Where's Santa in Norfolk 2023

Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Norfolk 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!

 

An updated list of Where to See Santa in Norfolk  2023

Find Santa in Norfolk right here...

Africa Alive

Banham Zoo

Bressingham Steam & Gardens

Bure Valley Railway

Church Farm Stow Bardolph

Elveden

Highway Garden and Leisure - multiple activities

Holkham Hall - SOLD OUT FOR 2023

Norwich Puppet Theatre

Pensthorpe

Santa's Magical Journey at Thursford

 

Santa Cruise River Trip - Broad Tours

Switch-on Saturday at Cromer

Diss Christmas Lights Switch-on

Christmas Lights Switch On at Great Yarmouth

North Norfolk Railway

Oxburgh Hall

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Thetford Garden Centre

Wells Christmas Tide Festival

Christmas Lights Switch On at Wisbech

 

Other Santa events in Norfolk

 

 

Featured Santa experiences in Norfolk 2023

 

Dates from 24th November

Christmas at Africa Alive and Banham Zoo!

Africa Alive!, Kessingland, NR33 7TF

www.zsea.org/reserve/tickets/africa-alive-christmas-grotto

https://www.zsea.org/banham/tickets/banham-zoo-christmas-experience

Prepare for an extraordinary Christmas Experience like never before! Take in the magic of the Christmas season at Africa Alive, where enchantment awaits at every turn.

What's included?

Embark on a Magical Journey Aboard the Winter Train: Step aboard the Winter Train tour, hosted by our expert animal rangers. Feel the excitement build as you journey towards the heart of the zoo, where the magical Christmas Grotto awaits.

Meet Father Christmas in His Wild Workshop: Witness the pure joy and wonder in the eyes of your little ones as they meet Father Christmas himself. A moment to treasure forever.

Includes Entry to the Zoo: Your Christmas Experience ticket includes all-day entry to the zoo

A Gift for Everyone: Christmas Experience Ticket holders will have the chance to receive an Animal Adoption following their visit with Father Christmas. Each adoption pack comes complete with a complimentary return ticket to Africa Alive or Banham Zoo.

Your Complete Christmas Experience for Only £19.95! Book your tickets now and take part in this magical Christmas adventure for just £19.95! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit, create cherished memories, and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.

 

Dates from 2nd December 2023

BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas

BeWILDerwood, Norfolk

https://bewilderwood.co.uk/events/bewilderwood-presents-christmas

The magic of Christmas is coming to BeWILDerwood this December!

With a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, a BeWILDermas panto and a glimpse of Santa Claus – it's set to be the event of the year! 

The Sparkly Light Trail

Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light Trail through the woods. Discover silly snowmen, curious Christmas crackers, a giant Christmas pudding and lots, lots more as you venture through the festivities.

A BeWILDermas Pantomime

Join us for this ten-minute mini pantomime where you will learn what Santa Claus is doing visiting the WILD woods! Will the curious characters of BeWILDerwood be able to save Christmas before it’s too late?! And just why does that reindeer have bunny ears?! Full of family fun and festive cheer, enjoy our unique spin on a traditional pantomime.

 

Dates from 2nd December 2023

Christmas at Bressingham

Bressingham Steam & Gardens, IP22 2AA

https://bressingham.co.uk/events/2023/christmas-visits-at-bressingham

Under twinkling fairy lights, your Christmas visit to Bressingham includes a ride on a Steam Train on the Fen Railway for everyone both young and old, a festive spin on the Gallopers and a visit to Father Christmas, including a present, for children up to the age of 12 years.


 

3rd to 24th December 2023

Festive Express

Bure Valley Railway, Wroxham Station, NR12 8UR

www.bvrw.co.uk/events/festive-express---3rd-to-24th-december-

Hop on board one of our Festive Express steam trains this December. Enjoy a 1 hour experience from our Aylsham Station including festive treats, a 30 minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto.

Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself.

 

 

Selected dates from 30th November to 23rd December 2023

Father Christmas is coming to Church Farm Stow Bardolph

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre, Stow Bardolph, PE34 3HT 

https://www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk/event/father-christmas-is-here-santas-grotto/

All Father Christmas tickets include a full day’s admission to the Farm between 10am & 5pm, as well as visiting Father Christmas at your chosen timeslot.

You can stay all day and enjoy everything Church Farm has to offer including:-

  • The indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Animal encounters & undercover petting pens
  • Our animals in traditional nativity scenes
  • Take your own photos on Father Christmas’s sleigh
  • Christmas gift shop (every day we are open) and mini festive market (weekends in December and during school holidays)
  • “Snow time” and lots, lots more.

