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Where's Santa in Devon 2024
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Devon in 2024
Most events are still to be announced for 2024, so keep checking back for updates
Updated 10/10/2024
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 Santa loves more than talking 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 Father Christmas 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 Santa 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 in Devon 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 tuck into a tasty mince pie!
**Don't forget to mention Primary Times Devon when making an enquiry or booking***
Places to See Santa in Devon in 2024
Featured Santa/Father Christmas events in Devon 2024
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Magical Santa's Grotto at Affinity Devon
Affinity Devon, Bideford.
Enjoy a visit to Santa's Grotto alongside a full schedule of Christmas and festive themed activities.
Dates from 30th November 2024
Bear Town, Westcott, Cullompton, EX15 1RZ.
The enchanting Christmas Grotto returns and this year, visitors are invited to the magical Elf Workshop. Upon arrival, you will receive a magical Christmas buzzer, a special device that Father Christmas will activate when he’s ready to welcome you. This means you can spend more time exploring our festive role-play town, without the hassle of waiting in line.
When your buzzer twinkles, you’ll embark on a journey through the elf workshop. Guided by a cheerful elf in the bustling workshop, children will be invited to help build a magical Christmas toy. Then it’s time to meet Father Christmas in his magnificent grotto, where every child will receive a wonderful wrapped present.
Bear Town will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with festive touches around every corner!
The Christmas Grotto SEND Session is on Sunday 8th December 2024, 4:45pm – 6:45pm. This session is specifically designed for SEND explorers, to achieve this we have lowered our capacity to ensure a more comfortable play experience
Dates from November 23rd 2024
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Bow Garden Centre
Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre, Bow Bridge, Crediton.
Christmas Experience where children will get to meet Santa and given him their Christmas lists and will also include a craft activity for each child to take part in, a festive snow machine, Santa's Treasure Trail, A quality, age appropriate gift from Santa, your own photo opportunities in Santa's Winter Wonderland, Image me Studios will be also present to take a professional photo of your child/children with Santa which will be available to purchase and you will be allocated a personal Elf who will guide you around the Grotto
Dates throughout December 2024
Breakfast with Santa at The Box Plymouth
The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AX.
https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/special-events/breakfast-with-santa
The hugely popular festive event returns for another year. Meet Father Christmas while you enjoy a tasty breakfast in The Box Kitchen and Bar on selected dates. Tickets include a sausage/vegan sausage bap, bacon bap or pancakes with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, apple and orange juice. All tickets include unlmited tea/coffee. All child tickets include a gift
Dates from 6th to 23rd December 2024
From 12-5pm on December 6th-8th, 13th-15th and again on the 20th-23rd, children can pay a special visit to Santa in his grotto, and receive a gift to take home. They'll be able to let Father Christmas know all about what they'd like for Christmas this year, and take special photos to remember the visit by.
Dates from 23rd November 2024
Santa’s Christmas Grotto at the House of Marbles
House of Marbles, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS
Step into the magical realm of Santa’s Grotto, where treasured Christmas memories are made. Awaiting you are Santa and his Elves, ready to give each ticket holder the unique chance to meet Father Christmas in person. Share your heartfelt Christmas wishes, and every child will be gifted a delightful goody bag brimming with treats and presents. Santa will be spreading his festive cheer from 23rd November to 22nd December, giving everyone ample time to bask in the enchantment
16th and 17th November 2024
Santa Paws at House of Marbles 2024
House of Marbles, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS
Santa Paws is back at House of Marbles, and this time, it’s bigger and better. Calling all animal lovers, your four-legged and pawed companions are invited to join Santa and his merry Elves on a whimsical journey through our enchanting winter wonderland. As the festive spirit fills the air, your furry friends will have the chance to meet Santa himself, tails wagging in excitement! Capture the moment with a paw-some photo with Santa and let your furry family’s joy shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
What’s Included:
- The Grotto experience, culminating in a meeting with Santa
- An opportunity for a photo with Father Christmas during your visit
- A Goody Bag with a gift from Santa
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Santa's Grotto at Chaplin's Superstore
Chaplin's Superstore.
https://www.chaplins-superstore.co.uk/santas-grotto/
Stepping through the doors into the grotto, enter a world of selfie opportunities for all the family. Bring your cameras or phones, pose on the throne, take a selfie in front of the tree, sit your dog in the sleigh the choice is yours. Walk on through the grotto and next you will jump into the North Pole with the eskimo and polar bears, and the magical dreams area with twinkling lights and fluffy snow.
