*Updated for 2025*
We know from experience that the best Christmas events in Nottingham sell out very quickly – so if you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience for your little ones to see Santa or a special Santa’s Grotto visit then look no further!
You can also check out our blog post all about Winter Light Trails if you fancy an illuminating after-dark experience!
All Santa experiences are booking required unless otherwise stated
This article is split into four categories for easier browsing:
>Christmas Experiences that Include Santa – £20+
>Christmas Trains
>Santa’s Grotto (under £20 per child)
>Breakfast with Santa / Tea with Santa
>One Off Santa’s Grottos, Events, Fun Days and Parties with Santa
Christmas Experiences that Include Santa – £20+
Sundown Adventureland
The Sundown Adventureland Christmas Spectacular 2025
About: Take a magical ride through the enchanted forest and visit Santa in his home to receive a special gift. Tickets include access to the whole park all day.
Dates: 15th November – 24th December 2025
Price: Adults £20-£26, Child 90cm+ £24-£30 (includes gift), Child under 90cm with gift £4
Prices vary by date
White Post Farm
About: Join us this Christmas for a full day of Festive Fun here at White Post Farm. You can come anytime from when the farm opens but select what time you want to join Santa here: In this group experience, settle down in your very own Christmas sleigh with your family. See Santa and listen to him read you a special Christmas story. Then make sure you get a perfect picture with him before his Elves take you to their workshop to choose a gift!
Dates: Selected dates 30th November – 24th December
Price: Children £27.95, Adults: £20.95, participating under 2s £16.95, non participating baby – free
Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
About: Join us on the farm this Christmas to visit Santa and his reindeer in our Woodland Wonderland and explore the Elves’ Village We will be open from 9.30am daily and you are welcome to spend the whole day with us, with the exception of Christmas Eve when we will be closing at 2pm. .
Dates: 29/30th November, 6/7th, 13/14th, 20-24th December
Price: Adults from £20.95, Children from £31.95, Under 2s from £21.45, sibling babe in arms free
Bluebell Dairy (Derby)
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas 2025
About: The most magical and interactive Christmas event in Derbyshire! Each child ticket includes a toy from the chimney, a bear to take home from the Create-a-Bear workshop with the elves, a delicious hot chocolate (for adults too), access to the Farm Park from 9:30am, two captivating shows, a magical visit to see Santa, time to relax in the cosy Alpine Bar, and the chance to collect your special gift from the enchanting Toyshop.
Dates: Selected dates 29th November – 24th December
Price: Children £39.50-£49.50, Adults: £23.50-£28.50, babies under 1 FREE (no gift)
Belvoir Castle
Magical Night Before Christmas
About: Step into a Christmas like no other at Belvoir Castle, the premier Christmas destination on the border of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Our historic estate transforms into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, storybook décor and heartwarming Christmas experiences for all ages. From indulgent festive afternoon tea to enchanting family Christmas adventures, discover unforgettable Christmas moments this season at one of England’s most beautiful castles.
Dates: Selected dates 29th November – 24th December
Price: Children £15, Adults: £30 entry to the Christmas experience, Santa £15 additional cost for children
Search for Santa
About: Magical family trail through the Castle with snacks, drinks and a present for the child. Weekends only, starts at 8:30am before the Castle opens, includes full day access and the Mice Trail.
Dates: 29 November – 31 December 2025 (weekends only) 8.30am
Prices: £35, under 3s £5
Christmas Train Experiences
Sherwood Forest Railway
About: A festive trip along the Sherwood Forest Railway ending with a one to one visit to see Sant in his grotto where your child will be given an age appropriate wrapped gift.
Dates: 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-21st December 2025
Price: Children £16, Adults: £10
Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre
About: This festive season join us on a magical Christmas train ride through the South Nottingham countryside. The Jingle Bell Express is a festive adventure where children and families help Santa to gather enough Christmas cheer to power his sleigh. Along the journey you will be treated to interactive seat dances, top tapping original songs and joyful activities that will usher in the Christmas spirit. With twinkling lights, mischievous elves and a surprise visit from Santa, this unforgettable ride is sure to create lasting memories
Dates: Weekends 29th November – 21st December, 22nd-23rd December
Price: £30pp, Under 2s FREE
Great Central Railway
The Great Central Santa Express
About: Step aboard the Santa Express for a magical Christmas adventure with the Great Central Railway! Join Santa and his jolly helpers for a festive journey filled with joy and wonder. As the heritage train steams through the wintery, Leicestershire countryside, little ones will be thrilled to receive a specially curated Christmas Activity Pack bursting with games, puzzles, and colouring fun.