 

Every weekend from 3rd to 18th December 2023

Meet Santa at Elveden

Elveden Grotto, Elveden, IP24 3TJ

https://www.elvedencourtyard.com/grotto

Visit Santa in his magical little house every weekend from the 2nd of December until the 17th of December 10.30am – 3.30pm at The Elveden Courtyard.  Come and visit Santa and the mischievous elves hard at work, regaling you with stories of their adventures from the North Pole.
 
Each ticket entitles the child visiting Santa to receive a present (suitable from birth up until 11 years) and chocolate coins. The opportunity to have their photograph taken which can be transformed into a printed photo.

Dates from 18th November 2023

Santa’s Grotto at Highway Garden and Leisure

Highway Garden & Leisure, Framingham Pigot, NR14 7PW

www.highwaygardencentre.co.uk

Some of Santa's gifts have fallen from his sleigh across the magical worlds he's passed through to deliver presents to children across the globe.  Your visit will take you through the night sky, rabbit tunnels, enchanted woodlands, icy caves and mystical lands, ending with a trip to Santa's grotto where each child will be given a gift and have a chat with the big guy himself.  Quiet sessions are available on selected dates

 

Dates from 25th November

Breakfast with Santa at Highway Garden and Leisure

Highway Garden & Leisure, Framingham Pigot, NR14 7PW. 

www.highwaygardencentre.co.uk

Children can fill their tummies with a  yummy cooked breakfast, cereal and juice while the adults enjoy a hot drink and cooked breakfast, cereal and juice while the adults enjoy a hot drink and cooked breakfast.  Santa will visit your table to have a chat and a giggle with each family, your special breakfast will be topped off with your child's gift delivered to your table.

 

Dates from 30th November

Afternoon Tea with Santa at Highway Garden and Leisure

Highway Garden & Leisure, Framingham Pigot, NR14 7PW. 

www.highwaygardencentre.co.uk

Children can fill their rumbling tummies with delicious sandwiches, sausage roll, seasonal cakes and biscuit, a milkshake and more while the adults enjoy their very own Christmas Afternoon Tea.  Santa will visit your table to have a chat and a giggle with each family and the afternoon will be topped off with a child's gift delivered to your table.

Selected dates from 2nd December 2023

Santa's Grotto at Norwich Puppet Theatre

Norwich Puppet Theatre, St James Court, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN.

https://puppettheatre.co.uk/event/santas-grotto/

Nothing makes the Christmas season special like meeting the Big Man himself. Join Father Christmas in his festive toy workshop here at the Theatre and choose your own puppet gift from his magical tree to take home with you. A Santa’s Grotto unlike any other.

A wonderful experience for young children to bring the magic of Christmas alive.

 

2nd to 23rd December 2023

The Norfolk North Pole at Pensthorpe

Pensthorpe Road, Fakenham, NR21 0LN.

https://pensthorpe.com/events/the-north-norfolk-pole/

Meet Santa and his elves, listen to stories about Christmas, make a festive craft creation along with making your own reindeer food. 

 

Dates from 26th November to 23rd December 2023

Santa's Magical Journey at Thursford 2023

Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS.

www.thursford.com/santas-magical-journey/

Christmas experience including the Enchanted Journey of Light with a meeting with Father Christmas. Relaxed day on 4th December.

 

Selected dates from 19th November

Santa’s Magical Journey Into Christmas

Thursford Collection, NR21 0AS

www.thursford.com

Now includes the Enchanted Journey of Light.  Visit Father Christmas and get taken on a journey on the way with penguins, polar bears, giant sized teddy bears and fantasy characters before venturing outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza. Relaxed session available for 8th December – see website for details

 

Every weekend in December plus 21st to 23th December 2023
 

The Christmas Experience

Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, NR12 8QU

www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

Hop aboard the enchanting train ride to meet Santa Claus himself.  Each family will get a personal experience with Santa and children will be given a special gold coin to spend in Santa's Toy Factory. 

  • The North Pole Express- take a very special journey to visit Santa himself
  • Santa's Grotto - each family will get a personal experience with Santa
  • The Mrs Claus Show - an all singing, all dancing show on the hour, every hour
  • Reindeer HQ - mix your own magical reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve
  • The North Pole Post Office - with the help of Santa's elves, write and post a special letter
  • The Elves Workshop - get crafty and and make a wonderful keepsake to take home
  • Santa's Toy Factory - full to the brim of toys for all ages.  Children can pick a gift of their choice
  • Teddy Workshop - For an extra special treat, children can build their own cuddly toy - additional charges apply

 

SOLD OUT FOR 2023

An Audience with Father Christmas 2023 at Holkham

Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1RH

www.holkham.co.uk

Holkham's Father Christmas event is already sold out for 2023.  

