Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Dorset in 2023...
Updated 28/11/2023
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 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 tuck into a tasty mince pie!
Christmas experience at Adventure Wonderland where participants can meet Father Christmas in his snowy log cabin, receive a great gift plus unlimited play in the Wild Thing indoor play centre. See Rudolph, meet the elves and get arty in the Christmas Craft cabin. Then take your seats for the festive family pantomime, 'The Wizard of Oz'. Availability is limited - book early to avoid disapointment.
2nd December 2023
Accessible Santa Visits and Pantomime Performances at Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth.
The magic of Christmas is an exciting time for everyone but Adventure Wonderland are aware that it can be quite overwhelming for some of their guests and that’s why we are delighted to bring back our exclusive afternoon of Christmas magic for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on Saturday 2nd December 2023.
They will have a reduced capacity to ensure that guests get a longer visit to Father Christmas inside his snowy log cabin. The reduced capacity will also help to reduce the number of guests in their play centre, Wild Thing. They will turn off the thunderdome ball cannon and music effects which will make the experience ideal for children with special educational needs, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
The afternoon performances of their pantomime, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will also be amended for our SEN guests. The house lights in the theatre will remain on during the show and guests can come and go as they please. Guests will get to meet all of the characters before the show starts so there are no surprises. We will reduce the volume of the show and turn off the flashing lights to minimise sensory overload.
“Our Christmas event is always a sell-out success but that means it’s often too busy and too noisy for guests who may have additional needs and sensory processing disorders,” says Andy Brennan, Creative Director for Adventure Wonderland. “We strongly believe that Santa should be accessible for everyone which is why we’re introducing some amendments to the experience on Saturday 2nd December 2023.”
The SEN Santa sessions are 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30 and 17:00.
The relaxed performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will take place at 16:30.”
A child's Santa's Grotto ticket includes entry to the Gardens for the child plus one free accompanying adult. Additional adults can enter the Gardens by purchasing a Winter Offer Ticket on the day. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin, a festive magical Grotto at the Gardens. make it an enchanting visit with a talk to Father Christmas and receive a special gift. After meeting Father Christmas you are free to explore the gardens for a winter's stroll
Experience the wonder of the Christmas season at Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto. Step into a world of enchantment as you visit Santa in his magical dome, receive a special present, and capture cherished memories with professional photos.
Highlights:
· Santa’s Grotto: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you enter our cosy and beautifully decorated Santa’s Grotto.
· Meet Santa: Get ready to meet Santa Claus himself. Share your wishes, have a chat, and take a keepsake photo.
· Receive a Gift: Santa has a special gift just for you. Every child who visits receives a memorable present.
Extras (Available for Purchase on the Day):
· Professional Photos: Capture the magic of the moment with professional photos of your family with Santa. Choose from various options, including snow globes, Christmas tree ornaments, or a booklet. These photos make for wonderful keepsakes and gifts.
Dates from 2nd to 23rd December 2023
Christmas at Crealy 2023
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
Enjoy seasonal Christmas attractions including a Meet and Greet with Santa experience and a LIVE ice show, festive entertainment, lights and decorations. The Santa Meet and Greet Experience comes as part of an additional cost
Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season! Make memories, start traditions and come on a fantastical journey with his musical helpers to find his storybook nook, before settling in for a festive tale, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a picture together with Santa!
Tickets £15 per child (0-12 years old) with one accompanying adult per child.
Five additional accompanying adult tickets are available for each storytelling, £5 per ticket. This is only needed if you have more adults than children in your group. Normal property admission applies for this event.
On the 19th and 20th December Santa’s sleigh will touch down at the park!
As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy festive fare, a Christmas trail around the park, and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves! The gift shop is stacked full of new items, ideal as presents and stocking fillers- and of course you’ll be able to see their 250 primates during a quieter, peaceful time at the park.
Step into a winter wonderland like no other for a Santa’s Grotto experience at Moonacre.
Visit Santa Claus: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you pay a special visit to Santa Claus in his magical Dome. Each child will receive a special gift.
Gingerbread Decorating: Get creative and decorate your very own gingerbread. Each ticket includes one gingerbread, icing & festive sprinkles per paying child, perfect for all ages.
