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Where's Santa in Cornwall 2023
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, opportunities to meet Santa and Santa's workshops in Cornwall in 2023...
Updated 02/11/2023
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking and listening to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions.
As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places! So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather have a tasty mince pie!
Other places to see Santa in Cornwall 2023
Dates from 2nd December 2023
Trelissick, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QL.
Join Father Christmas as he returns to Trelissick to entertain families with his festive tales. Father Christmas will visit the stable yard with a special story of a Cornish Christmas at Trelissck. Once the storytelling is complete he will hand out a small gift at the end to each child.
Relaxed sessions are available on 2nd 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and December 2023 and are aimed at providing a more relaxed and calmer experience with reduced noise levels and crowds
2nd, 9th and 16th December
Santa's Grotto at Camborne Library
Camborne Library.
www.facebook.com/cambornelibrary
Santa will be visiting on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 12: 30pm. Book your free 10 minute visit by popping in to the library, through Facebook messenger or via email
Event for 2023 still to be confirmed
Meet Santa and his Reindeer at Gwel an Mor
Feadon Farm Wildlife and Education Centre, Feadon Lane, Portreath, TR16 4PE.
Keep checking back for more information or keep an eye on their social media and website
Selected dates between 2nd and 23rd December 2023
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/christmas-at-crealy4
Enjoy seasonal Christmas attractions including a NEW Meet and Greet with Santa experience and a LIVE ice show, festive entertainment, lights and decorations. Check the website for details of festive breaks if you would like to stay a bit longer!
- Santa's Magical Ice Show
- Sooty's Christmas Show
- Buddy and Blossom's Jingle Bell Show
- Santa's Magical Post Office
- Winter light displays across the Theme Park
- Santa Meet and Greet Experience available for an additional cost
Dates to be confirmed for 2023
Santa’s Grotto at Paradise Park
Paradise Park and Junglebarn Play Centre, 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB
Details to be confirmed for 2023
To be confirmed for 2023
Santa’s Grotto at Padstow Christmas Festival
Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF
www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk
The Festival takes place on 7th to 10th December and it is still to be confirmed whether the Santa's Grotto will be returning.
Dates from 3rd to 24th December 2023
Breakfast With Santa at Trelawney Garden Centre
Trelawney Garden Centre, Wadebridge
https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?branch=TREL&eventcategory=&link=ticket-calendar#
Fun festive event where you will enjoy breakfast for the whole family and fun activities, plus a special visit from Santa with a gift for every child
Dates from 3rd to 23rd December
Santa's Grotto at Trelawney Garden Centre
Trelawney Garden Centre, Wadebridge
https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&eventid=1031&invitation=&sids=
Meet Santa in person at Trelawney Garden Centre
Dates from 8th to 22nd December
Tea with Santa at Trelawney Garden Centre
Trelawney Garden Centre, Wadebridge
https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&eventid=1031&invitation=&sids=
A fun festive event where you will enjoy tea for the whole family and fun activities, plus a special visit from Santa with a gift for every child as well as an afternoon tea - see the website for details.
7th December
Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening
Lostwithiel, PL22
www.lostwithiel.org.uk/dickensian-evening
Visit the traditional Santa's grotto – just look out for the secret entrance in Fore Street. Santa will be wearing his traditional green robes rather than red. Plus enjoy a lantern parade, street entertainment, live music and old-fashioned merry-go round. Also enjoy late night shopping with shopkeepers dressed up in Victorian clothing, a lantern parade, food stalls, the annual Advent Window Trail and the illuminated Christmas trees above shops and houses. See the video below
1st to 24th December 2023 - FULLY BOOKED FOR 2023
Father Christmas visits The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/father-christmas-at-the-lost-gardens/
Explore the Gardens on the way to your visit, writing a letter in The Northern Summerhouse on the way. Meet the team in the Festive Reserve yard and enjoy music, Christmas crackers, festive crafts and toasted marshmallows before being scored by the Head Elf to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift before completing the Christmas family trail. (Trail only available during daytime visits). There is also an opportunity to combine your time with Father Christmas with a winter exploration of the Heligan Night Garden - visit the website for details
Dates from 6th December
Finding Father Christmas at the Museum
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
Magical walkabout storytelling and grotto experience taking place on seven December dates. the experience involves families helping the elves look for Father Christmas who is hiding somewhere in the Royal Cornwall Museum. Families will be let through the Museum by Jingle the Elf, hear a wintery tale or two and then meet Father Christmas for the second half of the magical 30 minute encounter.
9th December
Christmas Market at The London Inn, Kilkhampton
The London Inn, Kilkhampton. www.facebook.com/thelondoninnkilkhampton
Raffle, items to buy, music and Santa will be in attendance
10th and 11th December 2023
Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto, Lanivet
Lanivet
A Santa's grotto designed with children with additional needs in mind but all are welcome.
Dates from 22nd December
Breakfast With Santa at China Fleet Country Club
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LJ
https://www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/
Enjoy a magical breakfast morning with a continental buffet and a special gift for each child delivered personally by Santa. Book online
Dates from 10th December 2023
Santa Grotto at China Fleet Country Club
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LJ
https://www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/
2 course carvery with Santa and his elves ready to greet your children with a gift. See the website for menus and booking formation
2nd and 3rd December 2023
Nadelik Christmas Market at Heartlands Cornwall
Heartlands Cornwall.
https://www.heartlandscornwall.com/christmas-market/
Christmas market with festive themed stalls and activities as well as the opportunity to Meet Santa
10th December
Geevor Tin Mine Museum, Penzance.
