Here’s your guide to where you can visit Father Christmas in 2018!
This year most of the children in Warwickshire don’t break up until Friday 21st December! A week or so later than in previous years. This means that a lot of school age children will be restricted to weekends to visit the big man! It’s a good idea to book sooner rather than later as this year we will see weekends getting booked up sooner than usual. We have put together a listing of places to see Father Christmas this year with comments from Mums in our Facebook Group on their recommendations.
We will be adding to this listing on the run up to December as some smaller places add their dates later on in the season. If you have a favourite place we haven’t listed, please do let us know here and we will update.
Magic Alley, Stratford Upon Avon
Recommended year after year in our Facebook group is Magic Alley, so many Mums commenting how real the experience is.
Our Mummy Lyndsey Says: “Magic Alley, Stratford
By Christmas 2018 Magic Alley will have moved to their new home in Bell Court, right in the heart of Stratford. Pippin will of course be making a welcome return as Santa’s Assistant; the puzzle trail will still be there; and of course the snow room will once again be making an appearance, but as with all the previous years will be slightly different (in 2018 it will be considerably larger and may well be inside a wardrobe…).
Prices: £10 per person, (under one’s free).
To book your tickets for your visit to see Father Christmas in 2018, call us 01789 290969
Visit the magic alley website here for more information
Coventry Transport Museum – Visit Santa! Vintage Sleigh Ride
Where to see Father Christmas in Warwickshire
Saturday 24 November – Sunday 23 December
Monday – Friday: 11.00am – 5.00pm (last ride 4.30pm) Weekends: 9.00am – 5.00pm (last ride 4.30pm)
They don’t make ’em like this any more!! This Christmas make family memories to cherish! Join us for a magical ride on an enchanting vintage sleigh… Journey to Lapland on this magical moving ride, pulled by two trusty reindeer. Meet Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift.
Children £6 / accompanying adult (up to three adults per child) £1.50. Entry fee includes a gift per child.
Adult £5
WE LOVE THIS:
Sen sessions: for people with a learning disability such as autism. During these sessions the space will be adapted with a low sensory offer. Please call 024 7623 7521 to book or for further enquiries (weekdays only). Available on the following dates and times:
Thursday 29 November (10.00am – 11.00am) – Thursday 6 December (10.00am – 11.00am) – Thursday 13th December (6.00pm – 7.00pm) – Thursday 20th December (6.00pm – 7.00pm)
Please note:
This year there will be no timed tickets, simply purchase your tickets from the sleigh area and queue to ride.
Christmas on a steam train! Severn Valley Railway
Our Mummy Nikki says “We went to the Severn Valley Railway last Christmas 2016, it was so lovely, we boarded the train in the most beautiful station, took the steam train and got off ready to see Santa, there was hardly any queue and a brass band were playing carols. The children got a lovely large bear each. We then took a lovely walk to a small tea shop over a beautiful bridge before making our way back on the train. We then had a wonder around the free museum before heading home. The most wonderful day”.
Santa Steam Specials
Get Christmas off to a magical start by joining one of our Santa Steam Specials to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto!
Travel by steam train in our vintage carriages from Kidderminster to Arley where the children, and the grown-ups, will have the thrill of meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. Our historical Stations are dressed for the occasion, with plenty of photo opportunities both on and off the train.
Santa Steam Specials operate on: December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd.
Trains depart from Kidderminster at 9.45am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 12.45pm, 1.15pm, 2.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 3.30pm & 4.00pm.
Prices start at Adult – Prices start at £15+ booking fee. Prices increase throughout December.
Visit the Severn Valley Railway Website here for more information and to book
Warwick Castle
Santa’s Stately Breakfast
Santa is returning to the Castle and is inviting families to enjoy a one-of-a-kind feast at Mr and Mrs Claus’ very own private dining table set in the Castle’s decadent State Dining Room.
Prices vary dependent on date – Please note Take It From Mummy has been keeping an eye on availability & dates are only now available for the first three weekends in December, so book now to avoid missing out.
*Annual Pass Holders get 20% discount and can book by calling 01926 406 660
Experience the festive magic of Warwick Castle an hour before other guests as Santa’s elves escort you through the impressive Central Courtyard and towards the Great Hall, where Mrs. Claus waits to greet you. Once inside, tuck into delicious continental pastries as you take your seats in the resplendent dining room. Our special guest will arrive in time for the team of personal waiters to appear with your full English breakfast fresh from the Castle kitchen.
After breakfast, children can enjoy stories and entertainment with Mrs. Claus and the elves while Santa presents a hand picked gift to each child.
Tickets for this event are extremely limited and start at £55 per person.
To book, please call 01926 406 660.
Santa Sleepover with Warwick Castle Breaks!