The light tunnel will lead you to the enchanted castle where the fairies and unicorns live. Life size characters to wonder and amaze the little ones. Turn around and look through the windows into Andy’s bedroom. See Woody and Buzz getting up to mischief as the train Choo Choo’s around the track. Turn around and the mirrors will make you laugh at your reflection.
Turn the corner into the gingerbread house and you’re nearly there, Santa is waiting to meet you and make your Christmas wishes come true.
Dates from 7th December 2024
Santa's Grotto at Bernaville Nurseries
Bernaville Nurseries,
https://bernaville.co.uk/santas-grotto/
Visit Santa in his elves in his festive grotto at Bernaville Nurseries. Visitors can receive a present, keepsake book to remember your visit which includes games, colouring and spaces for your own photos, photo opportunity (Elfie selfie) and make your own reindeer food
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Breakfast with Santa at Bernaville Nurseries
Bernaville Nurseries,
https://bernaville.co.uk/santas-grotto-breakfasts/
Share a home cooked breakfast with Santa in the Lilypond Restaurant and visit Santa and his elves in his festive grotto at Bernaville Nurseries with adult options as well as regular children and mini breakfasts for different appetites. The visit includes a present, keepsake book to remember your visit including games, colouring and a place for your Polaroid photo, a photo opportunity (Elfie selfie) and the chance to make your own reindeer food
Selected dates between 30th November and 24th December 2024
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/christmas-at-crealy/
It's the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas at Crealy. See the Park transform into a Winter Wonderland - from sparkling lights to magical entertainment - there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
Don't miss out on the chance to meet & greet with Santa himself in the popular grotto experience, including a FREE toy for every child from Santa's Magical Toy Shop.
What's on this Christmas at Crealy?
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Live Christmas on Ice Show
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Winter light displays around the Park
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Rides and thrills in the dark
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Christmas Sooty Show
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Santa's Post Office
Further details will be coming soon
Dates from 7th December 2024
Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN.
Mrs. Christmas and her merry band of elves will greet you upon arrival. They’ll guide you on a short, lantern walk to Farmer Christmas’s charming workshop. In this cosy setting, your family will enjoy exclusive time with Farmer Christmas himself. Children can share their Christmas wishes and chat with him in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Each child receives a special gift
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Central Park, Plymouth, PL2 3DG.
https://plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk/santas-enchanted-grotto/
Take a walk through the Enchanted Forest to meet Santa and his elves. Book your visit and get ready to feel festive. Each Santa’s Grotto visit includes a special gift from Father Christmas & his helpers. No pre-booking required.
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Open 7 days a week (closed on Christmas Day)
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£10.50 per child, £1 per adult
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Additional options for Professional Photos
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Your photos can also be turned into a special keepsake or gift for loved ones. Including: Snow Globes | Baubles | Keyrings | Jumbo Fridge Magnet | 6x4 Prints
Dates from 23rd November 2024
The Polar Express™ on Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ
www.tram.co.uk/events/view/the-polar-express-tram-ride
HE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway in Devon on selected dates through November & December! Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa's home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single-deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole.
All guests will receive their first gift of Christmas - A Silver Sleigh Bell - from Santa himself. Upon the return journey, you will be able to enjoy singing along to Christmas carols. For the grown-up kids too, this is a trip down memory lane to a traditional Christmas of old.
A round trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours. There are only a limited number of seats on our snug single-deck tramcars for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride.
