Santa in the Cotswolds

A family Christmas isn’t complete without a visit to the big man and there’s plenty of chances to meet him in the Cotswolds, to suit all ages and budgets.

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Santa Express

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway  25 November to 23 December 2023

Begin your journey to the ‘North Pole’ at Cheltenham Racecourse Station, from where you will travel by steam train to the North Pole (aka Winchcombe Station). Here you will be able to walk through a wonderland of lights, trees, and decorations and on to where Santa will be waiting to talk to the children. Each child will receive a lovely gift before re-joining the train for the trip home. Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the singing penguins!
 

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Afternoon Tea with Santa

Ellenborough Park  Sun 10 December

Get ready to indulge in scrumptious treats, sip on warm beverages, and spend quality time with Santa himself! Afternoon Tea with Santa is perfect for families and children of all ages who want to experience the magic of Christmas. During the event, you'll have the opportunity to share your Christmas wishes with Santa and take memorable photos together, followed by a special present. Santa's jolly elves will also be present, spreading cheer and joy throughout the afternoon. This will then be followed by one of Santa's Helpers reading a festive story.
 

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Christmas on the Farm   

Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park   24-26 Nov, 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23 Dec 203

Get ready for a heartwarming, one-on-one encounter with Father Christmas and a day filled with festive joy! Cotswold Farm Park have been spreading holiday cheer for many years and are thrilled to invite you to their beloved 'Christmas On The Farm' event.
 

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Christmas Fairytale

Fairytale Farm  2 - 24 December 2023

A magical and immersive experience from the moment you check in with Santa’s helper elves at the Gingerbread House. You’ll prepare your wish list for Santa, mix some reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve, help to decorate Santa’s Christmas tree and test your snowball throwing skills.From here you’ll be elf-scorted into a beautiful Fairytale Castle and start your journey from the South Pole to the North Pole. You will meet some interactive dancing penguins, visit the Toymaker in his cosy log cabin and see Santa’s sleigh ready to launch into a clear night sky of twinkling stars. Then you will walk through the Secret Forest to meet Father Christmas himself in his charming Grotto, which evokes an atmosphere of Christmas past.

Enjoy a relaxed and personal visit to the Grotto, with time for your entire family to meet and greet Santa, take your own photographs with him, and watch your children’s faces light up as Santa gives each of them a wrapped present. Santa is just how you would expect him to be – magical, very friendly and wanting to spend time chatting with your little ones, asking them what they would like for Christmas and if they have been good this year.
 

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Listen to a story with Santa

Combe Mill  Sun 3 December 2023

For an enchanting, classic Father Christmas experience bring the children to listen to a story with Santa (and receive a gift) at Combe Mill. Part of the Combe Mill annual Christmas Fayre, you’ll be able to browse the stalls, including blacksmiths' items forged on site by their very own blacksmiths, enjoy some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and try to win a prize on the tombola or raffle.
 

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Santa Afternoon Tea

De Vere Cotswold Water Park  Various dates, December 2023

Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa! This year, enjoy a mouth-watering festive afternoon tea for all the family overlooking the lake and then take a magical trip to Santa’s grotto. A gift from Santa will complete the experience.
 

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Meet Father Christmas

Newark Park  2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 December

Father Christmas will be stopping off at Newark Park on weekends in December as he prepares for his busiest night of the year! He’s always keen for visitors so why not book a visit to his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room for a chat and a small gift from the man himself? Booking is essential; £6 per child. Normal admission applies.
 

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The Christmas Meeting

Cheltenham Racecourse  Sat 16 December

With the festive season about to enter the home straight, The Christmas Meeting brings joy and excitement for all. Off the track the Christmas Extravaganza themed family fun includes meeting Santa and his elves in Santa’s Grotto. Santa’s elves will be there to help with your Christmas crafts including letters to Santa, making a magical Christmas wish to leave on the special night and designing snowflakes.