Dates: 22nd-23rd, 29-30th November, 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-24th December 2025
Price: vary between dates, more expensive closer to Christmas. £24-£38.75pp
Santa’s Grotto (under £20 per child)
Rufford Abbey
About: Step into the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Grotto!
Bring the little ones to meet Santa and create memories they’ll treasure forever. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa—a cuddly 10” TY plush to take home and cherish.
Dates: 29-30th November, 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-21st, 22-23rd December
Price: £12 per child. Up to 2 adults free per child
Planter’s Brookfields Santa’s Grotto
About: Ho ho ho! Join Father Christmas at Planters Brookfields for our group grotto experience!
Enjoy a visit to the north pole post office where you can write a letter to Father Christmas, before visiting Mrs Claus to craft some magical reindeer food. Then, it’s off to see Father Christmas himself, where he’ll tell you a story, ask what you’d like for Christmas and have a photo taken too. Afterwards, choose your own toy from our toy shop before viewing your photos (sold separately). Please note: this is a grotto experience with other families present.
Dates: Selected dates from 22nd November. Baby and Toddler special sessions during the week
Price: Super Off Peak £14, Off Peak Children £22, Peak £32, Adults £3
Baby and Toddler weekday sessions – Mon/Weds/Fri in December £12
Santa Paws Pet Grotto – £10
Woodthorpe Park Plant Shop
About: Join us on a Christmas adventure into our festive wonderland. Mrs Claus will welcome you and guide you on a special mission to help her recover some of Santa’s misplaced treasures – he can be quite forgetful!
Next, it’s time to meet the main man himself! Enjoy a little chat, take some photo’s, and share your Christmas wishes with Santa.
The magic doesn’t end there – Santa and Mrs. Claus have a special surprise for you: your very own ‘baby spruce tree.’ Santa believes every child should take home a little piece of the North Pole to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long. For those returning, you can add to your collection and continue growing your own mini Christmas Tree forest!
Dates: Weekends from 22nd November- 21st December
Price: £14 per child, adults free
Woodborough Green Garden Centre (Timmermans)
About: Please note that this is a Group Grotto Experience
Nothing captures the magic of Christmas like a visit to Santa’s Grotto.
From the moment you arrive, Santa’s band of elves will be there to welcome you into their workshop where you’ll be whisked away on a joyful journey, full of festive fun.
You’ll then be taken into the Grotto to meet Father Christmas himself, and you’ll have the chance to take some photos* of this magical moment
Dates: Selected dates from 22nd November. Baby and Toddler special sessions during the week, Quiet sessions available
Price: Start from £24.99-£29.99 per child (up to 2 adults free per child. Additional adults £5)
Baby and Toddler Weekday – £14.99
Blue Diamond Garden Centre (East Bridgford)
Santa’s Grotto
About: This Christmas, take a magical journey the whole family will remember.
Begin your adventure at the North Pole, where little ones can help mix the all-important reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Then, wander through to Santa’s cosy living room for a special one-to-one meeting. There’ll be time for a festive photo too, available to purchase at the end of your visit.
But the magic doesn’t stop there, in the Present Room, each child will choose a toy to take home from Santa’s carefully picked selection. This exciting new festive experience is full of wonder, tradition, and joy.
Dates: 22-23, 29-30 November 2025, 5-7, 12-14 19-24 December 2025
Price: Child £16.99, Accompanying Adults free
Santa Paws – 27th November £13.99
Clumber Park (NT)
Santa’s Grotto
About:
One by one, each family will be called through to meet Father Christmas, he’ll check his list and present each child with a magical coin. You can hand deliver your letter to Father Christmas with time to capture your memory with a photo. Our guides will be happy to help you take the perfect photo! After saying goodbye to Father Christmas, head through to the Elves toyshop to spend your coin on a gift of your choice before heading back into the Park to explore the rest of our Christmas experiences.