Dates from 30th November 2024
Santa at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo
Santa will be visiting the Zoo on dates throughout the festive season so book your visit to see him in his grotto. Each child ticket booked includes a gift from Santa and zoo entry (at reduced price) for the day of their grotto visit. Mrs Claus will be spreading further festive joy hosting storytelling sessions at various times throughout the day. Family friendly activities on site to add to the fun - decorate a bauble for the Christmas tree, create some Christmas themed enrichment for the animals and make some eco-friendly food to take home to sprinkle in your garden on Christmas Eve
Other Santa events in Devon 2024
To be confirmed for 2024
Connaught Gardens, Peak Hill Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8RU.
www.connaught-at-christmas.co.uk
Previous events have included an illuminated light event as well as Santa Grotto options but these are still to be confirmed for 2023
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Meet Santa at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm!
Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Totnes Road
Book your slot via the Rowcroft website
Rowcroft Hospice has teamed up with Marldon Christmas Tree Farm to offer a magical Santa’s Grotto experience for local children. In the enchanted snow-covered grotto in the North Pole, Totnes Road, Marldon, children will have the chance to meet Santa and his elves, encounter a real reindeer, and receive a special Christmas gift. The cost for the fairy-tale adventure is £16 per child, with all profits going to support the hospice. Staffed by hospice volunteers, the grotto will be open Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 16 December, and all day every day between 18 to 23 December. You can book your slot at www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/santasgrotto or by calling 01803 210821.
From 6th to 8th December 2024
Santa Claus at Westpoint - Christmas Shopping Fayre 202r
Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
www.christmasshoppingfayre.com
Do all your Christmas shopping under one huge roof at Westpoint. Whilst there, take the children to the free grotto to see the great man in red.
Dates to be confirmed for 2024
Santa's Lodge Returns to Princesshay
Bedford Lodge, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk/santa
It is still to be confirmed as to whether this event will be taking place in 2024
7th to 24th December 2024 (selected dates) - further details
Santa in The Caves at Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF
https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/events/detail/santa-in-the-caves
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SANTA IN THE CAVES TICKET?
- An interactive pantomime performance throughout the caves finishing in Santa’s Grotto where you will be able to meet Santa.
- Each child will receive a beautifully wrapped gift
- Each adult will receive mulled wine and mince pies.
- Adults will receive a complimentary adult ticket to return to see the caves in January 2025
DATES AND PRICES
There are 12 Santa in the Caves shows per day, with a capacity of 40 people per tour. Santa in the Caves is available on the following dates:
- Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December
- Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December
- Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th December
Dates to be announced for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Songs and Stories with Father Christmas
Saltram. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
Storytime sessions with Father Christmas with an opportunity to say hi to Santa and take a selfie at the end and every child gets a very special keepsake to take home.
Dates to be announced for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Relaxed, BSL signed Songs and Stories with Father Christmas at Saltram
Saltram. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
Relaxed Father Christmas sessions that are slightly smaller and with songs and stories at a slower pace and British Sign Language interpretation. 45 minute storytime session recommended for children over 3 with an opportunity to say hi to Father Christmas, grab a selfie and every child gets a very special keepsake to take home.
Dates to be announced for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Wildwood Escot, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LU
Step back into yuletide and experience Earth Santa, a unique medieval twist on Father Christmas.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Wildwood Devon and featuring authentic Saxon homes, Wildwood Devon’s Saxon Village sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday adventure. Embark on a magical journey into the enchanting Saxon era and experience the holiday magic as if you've been transported back in time.
28th November 2024
Barnstaple Christmas Light Switch On and Fayre
Barnstaple.
https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/council_events/christmas-light-switch-on-2024/
More details to follow
Dates to be confirmed for 2024
Breakfast With Santa at Lady's Mile Holiday Park
Lady's Mile Holiday Park, Dawlish, EX7 0LX.