 

Other Santa events in Norfolk for 2023

2nd December

Santa's Grotto at Cromer Christmas Festival

Cromer Community Centre

 www.facebook.com/cromerchristmas

More details to follow

 

 

Dates to be confirmed for 2023

Santa Cruise River Trip 2023

Broads Tours, Wroxham Bridge, NR12 8RX

www.broadstours.co.uk
Leaving from the boatyard in Wroxham, Santa's Elves will have a gift bag for all children aboard over 3 years old including a juice box, activity book and crayons and a festive treat - plus all children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from Santa himself.

 

2nd December 2023
 

Diss Christmas Lights Switch-On

Diss Town Centre, IP22

www.facebook.com/disschristmaslightswitchon/

Afternoon of entertainment, live music, performers, comedy, stalls, Santa's Grotto, a small funfair and the Christmas Lights switch-on

 


2nd December 2023

Christmas Lights Switch On in Great Yarmouth

 Market Place, Gt Yarmouth, NR30

https://www.gytcp.co.uk/events/christmas-light-switch-on-2023-great-yarmouth/

Celebrate the arrival of Santa to assist with the switch on of the festive illuminations at 7pm followed by a rooftop firework display.

 

Dates from 25th November to 23rd December 2023

Santa Specials at North Norfolk Railway

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham Station, NR26 8RA

www.nnrailway.co.uk

Enjoy a magical Christmas journey along the whole length of the line, meet Santa and receive a special wrapped present, festive activity packs, balloon modellers and entertainers

 

Selected dates from 2nd December  2023 

Meet Father Christmas at Oxburgh

Oxburgh Hall, King’s Lynn, PE33 9PS

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Join Father Christmas and settle in for a yuletide tale in Oxburgh’s festive second-hand bookshop.  After the story, Father Christmas will have a small gift for you to take home.Maximum of 1 free accompanying adult per child. Each child requires a ticket.This event doesn’t include general admission to site. Standard admissions charges apply to the property to non-members on arrival.

 

Dates from 25th November 2023

Dippy's Christmas Celebration 2023/Sparkle at Roarr!

ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, NR9 5JE

www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk

See ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure transformed into a winter wonderland with Dippy's Christmas Celebration, full of seasonal surprises and amazing activities

Also, enjoy other festive events at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure on selected dates this Christmas with a candy cane trail,  Dippy and Friends Christmas Show, ice skating rink, gingerbread decorating with Mother Christmas as well as an hour of magical moments with Father Christmas, and the Christmas Present House. 

Sparkle at Roarr! is an all new event where visitors can enjoy the festivities after hours - see the website for details.

 

25th November 2023

Santa at Wells ChristmasTide Festival 2023 

Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23

https://www.facebook.com/xmastide

Father Christmas and a firework display - more details nearer the time

 

Dates TBC for 2023

Father Christmas at Thetford Garden Centre

Thetford Garden Centre, Kilverstone, IP24 2RL

www.thetfordgardencentre.co.uk

Details to be confirmed

 

Other Santa events in Norfolk

17th November to 3rd January 2024

WINTER WONDERLAND NORWICH

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT.

www.winterwonderlandnorwich.com

Outdoor Christmas event with ice rink, rollercoasters, children’s rides, funhouses, Santa, food, drink and more.

 

2023 dates and event details to be confirmed

SANTA’S GROTTO AND TRAIN RIDE at Whitwell Station

Whitwell Station, Whitwell, Reepham, Norwich, NR10 4GA.  www.whitwellstation.com

 

2nd December 2023

NANSA CHRISTMAS FAIR 2023

33 Woodcock Road, Norwich, NR3 3TT.

www.facebook.com/nansanorfolk

Raffle, tombola, games, craft stalls, food and drink and Santa’s grotto.

 

Dates from 25th November

Santa’s Grotto Experience at Wells Maltings

Wells Maltings.  www.wellsmaltings.org.uk

Meet Santa in a specially created grotto where Santa will spend approximately 30 minutes with a  group telling stories and tales of his adventures before opportunities for photos with individual children.

 

2nd to 23rd December

Father Christmas Experience 2023 at Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre

Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre. www.cromer.ticketsolve.com

Santa’s Grotto experience with lots of opportunities to take your own keepsake photographs and videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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