Dates: Selected dates from 22nd/23rd, 29/30th November 6/7th, 13/14th, 20-24th December
Price: £18 per child, accompanying adults free (admission to Clumber Park also applies if you are not a NT member)
Storytime with Father Christmas for Toddlers
About:
Little ones will be captivated by this enchanting encounter with Father Christmas as they listen to him tell some of his favourite yuletide stories, nursery rhymes and songs. Booking is essential.
Dates: Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 December
Price: £15 – 1 adult and 1 child (admission to Clumber Park also applies if you are not a NT member)
Santa’s Grotto
Spring Lakes Watersports Centre
About: Each ticket includes entry for 1 child & up to 2 adults/guests into the grotto with Santa, for a photo opportunity & of course a wrapped present to take away.
Prior too & following your visit to see Father Christmas, please enjoy a stroll through our festive light walk and maybe indulge in a mulled wine, hot chocolate or some sweet & savoury treats!
Dates: 5th-7th, 12-14th, 18-23rd December
Price: £9.50 per child, 2 children together £16.50
Floralands Farm Park
About: Includes visit with Santa in his grotto, a special gift from his toy shop and farm park admission.
Dates: open from 29th November 2025
Price: £15 per child
Nottingham Castle/Brewhouse Yard
About: Winter Woodland Santa’s Grotto
Dates: 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-23rd December 2025
Price: £15 child, £8 adults
Wollaton Hall
About: Santa’s Frozen Adventure
Dates: 29-30 November, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 December
Price: Child (1 – 15): £15. Adult: £8.
Creswell Crags
About: Santa’s Little Helpers’ Workshop
We’re inviting all the good boys and girls to Santa’s Little Helpers’ workshop to enjoy some festive stories and get creative by making a souvenir craft to take home. Santa himself will be coming round to see how his little helpers are getting on and to give out gifts to all the children taking part.
Dates: Saturday 29th November, Saturday 6th, Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th December
Price: £10 per child, adults free
National Ice Centre
About: Meet the jolly old man himself, enjoy festive treats, and create lasting memories.
Dates: 21, 22, 23rd December
Price: £20 per child (including skating session)
Derbion
The Snowman and Santa Experience
About: This nostalgic adventure begins with an exciting and heart-warming, live interpretation of ‘The Snowman™’ – brought to life by performers portraying the well-loved characters from the original story. all children will be given the opportunity to decorate a Christmas biscuit treat*, before meeting with Santa. there’s the chance to take home a family photograph with Santa** as a magical memento of your visit.
Dates: Selected Dates 22nd November – 24th December
Prices: £10 per child and £2 per adult
McCarthur Glen
Storytime with Santa
Santa dates, weeks 1, 3 & 5 : 17th – 23rd November, 1st – 7th December, 15th – 19th December
Make Reindeer Food with Mrs Claus –
Mrs. Claus dates, weeks 3, 4 & 6 : 24th – 30th November, 8th – 14th December, 20th – 24th December
About: Each session lasts 15 minutes
• Running daily from 10am – 7pm (Sunday’s 10am – 6pm / Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm)
• Every child will receive a sweet treat and letter from Santa
• A chance to meet Santa OR Mrs Claus, take photos, and enjoy the immersive grotto experience
Price: £8.50 per child. up to 2 adults free per child
Four Seasons Mansfield
About: Santa’s Magical Elevator
Dates: Weekends in Nov then every day from 4th December
Price: £8.50 + £1.50 booking fee
Stonebridge City Farm
Santa’s Grotto
Dates: 29/30th November, 6/7, 13/14th December 2025
Price: £4 per child
Storytime with Santa
Dates: 20/21st December 2025
Price: tbc
Nuthall Christmas Lights
Santa’s Grotto
Location: 1 Laurel Crescent Nuthall
Dates: 28/29th November, 5/6th, 12/13th, 19/20th 6-8pm, 24th December 4-8pm
Price: Charity Donation
Breakfast with Santa / Tea with Santa
Floralands Farm Park
About: includes cooked breakfast, a special gift for each child from Santa in his magical grotto, a table gift for each adult, story time with Mrs Claus, fun with the elves and all day entry to the farm park
Dates: 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-24th December 2025
Price: £25 per child, £20 per adult
John Lewis
About: Join Santa for story time while the kids sip on cocoa and eat festive snacks. And what’s a visit to Santa without a present? You’ll receive a special LEGO™ set to take home.