Make the most wonderful time of the year even more special with a Santa Sleepover at Warwick Castle this Christmas. Prices from £83 per person. Last year sold out fast — book now to avoid disappointment!
Your Santa Sleepover package includes a delightful overnight stay in a cosy Knight’s Village Lodge or a luxurious Tower Suite and a hearty breakfast — PLUS, a special Elf wake up call in the morning for your little ones!
Including access to the Castle’s magical Stories with Santa and much more, this festive short break will put the whole family in the holiday spirit.
From 30th November — 23rd December.
More information can be found here
Lapland UK
Our Mum Claire says: “We went about 3 years ago and loved every minute of it. I also wanted to go to the real Lapland but that was beyond our budget but this is definitely the next best thing. I took mine out of school for the day as it was cheaper on a school day! It makes me smile just thinking about it now xx”
From Web: “LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality.”
Tickets still available but down to last few – Take It From Mummy – 23/9/18
Prices start at £65, and vary in price depending on which day you visit LaplandUK. For more popular days such as 9th and 10th December you’re looking at £109 pp so do book soon to get the cheaper slots.
Address: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD ( approx 1 hour 30 mins from Leamington Spa).
Visit the Lapland UK Website for more information here
Christmas at Kenilworth Castle
Sat 8 & Sun 9th Dec 2018
Christmas is coming to Kenilworth Castle! Step back in time to a nostalgic family noel complete with carol singing, storytelling, and toy making. Enjoy some festive cheer with the castle jester, indulge in a yuletide treat in the tearoom, and hand deliver your Christmas list to Father Christmas in his grotto. The castle will be decked in its festive finery for a very merry Christmas indeed! Ticket price includes entry to the event and the site. Additional tickets are available to purchase for ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’; Father Christmas tickets are £5 per child and sold on a first come first served basis.
Booking not required – See website here for more details
Compton Verney – Spot Santa
Take part in a range of Christmas activities as we begin the Christmas countdown!
Father Christmas and his reindeer will be taking time out of his busy schedule to enjoy a couple of days out at Compton Verney – can you spot him in our grounds??
This event is included in standard Day Ticket admission and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.
Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas
Our Mum Rebecca Says: “We went to Thomas land last year and my then nearly two year old loved it. He was more interested in the rides and the trains than Santa but still a lovely Christmassy experience which I would really recommend although maybe not for parents with young babies as it is nearly all outside and pretty cold in December!”
Magical Christmas opens on Saturday 17th November and is open for selected dates right up until Monday 31st December, with so much to see and do, don’t delay in booking your tickets now. Please note that Father Christmas is only with us until 24th December and then it is park only from 27th – 31st December.
If you choose to visit the Castle of Dreams this is where you will meet Father Christmas and his helpers, all children receive a gift and also get the opportunity to experience the magical surroundings
Visit Drayton Manor’s Website here for more information.
Naturally Kids, Leamington Spa.
Come and visit Santa in our festive grotto at Naturally Kids, 43 Russell Street, Leamington Spa. For only £5.00 per child you can have a visit with santa and a good quality toy.
Every penny raised goes to By Your Side, a local peer support group for mums experiencing perinatal mental illness.
Only limited slots available on Saturday 8th December, Saturday 15th December and Saturday 22nd December.
Winter Wonderland at The Snow Dome
Our Mummy Sonia Says: “We go to The Winter Wonderland at Snowdome in Tamworth every year, kids love it xx”
“We went to Winter Wonderland with the children last year, they don’t get to ‘meet’ Father Christmas but he’s in the show and it’s a brilliant day out, especially if you’re looking for something different this year”
It’s also worth noting that this is one of the only places that HAVEN’T raised their prices this year! Well done Snow Dome, Nikki
Santa’s back for the 14th fantastic year… Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the SnowDome continues to welcome families from all over the country at the UK’s premier real snow Christmas event, opening 16th November!
Approximatley 90 minutes duration, including 30 minutes playing in the snow and allowing 30 minutes to meet all the animals.
£13.95 per person on saver days
£17.95 per person on standard days
Children under 2 years go FREE
Available on all sessions, when accompanied by a paying adult.
Click Here to visit The Snow Dome website and to book
Hatton Adventure World
Our Mum Sonia Says: “We go to Hatton every year too. Children visit Santa and receive a golden key which unlocks the toy shop and you can choose your own gift. They have reindeers too which my daughter loved! xx”
Enchanted Christmas Kingdom
Every weekend from 24th November – 24th December 2018 – PLUS Weekdays 17th – 21st December 2018
Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto and receive a magic key to unlock his workshop where children can chose from a huge variety of toys.
You can book online for a time slot and to save some dosh, or you can turn up on the day and pay on the door, discounts available to members to see the big man himself.