Mrs. Claus Story Time: Gather around as Mrs. Claus shares heartwarming Christmas stories that will captivate the imaginations of young and old alike.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows: Sip on a cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows to warm your heart and hands.
Soft Play for Under 3s: Let the little ones explore and have fun in the safe and engaging soft play area designed specifically for children under 3.
Back Garden Bubbles Inflatable for Under 7s: Kids aged 7 and under can slide, bounce, and have a blast on our exciting inflatable slide
Adults and older children who are accompanying a paying child can enjoy the festivities for free, allowing everyone to tailor their visit to their liking.
Optional extras include:
· Family Photo Opportunity with Santa: Capture the joy with a professional family photo alongside Santa Claus, available in a snow globe, booklet, or as a Christmas tree ornament.
· Festive Food Truck: Indulge in the flavors of the season with our festive food truck. Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering treats, There’s something to satisfy every craving and keep your energy up for a day full of festive fun.
· Face Painter: Let your imagination run wild with our talented face painter. Transform into a reindeer, a snowflake, or any other festive character you desire. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to your visit and get into the Christmas spirit.
· Christmas Raffle: Join the festivities and participate in with the enchanting Christmas raffle
Visit Santa at the Museum – spend 45 exploring and enjoy the festive trail and opportunity to make Christmas crafts as well as writing a letter to Santa before being led to the Garden room where Santa will tell an interactive story to the group and pass out a gift.
Themed experience consisting of an hour long train journey to meet Santa, leaving from Swanage Railway Station where there will be singing, dancing and interaction as well as a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey and a special present on the return journey
Santa Claus the Party on 15th December. Meet the real Santa Claus at Cineworld on 16th and 17th, street entertainers, carols, Christmas trail. Chase the Pudding Run on 17th December.
Kids will receive a special present from Father Christmas while enjoying breakfast. Afterward there will be a reading of "The Night Before Christmas", a selection of festive songs and photo opportunities with Santa
2023 Dates to be confirmed
Santa at Castlepoint Bournemouth
Castlepoint Bournemouth, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZ.
Santa will walk around the boat meeting all the children and giving out gifts as you pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more with Christmas carols playing in the background.
Step aboard one of the Santa Specials and be transported to a Winter Wonderland with a return train journey from Lakeside to Kingsmere Station with Santa's Railway Grotto, a Christmassy Winter Wonderland, refreshments and more. There are relaxed experiences for people with additional needs on 9th December
Evening of exciting games, prizes and entertainment including a disco, soft play, party games with prizes to be won, craft workshop, glitter tattoos and facepaints as well as a special visit from Santa
Santa will be helped by his Christmas elves and very special guest, Olaf, who will be joining in the seasonal fun. Share your Christmas wish lists and watch little ones eyes light up in our sparkling Santa's Grotto. Each child will receive a Christmas gift.
Book your ticket for our magical Santa's Grotto for free online and consider making a donation to Julia's House on the day of your visit. Your support will help us create magical memories this Christmas for families caring for a seriously ill child.
Sessions available where children can have fun on the soft play, visit Father Christmas and enjoy some Christmas snacks. Each child will receive a small gift and have an opportunity for photos with Father Christmas.
Dates from 25th November to 5th January
Santa's Enchanted Winter Experience at Avon Heath Country Park
Visit Santa in a colourful world as you embark on a magical journey in the enchanted forest. The experience includes a visit to see Santa and a present for the children
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of Father Christmas' Merry Elves who will entertain you in the winter wonderland grotto. You can write your letter and post it in the magical post box, before meeting the man himself!
Visit Father Christmas in his magical Winter Wonderland Grotto, where you will meet the man himself and his helpful elves. Each child will have their own five-minute meet and greet with Father Christmas to share their Christmas wishes
Each child’s ticket includes a visit with Father Christmas including gift and reindeer food, hot chocolate and cookies, tea/coffee and mince pie for accompanying adults, and access to the indoor play area for the afternoon.
Festive Santa experience to include a visit and a present from Santa for kids and a hot drink and festive snack for adults. Festive animals and activities in the barn.