Dates and details still to be confirmed for 2023, visit the website to find out more about their festive breaks
To be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to earlier event
Father Christmas in Exmouth
Exmouth Christmas Village.
https://www.christmasvillageexmouth.co.uk/
Father Christmas Experience as part of the Indoor Christmas Market. See the website for details
To be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to earlier event
Christmas Market and Light Switch On
Moretonhampstead Parish Council.
Craft, stalls, music, Christmas gifts, Morris Dancing, Christmas gifts, Christmas carols around the Christmas tree, light switch on and Santa’s Grotto at Baskervilles.
Dates from 30th November to 15th December 2024
Father Christmas Experience at Torre Abbey 2024
Torre Abbey
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/father-christmas-experience/
Father and Mother Christmas will be joining Torre Abbey for a selection of dates. Each family will also be able to explore the Abbey and Gardens, visit the Christmas around the World exhibition and take in the festive atmospehre of Winterfest. This will include a Christmas market in the Spanish Barn and free Christmas crafts for children.
To be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to earlier event
Father Christmas visits Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT
During this Christmas experience, families are invited to arrive at the North Pole to be greeted by friendly elves and check in where they will receive their Christmas passport as get stamps as they journey through the Christmas experience. This is then followed by a walking Nativity journey through scenes and animals representing the story of the first Christmas and refreshments. The Elves Sweetshop will have a bag of sweets for every child. Attendees will then have a tractor and trailer ride to see if they can spot gingerbread men hiding along the way before experiencing close encounters with some of the amazing animals at Pennywell including their miniature piglets, pygmy goat kids and other furry friends. Finally the experience comes to an end in the enchanted forest with a visit to Father Christmas who will have a special gift for every child.
Dates from 1st December 2024
Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall 2024
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP.
www.boringdonhall.co.uk/house-of-christmas
Nestled in the historic charm of the magnificent hall, the grotto becomes a winter wonderland, bringing the festive spirit to life. Arrive and be dazzled by a dance performance, enjoy a divine Festive Afternoon Tea, get creative with Christmas activities including gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present.
16th and 17th December 2024
Festive Afternoon Tea With Father Christmas
https://boringdonhall.co.uk/the-hotel/the-journal/event/festive-afternoon-tea-with-father-christmas/
Festive Afternoon Tea with a visit from Santa is the perfect way to spend the afternoon together as a family getting into the festive spirit. Meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present as he visits the tables to add a sprinkle of festive magic in the run up to Christmas Day.
Details for 2024 still to be announced - details below refer to previous event
Father Christmas at Knightshayes
Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes
Traditional green suited Father Christmas telling stories and giving gifts –booking is essential. Craft activities will be available.
7th December 2024
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Kingsbridge.
www.kingsbridgecelebratechristmas.com
Date confirmed but details for 2024 are still to be confirmed - visit the website for details
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to previous events
Father Christmas at Heron Valley Christmas Barn
Heron Valley Orchards, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, TQ7 4EA.
Meet Father Christmas at the Heron Valley Christmas Barn. Booking advised.
Details for 2024 still to be announced - details below refer to previous event
An Audience With Father Christmas
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo/christmas-at-castle-drogo
Story with one of the elves, an audience with the man himself and one gift. Early booking is essential
Details for 2024 still to be announced - details below refer to previous event
A Quiet Audience With Father Christmas
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton
Opportunity to meet Father Christmas with a session starting before the Castle opens, perfect if your little one is not so keen on crowds
Dates to be confirmed for 2024 - information below refers to previous event
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Bicton East, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 7BJ.