Prices start at £15.95 per child non-members and £7.95 per child for members. Adult members are free. Prices rise throughout December.
Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 8XA
For more information please see Hatton’s Website here
West Midlands Safari Park – Santa Safari
Open weekends from 17th November and every day from 1st – 24th December 2018.
Additional dates: 29th & 30th December 2018.
Park Open: 10am (or 9am on weekends in December and from 16th – 24th December.)
Safari Open: 10am
Park Close: 4pm
Last Entry: 3pm
ADMISSION PRICES 2018
Adults (16+yrs) – £24.00
Children (3-15yrs) – 20.00
Under 3’s – £8.00
Concessions – £21.00
Plus, entrance includes a Free Return Ticket! (valid until February 2019)
| Adults – Santa Visit, Hot Drink, Mince PieChildren (from 3 months-15 yrs) Santa Visit, Photo with Santa to take home, Own choice of present, Drink, Cookie, Santa Checklist |
Visit West Midlands Safari Park Website for more details here
Charlecote Park
Naughty or nice?
Father Christmas will be here from Friday-Monday each week and you have two options this year:
- Family appointments with Father Christmas in the summerhouse. Appointments available between 11am and 3.30pm. £6 per child.
- Saturday Breakfast with Father Christmas between 9.30am and 10.30am. £8.50 per adult/£10.50 per child. Please advise any dietary requirements after booking.
Prior booking essential for breakfasts and family appointments.
Santa Sleepovers at Alton Towers
Our Mummy Natalie Says: “Highly recommend the Santa Sleep Over at Alton Towers, totally magical Christmas Experience. We stayed in the Explorer Hotel which was nice and quiet as it was away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and water park. They put loads of treats in the room for my son and we wrote a letter to Santa on the day we arrived and the following morning Santa replied and put his letter under the door, my sons face was a picture. The actual Santa visit was fab, very realistic and good presents. Also the food was fantastic, was very surprised.”
With an amazing combination of selected rides and attractions in the Theme Park, including CBeebies Land, Christmas activities to keep all the family entertained, and a full schedule of festive entertainment, a Santa’s Sleepover is the perfect way to treat the family to a special getaway at the most magical time of year!
Each magical Santa’s Sleepover includes:
– An overnight stay in our amazing accommodation
– A unique visit to Santa (experience dependent on accommodation)
– Our fun-filled Pantomime, Alice in Wonderland
– A festive evening meal – choose from one of our restaurants including Rollercoaster Restaurant
– A delicious buffet breakfast
– One day Waterpark tickets
– One day Theme Park tickets with selected rides and attractions including CBeebies Land!
– Evening entertainment including character meet & greets, shows, a Christmas cinema and a farewell from Santa Claus!
– 9 holes of crazy, zany Extraordinary Golf
Click here to see more information on the Alton Towers Website as prices vary dependent on dates.
Twin Lakes Winter Wonderland
Come and experience Twinlakes Magical Winter Wonderland!
Get your skates on and join us! Twinlakes Winter Wonderland is the Twinlakes usual theme Park fun with rides, attractions and farm park with a special Christmassy twist with thousands of twinkly lights and real Christmas trees, welcome to Winter Wonderland…
This Christmas Santa will be with us everyday during Winter Wonderland with the best family Christmas Grotto in The East Midlands (book online to secure your place, grotto sells out in advance!). Join in the festive fun with festive workshops, Christmas hunts, reindeer feeding, Christmas entertainment, letters to Santa, giant snow globe and gingerbread decorating (additional charge applies for some activities). All this including indoor venture zones including the UK’s largest indoor play center! 100 acres of attractions and animals with round the clock activities. Lots of festive characters to meet and greet including Rudy the Reindeer!
Don’t miss Santa’s grotto book your space online today!
See Santa in his magical grotto, travel through the fairy tale forest, ride The Polar Express train and meet the big man himself in his cosy log cabin, all children’s grotto tickets receive a special token from Santa which can be taken to the gift shop to choose their own gift. Grotto tickets are charged at £7.00 per child, adults do not pay when accompanying children. Santa would like to remind all guests that his magical grotto has to be seen to be believed, no photography, filming or mobile phones allowed inside Santa’s grotto experience only. Booking your grotto slot online is recommended, dates do sell out. Christmas Eve 24th Dec is a pre-book only day and the park closes at 4pm.
See More information on Twin Lakes Website here
Wyevale Garden Centre, Stratford Upon Avon
Bring your Little Diggers along and enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast or tea from the 17th Nov- 24th Dec.
Our event gives children and adults alike the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, decorate your own festive cookie and chose your very own present to take home. The perfect event to get you in the festive spirit!
The recommended age for this event is 3-8 years old, and all children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
All information and booking details can be found on the website here and here Stratford Upon Avon .