Dates: 6-7th Dec
Price: £20 per child plus a £2 booking fee. £7 per adult (includes a hot drink and a slice of cake) plus a 70p booking fee.
Cherry Lane Garden Centre (Bradmore)
About: Join us for a freshly prepared breakfast, with Santa and his elves!
Expect a fun-filled morning including balloon modelling and magic, a meeting with Santa, and a special present. You will need to arrive at 8.20am, so the busy elves can check their table plan and make sure you’re settled ready for your fabulous breakfast.
Dates: 6-7th/13-14th/20-23rd December 2025
Price: £13.99 per child which includes breakfast, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £9.99 and include breakfast.
About: Why not enjoy a freshly prepared, delicious tea with Santa and his merry elves?
Please arrive at 4:20pm, so Santa’s busy helpers can check the table plan and make sure you’re settled and ready for your fabulous tea. While you dine, Santa’s elves will enchant you with festive entertainment at your table. After tea, the magic continues with balloons and fun, leading up to the big countdown to Santa’s arrival! Then it’s time for all the boys and girls to gather around and be captivated by Father Christmas himself.
Dates: 11th, 17th December 2025
Price: £13.99 per child which includes food, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £9.99 and include tea.
Spring Lakes Watersports Centre
About: Enjoy some festive teatime treats in our Christmas marquee complete with a visit and gift from the Christmas Elf’s
Dates: 19th December 2025
Price: Child £13.50, Adults £6.50
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
About: Breakfast with Father Christmas
Dates: 6,7,13,20th December
Price: £20 per adult, Child under 2 – £10, Child over 2 £15
Twinlakes
About: Enjoy a magical breakfast with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves, followed by a trip to see Santa in his Grotto! Breakfast starts at 7.30 am with the event finishing at 10am where you will then have entry to the park for the rest of your day!
Dates: 14th December
Price: Adults £33, Child 108cm+ £43, Toddler 95cm-108cm £36, Under 95cm £27
About: A whole day at Twinlakes, from 10:30am, then starting at 5pm, enjoy an after hours party with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves! Take part in Gingerbread making, a Disco, yummy Christmas food and a trip to see Santa in his Grotto! Event runs from 5pm-8pm, with standard park entry included from 10:30am
Dates: Saturday 20th December
Price: Adults and children 108cm+ £30, Child 95cm-108cm £25, Under 95cm £17, Under 9 months £13
Wheelgate
About: Enjoy a magical breakfast with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves, followed by a trip to see Santa in his Grotto! Don’t forget to take your Golden Ticket from Santa to our Elves workshop to collect a gift of your choice! All children will get to visit Santa in his Grotto along with the Elves toy shop before the building opens back up to the public. You then have the rest of the day to enjoy exploring the park.
Dates: Saturday 6th December
Price: Adults £27.49, Child 108cm+ £34.99, Toddler 95cm-108cm £28.49, Under 95cm with food £19.99, babe in arms no food £10.99
The Nurseryman Beeston
About: Breakfast with Santa is a surefire way to create a moment they’ll cherish. For just £10.99 per child, they’ll be treated to a super tasty meal, drink and gift, plus they’ll get some quality time with Santa to tell him all about their wishlist.
Dates: 6th, 13th, 21st of December
Price: £10.99 per child
TEA WITH SANTA
Monday 15th December 3.30-5.30pm
The Gedling Inn
Breakfast with Santa’s Elf
About: Special visit from Santa’s Cheeky Elf
Dates: Sat 29th Nov, 6th, 13th, 20th December
Price: £10pp
East Bridgford Garden Centre
About:Join us for a freshly prepared breakfast with Santa and his cheerful elves! Expect a fun-filled morning featuring balloon modelling, magic, party dances, a visit from Santa, and a special gift for every child.
