the jolly man himself, Santa, where every child will receive a special keepsake gift & mini-Christmas tree to remember this magical day.
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The Christmas Experience
The Party Kingdom, Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon CM3 6HB: 17th Nov, 8th, 14th, 21st - 23rd Dec 2024
This year there are three difference experiences (and price points) so you can choose which suits you and your family best. Platinum includes a seasonal ‘Build a Bear’ and your own family Winter Wonderland session, Gold has been introduced for children who may get overwhelmed with the whole experience and also suitable for younger families. It is a fantastic experience including a ride on Santa's Express, and also in the magical elevator and finally an adults only package.
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Christmas Special 2024
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB: 21st Nov - 24th Dec 2024
Make memories this Christmas at Audley End Miniature Railway and journey into the magical woods to the grotto. Enjoy the show in the grotto from the comfort of your train carriage, where each child will meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift. Enjoy a walk through the beautifully lit woodland where there will be other activities to do like making reindeer food and writing letter to Father Christmas.
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Father Christmas at Audley End House
Audley End House, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF: 30th Nov, 1st, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec 2024
Join in the festive fun with Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens as the man himself tells seasonal stories among the traditional decorations.
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Santa's Grotto
Romford Shopping Hall RM1 3AB: 30th Nov, 1st Dec, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st - 24th Dec 2024
Tickets always sell out fast - this is a great local venue to see the man himself and you can take as many photos as you want on your phone during your visit.
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Santa's Grotto at Mercury Mall
Mercury Mall, Romford RM1 3EE: Start date to follow
Open every day until Christmas Eve
No booking necessary, just turn up.
Meet Santa
The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford RM1 3RL: 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd & 24th 28th - 30th Nov; 5th - 8th, 12th - 24th Dec 2024
More details to follow
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Polar Express Train Ride
Mid Norfolk Railway NR19 1DF:: various dates check website link
As you and your family take in the festive decorations at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride station, you can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance and the fun begins...
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The Father Christmas Experience at Barleylands
Barleylands Farm CM11 2UD.: 29th Nov - 24th Dec 2024
Start your journey with one of Father Christmas’ elves who will guide you to our Christmas barn, here you will meet Mrs. Claus who has a festive story for all to enjoy. There will be so much to see and do...
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Mrs Claus' Kitchen at Thames Chase
Thames Chase RM14 3NS: 1st, 7th & 8th, 21st - 23rd Dec 2024
Join Mrs Claus and her elves to really get in to the festive mood. Children will get to decorate a biscuit, whilst Mrs Claus tells them a story about her previous Christmas capers. Children will then get to have photos with Mrs Claus and tell her about their wish lists and receive a gift left for them by Father Christmas.
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The Father Christmas Experience
Marsh Farm CM3 5WP: 16th & 17th, 23rd & 24th, 29th & 30th Nov, 1st, 6th - 8th, 12th - 15th 19th - 24th Dec 2024
A wondrous journey awaits you, but before you can embark on your enchanted adventure, you’ll need to be granted special access to the North Pole! Don’t worry, the expert Elves in Passport Control will make sure all your papers are in order and send you on your way.
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Santa Specials 2024
Epping Ongar Railway: 23rd & 24th, 30th Nov; 1st, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 19th - 24th Dec 2024
The experience starts as you join our vintage London bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar at the times shown below. When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from our festive food stall whilst you listen to our live brass band! As you wait for the train perhaps you will meet our characters who will be walking around the crowds looking for the nice children to make sure that Santa will find them later. Naughty children will not be allowed to board the train!
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Santa's Banquette Bash
Orsett Hall RM16 3HS: 14th & 15th, 21st - 24th December 2024
A fun Christmas Family Event for a whole family with food and children's entertainment.
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Santa on the Pier
Southend on Sea Pier SS1 1EE: 2nd - 24th Dec 2024
Santa is returning to Southend Pier this festive season! Book your little one's ticket for a magical experience like no other. Children and one accompanying adult will be whisked down to the end of the Pier by pier train where you will meet Santa and his merry band of helpers.
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Breakfast with Santa
The Old Plough House Upminster RM14 3SR: 1st & 14th Dec 2024
Children will enjoy a hearty breakfast whilst decorating a gingerbread man before receiving a small gift from Santa, don’t forget to bring your cameras for a photo with Santa.
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Afternoon Tea with Santa
The Old Plough House, Bulphan RM14 3SR: 8th & 22nd Dec 2024
Children will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea whilst receiving a visit from Santa. There will also be a children's entertainer from 3pm-4pm. Children will receive a gift from Santa
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Harvester restaurants in Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Hornchurch
Santa is coming to Harvester. Bring your little ones along for an extra special Christmas breakfast.
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The Deer's Rest, RM3 7LL: 8th & 23rd Dec 2024
Breakfast with Santa is back! A festive filled morning with Santa and his Elves, a delicious breakfast, a story and a selection box from Santa.
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Thames Chase RM14 3NS: 24th Dec 2024
The Forest Centre Tearoom have a very special visitor coming. Before he heads off on his long journey, delivering presents to all the children of the world he is going to make a stop off at Thames Chase! After your delicious breakfast, each child will get to meet the jolly old elf himself and receive a gift.
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Thurrock Garden Centre RM15 6DU: 1st, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st - 24th Dec 2024. Wednesday 13th Dec under 5s only.
Join Santa, Party Monsters Children's Entertainers and the Woody's Restaurant Team for a fun-filled event sprinkled with Christmas spirit - oh and not to forget a delicious breakfast!
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