Where to Meet Father Christmas in the Cotswolds This Festive Season
For children and adults alike, meeting Father Christmas is one of the most magical moments of the festive season. In the Cotswolds, this magical experience comes to life with a range of events and grotto visits where you can meet Santa himself in beautifully festive surroundings. Whether it’s a cosy village grotto, a woodland adventure, or a traditional Christmas market, the chance to share your wish list with Father Christmas and experience the joy of the season is unforgettable. Join us as we explore the best places in the Cotswolds to meet Father Christmas, creating magical memories for the whole family this Christmas.
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa! This year, De Vere Cotswold Water Park are offering a delicious, three course carvery lunch alongside children’s activities and a family-friendly disco. This package includes a three course festive carvery, a visit and gift from Santa, children's activities and the family friendly disco!
Cotswold Farm Park
Experience the Magic of Christmas at Cotswold Farm Park. Step into a festive wonderland as the farm transforms into a dazzling holiday haven. Children can visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, where each child will receive a special gift to take home. The bustling Elf Workshop returns, offering kids the chance to get creative with make-a-bear activities under the guidance of Santa's elves.
Indulge in festive treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal snacks at the park's food stalls. As you explore the park, enjoy the charming decorations, soak in the festive atmosphere, and visit the farm's resident animals for an educational twist on your holiday fun.
Batsford Arboretum
Santa is returning to his magical grotto at Batsford this Christmas - come and see him on selected dates in December. Children will visit Santa in small groups of up to 6 and each child will receive a gift! 30-minute slots are available to book between 10am-3.30pm.
GWSR
Come aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's Santa Express and make cherished memories with your loved ones. Step into a world where the wonder of Christmas comes alive, where the joy of the season is wrapped in the rhythmic chug of a vintage steam train.
Get ready for an enchanting adventure as you are transported to the North Pole and back. The beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. As you settle into your comfortable seat, the train whistles, and the journey begins, winding through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds.
We run our Santa Express trains, on selected dates in November and December 2024.
Corinium Museum
Celebrate Christmas with a visit to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester for the family to meet Santa! The Corinium Museum are thrilled to be welcoming Santa, who will share some special festive stories before handing out gifts to the children.
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
Three Ways House Hotel
Enjoy a festive Sunday lunch at The Three Ways House Hotel followed by a visit from Father Christmas. This wonderful family occasion offers plenty of entertainment for the children and festive carols. The children get a letter and gift and everyone will leave full of the Christmas spirit.
Cogges Manor Farm
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas at Cogges, and meet Father Christmas and his elves in Santa's Grotto, with story time and a gift for every child.
As dusk approaches, visit for the 'Later' session where the Festive Light Trail brings magic to the grounds, and some surprises! With lashings of festive cheer, mulled wine and seasonal treats, Christmas starts here.
Santa's Grotto, children's crafts & evening Light Trail
Newark Park, National Trust
Father Christmas is stopping at Newark Park before he heads off for his busiest night of the year. For those that have been nice, there will be a little gift and a chat with the man himself in his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room on the ground floor of Newark house. Your family will get a short private session with Father Christmas. Your visit will be within the 30-minute time slot you book, so you may have a short wait when you arrive.
Various dates