Dates: 20-24 December 2025
Price: Child £13.99, Adults £9.99
Trowell Garden Centre
About Enjoy Breakfast, listen to an Elf tale, and meet Santa at your table. He will give each child a gift.
Dates: 13/14, 20/21 December 2025 8.30am and 9am
Price: Child £17.95, Adults £16.95
Gedling Country Park
About Children will meet Santa, enjoy a tasty brunch and receive a present in an enchanting grotto setting. They can write a letter to Santa while there and the elves will have a reply waiting for them when they leave.
Dates: Weekends from 20 Nov – 21st December
Price: £14pp
Santa Paws – weekends 6-21st December – £8.50
The Beeston Social
Breakfast with Santa
About Includes Kids breakfast & drink, Gift from Santa and 2 gaming tokens
Dates: Saturday 20 December
Price: £9.99
Three Ponds, Nuthall
Breakfast with Santa
About: Meet Santa, Present, Arts and Crafts, Music, Games and Breakfast
Dates: Saturday 20 December
Price: not stated
Penny Lane Nottingham
Breakfast with Santa
About: Each little guest gets: Breakfast, Drink, Surprise gift and 2 games tokens
Dates: Saturday 20 December, 10am and 12pm
Price: £9.99 per child
Little Town Radcliffe
Breakfast/ Tea with Santa
About: Join us for a festive experience filled with fun, food, and Christmas cheer! 1 hour of play in our magical Little Town, A tasty breakfast/ tea, A personal visit from Santa and a special gift
Dates: 13/14, 20/21 December
Price: £17.95 per child
One Off Santa’s Grottos, Events, Fun Days and Parties with Santa
Broxtowe Christmas Lights Switch on Dates
Beeston Library, 15th November 2-5pm FREE
DH Lawrence Museum Eastwood, 22nd November 4.30-6.30pm FREE
Conservative Club Stapleford, 29th November 2-4.30pm FREE
The Lenton Centre
About: Family Christmas Party at The Lenton Centre
Dates: Saturday 13th December 6pm
Price: £3 per child – Santa only
£5 per child – Swim, Santa and Disco
£2 per supervising adult
Thoresby Park
About: Christmas market and family entertainment.
Dates: 29th and 30th November 10-4pm
Price: Free Entry (£5 all day parking – cash only)
Santa’s Grotto – £9.50 per child
Savoy Cinema Nottingham
Home Alone Pyjama Party (With Santa)
About: Get ready for an unforgettable cinema experience like no other at our festive pyjama party featuring a guest appearance from Santa Claus himself.
Dates: 13th December 4.30pm
Price: £9.95pp
The Sun Inn Hotel, Eastwood
About: EASTWOOD LIGHT SWITCH ON
As always we have our amazing Santa & jolly the elf joining us! Come on down & see them!
– perfect opportunity for your little ones to give Santa their Christmas wish list
Dates: 22nd November 6.30-8.30pm
Price: £5 per child, no booking required
Framework Knitters Museum
About: Join us at the Framework Knitter’s Museum for a traditional visit from Father Christmas
Dates: Saturday 6th December, 11-4
Price: £8 per child
Hocus Pocus Indoor Play
About: Christmas Spectacular with Santa
Dates: 13th December
Price: £16.95 children, Adults £2.95
Mighty Monsters Soft Play
About: Santa’s Grotto with Santa and Mrs Claus. Includes storytime, letter writing, party and play and grotto experience
Dates: 14th and 20th December
Price: £25 (1 child and 1 adult), Additional child £20, Additional Adult £5
My Playful World
About: Includes: playtime, Santa story, small gift, and opportunity for a photo with Santa
Dates: Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Price: £14 per child (includes one free adult; additional adults £2 each)
Tiny Town Adventures
About: Christmas at Tiny Town Adventures. Includes role play session, Santa’s grotto and other christmas activities. Santa knows BSL.
Dates: 13th, 14th, 15 December
Price: £10.50 children (includes one adult), Adults £2.50
Erewash Museum
Story with Santa
About: A cosy, Christmas story time with Santa at Erewash Museum. Come along, craft and sing and get a little Christmas gift.
Dates: 6th, 13th and 20th December
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm sessions (early years and accessible sessions available, check on bookings page)
£7 per child, 2 children £12, adults free
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