Meet Santa, post a letter to Santa Underground, Quiz and Xmas trail, badge making, Face painting, Pendeen Silver Band. £10 admission per adult - children free.
29th November 2023
The Father Christmas Parade at Truro
Truro.
https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on/the-father-christmas-parade
Parade around the city featuring Father Christmas in his sleigh, elves, local community dance groups, musicians and circus performers
Selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the lead up to Christmas
Storytime With Santa at Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway. www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Cosy evening with Santa reading a Christmas story. Collect your tickets, hot chocolate and cookie and board the train and receive a personalised book.
Selected dates
High Tea With Santa
Bodmin Railway. www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Board Santa’s decorated Victorian coach where you will enjoy an hour with Santa and his elves and indulge in a delicious cream tea as Santa reads a Christmas story to you.
Dates from 2nd December
Santa by Steam at Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway. www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Train ride with activities and the chance to meet Santa.
Dates from 1st to 22nd December
A Night Before Christmas at Bedruthan
Bedruthan. www.bedruthan.com
One night stay including an exclusive 15 minute Father Christmas experience, artisan bakery breakfast, gift for each child, family time in the indoor swimming pool, adults can enjoy use of the spa facilities and access to drop-in family crafting sessions.
2nd to 23rd December
An audience with Father Christmas at Trelissick
Trelissick. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Join Father Christmas in the stable yard as he reads a special story of a Cornish Christmas at Trelissick with a small gift at the end for each child. Pre-booking is essential.
Dates from 2nd December
Visit Santa in his Grotto at Dairyland
Dairyland. www.dairylandfarmpark.com
Tickets include a visit to Santa in his Grotto and a gift. You will also need to purchase park entry tickets
2nd and 3rd December 2023
Heartlands Cornwall. www.heartlandscornwall.com/christmas-market
Christmas market with festive themed stalls and activities as well as the opportunity to Meet Santa
Dates from 2nd December
Trerice. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trerice
Join Father Christmas in the North Chamber to share tales and traditions of Christmasses past. All children will go home with a small gift.
Dates from 2nd December
Christmas at Trevena Cross Garden Centre
Trevena Cross. www.trevenacross.co.uk
Santa’s Grotto experience where visitors can take a walk through the snowy forest and encounter winter wonderland photo opportunities.
Dates from 2nd December
Father Christmas at Lappa Valley
Lappa Valley. www.lappavalley.co.uk
Nostalgic train journey through the winter countryside into Lappa Valley, indoor soft play, refreshments, write and post your letter to Father Christmas and visit him in his grotto.
7th December
Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening
Lostwithiel, PL22. www.lostwithiel.org.uk/dickensian-evening
Visit the traditional Santa’s Grotto alongside all of the usual festive activities
15th to 24th December
Charlestown Shipwreck Museum. www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk/visit-santa-at-charlestown.
Experience including meeting with Santa and his elves as well as a very special festive keepsake to take home.
Dates from 16th December
Christmas Grotto event at Enys House
Enys House. www.facebook.com/people/christmas-at-enys
Visit Santa in his grotto. See the website for more details.
Dates from 3rd December
Breakfast With Santa at Dobbies Lelant
Dobbies, Lelant. www.events.dobbies.com
Festive event with breakfast for the whole family plus fun activities and a special visit from Santa.
21st and 22nd December
Regal Theatre, Redruth, TR15 2AZ. https://redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk/film/76796-santas-christmas-wish-2023?forcechoice=true
Fun, festive, interactive, musical adventure followed by a meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas after the show
17th and 23rd December
Tre, Pol and Pen. www.trepolandpen.co.uk
Visit Santa in his grotto and receive your very own gift from his sleigh.
25th November
Santa's Grotto at Museum of Cornish Life
Helston. www.museumofcornishlife.co.uk
£3.50 and each child is given a present between 1pm and 3:30 - book in Museum shop
9th December
Santa's Grotto and Christmas Craft Workshop at Solomon Browne Memorial Hall
Solomon Browne Hall, Mousehole. https://www.facebook.com/events/2050059335330670?locale=en_GB
Meet Santa and some of his helpers - booking advised and take part in the festive family workshop. See website for booking details.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 11th November to 23rd December
Par Market. www.parmarket.co.uk
Meet Santa and his elves and choose form three special gifts. Station for 'Letters To Santa'.
10th December 2023
Santa's Drive Through Grotto at Falmouth Fire Station
Falmouth Fire Station. https://www.facebook.com/events/863280738483193/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
Drive through grotto from 4:30 to 7:30pm
Other Santa events in Cornwall that took place previously that may be announced for 2023 shortly
Father Christmas at Truro Cathedral - https://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/whats-on
Santa at Trenance Cottages - http://www.trenancecottages.co.uk/whats-on.html
Santa at Carnon Downs Garden Centre - http://www.carnondowns-garden-centre.co.uk/
Christmas at Lanhydrock 2023 - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock/events