Father Christmas experience – see the website for full details - booking essential
Dates and event still to be confirmed for 2024
Ullacombe Christmas Market
Ullacombe Farm, Newton Abbot
www.facebook.com/ullacombefarmshop
Dates and event to be confirmed for 2024
Fleet Walk Santa's Grotto
Fleet Walk, Torquay.
www.facebook.com/fleetwalkgrotto
Details as to whether this event will be taking place are still to be confirmed
Event and dates to be confirmed for 2024
Santa Visits Dawlish Christmas Market
The Strand, Dawlish, EX7 9PS
Visit from Father Christmas with the opportunity to enjoy some family entertainment, free rides and facepainting
Dates from 7th December 2024
The Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way Adventure Park 2024
Milky Way Adventure Park, Higher Clovelly, Bideford, EX39 5RY
On selected dates this December, all visitors to The Milky Way this Christmas can look forward to visiting the garland festooned train station made jolly with festive music and giant Christmas tree for a hot chocolate to enjoy on the Festive Train. They'll also get to enjoy a special themed show created by Merlin just for the season!
Magic of Christmas Buzzlewick Ticket holders can also journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewicks Elf Emporium in The Old Barn, where children will get to meet Buzzlewick the Elf and friends, have a go a gingerbread decorating, write a letter to Santa and make reindeer food.
Magic of Christmas Golden Ticket holders will be invited into Santa’s cosy Christmas Cottage to chat to the jolly fella himself and then collect your special festive gift, aswell as taking part in the Buzzlewick experience.
Keep an eye out for Santa’s naughty elves as you make your way around the whole park – their mischievous antics are bound to give you a chuckle!
Of course, there’s also lots of other all-weather rides, shows and attractions which will ensure you have a wonderfully festive family day out this December!
Dates and event to be confirmed for 2024
Storytime with Father Christmas
Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
Storytime and meet Father Christmas.
Details for 2024 still to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Santa's Grotto/ Christmas at The Castle at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle, near Exeter.
https://christmasatpowderham.com/
Christmas Grotto experience which must be bought with admission tickets - see website for details
Dates to be confirmed for 2024
Santa's Grotto in Fenny Bridges - Charity
Fenny Bridges, EX14 3BL.
www.hospiscare.co.uk/events/santas-grotto-in-fenny-bridges/
Event in aid of Hospiscare.
16th November 2024
The Barbican and Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL1 2LS.
https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/barbican-christmas-lights-switch-on-p2140763
Join in on Saturday 16 November for the wonderful Christmas lights switch-on with an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.
Dates from 23rd November to 23rd December 2024
Woodlands Leisure Park, A3122, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ
https://www.woodlandspark.com/events/christmas-at-woodlands-2024/
Join your elf tour guides for an adventure through the North Pole in this 10-room interactive walkthrough experience featuring snowy forests, cosy cabins and the amazing Elf Toy Factory. Board the Woodlands Express for an immersive train ride through the North Pole before finally meeting Santa and receiving a gift. You’re sure to find a few surprises along the way!
Take advantage of your Grotto & Park Entry Ticket by exploring everything Woodlands in winter has to offer, with thrilling attractions, soft play, and adorable animals. See opening times on website for which attractions are operating.
Get ready for another season of creating magical family memories at Woodlands!
See also an after-hours Magical Christmas Nights on select evenings to 3rd to 20th December
Dates to be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Musson Room, Dartington Trust, Dartington.
https://www.dartington.org/event/santas-grotto/
Father Christmas will be parking his sleigh and settling into a magical Grotto in Dartington’s historic Courtyard. He cannot wait to meet little ones and tell them all about life in the North Pole, how Rudolph and friends are, and about all the hard work his helper elves are doing to get ready for the “big night”. Santa will of course be giving out little gifts too!
Details for 2024 still to be announced - information below refers to previous event
Christmas experiences at Hoburne
Hoburne Devon Bay.
https://www.hoburne.com/holiday-parks/discover-more/christmas/
Experiences including Sammy Meets Santa, Mr and Mrs Claus Experience and A Very Pirate Panto. See the website for details of the packages
Details for 2024 to be announced - information below refers to previous event
Santa's Grotto at Darts Farm
Darts Farm, nr Topsham.
https://shop.dartsfarm.co.uk/collections/events/products/santas-grotto?variant=44125563355357
Santa's Grotto with opportunity to take festive photos and receive a special Christmas goodie bag as well as the chance to write a ltter to the North Pole and do some Christmas colouring.