Christmas is fast approaching and for children that means thoughts will turn to Father Christmas. If a visit to Santa is a special part of the lead up to your family Christmas then check out this list of places where you can meet the big man himself. From no book Santa's to deluxe all out special experiences we have a great choice of places to go in Essex.
This list will continue to be updated as more events are announced. You might also want to check out this list of Christmas events in Essex (to be added soon).
Where To See Santa In Essex This Christmas
Breakfast with Santa at Harvester
Christmas Fest Essex
Christmas Fest Essex, Heath Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1HL.
16, 17, 23, 24, 30th November and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the 23rd December 2024
Brand new for 2024 is Christmas Fest based in Billericay, Essex. Set in 10 acres of woodland and featuring 10 experience rooms to explore perhaps this is Essex's answer to Lapland UK? Aimed at children between 2 and 10 years old the activities include: elf workshop where children will make their own Christmas bauble decoration, ice skating, miniature railway, castle visit and finally a visit to meet Father Christmas and a gift.
November dates are £45 per person and December dates £60 per person (under 1s free but can only observe).
It's hard to know what it will be like as this is the first year, but the owners have big plans so if they pan out it will be a pretty amazing experience.
Barleylands Christmas Experience
29th November 2024 - 24th December 2024
Meet Father Christmas, take a photograph together and receive a token for the toy factory where children can choose their own toy. It is then on to meet Mother Christmas and decorate some gingerbread cookies. Next, visitors can make some reindeer food to help the reindeer fly. In addition to all of this, entry includes access to the farm park for the whole day including meet and greet animals, tractor rides, outdoor adventure play and much more.
Tickets are between £34.99 and £39.99 (dependent on date and time slot) for children over 1, £15.50 for adults and £10.00 for children under 1. Members get discounted rates.
Audley End Miniature Railway
Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB
21st November - 24th December 2024
Make wonderful memories this Christmas at Audley End Miniature Railway including a train journey into the woods to meet Father Christmas where children will receive a special gift from the comfort of the train. After the return journey they can write a letter to post to Father Christmas, make reindeer food and enjoy the stage show. Make sure everyone wraps up warm.
Adults & Children over 92cm: £29.50 to £40, children under 92cm: £14.75 to £20 and children under 1 year are free.
Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB
Weekends from 30th Nov to 22nd Dec 2024Join Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens where he will be telling some of his favourite festive stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children can meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional Christmas present to open. Only one adult can accompany each child.
Tickets cost £9.50 per child in advance, for both members and non-members. Non-members will also need a ticket for entry.
Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle
Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ
Running various times and dates from 30th November.
Colchester Castle has a number of Christmas events running throughout December. Booking is essential via the 01206 282939. Lines are open from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Meet Father Christmas: Visit Father Christmas and his elves in the magical setting of Colchester Castle, children get a chance to meet Father Christmas (each slot is approximately 10 mins) and receive a gift. This event is running weekends throughout December and weekday evenings 16th to 20th December. Tickets are £10 per child.
Starlight Grotto: On 19th and 20th December there are special evening grotto visits which will be lit my (battery powered) candle light. Tickets cost £12 per child, £5 per adult.
An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends: On Saturday 21st December and Monday 23rd December you can join Father Christmas and his elves for a fun-packed evening of crafts, games and Christmas magic. tickets cost £10 for adults and £20 for children (includes a gift, drink, snack and activities).
The Enchanted Midwynter Festival at Wyvernwood
Wyvernwood, St. Osyth Road, Alresford, Colchester, Essex. CO7 8AP
Weekends in December and 20th to 24th December from 10:30 to 15:30
Wyvernwood are hosting their second Enchanted Midwynter Festival which has all the expected whimsical magic of Wyvernwood with some Christmassy extras!
Visit the Secret Festive Grotto where guests can exclusively meet Father Christmas and Queen Tatiana and receive a £5 gift voucher to use in the Treasure Trove, plus a glass of mulled wine for the grown ups which is an appreciated touch! Entry to the grotto is an additional charge to general entry.
Entry costs £16.49 each or £60.00 for a family of 4. Under two's free. Grotto entry is £15.00 per child (again, under two's free) and £5 per adult.
Christmas at The Zoo - Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 OSL
Experience runs on 23rd & 24th November, 30th November & 1st December, 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 19th to 24th December 2024
Colchester Zoo has festive themed activities around the zoo with the full timetable to be announced. In addition you can book The Santa Experience for the date of your visit, this costs £16 per child in addition to zoo entry. The experience includes a journey through the winter woodland, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, the Elf Workshop and a visit to see Santa.
Wild Wonderland at Call of The Wild Zoo
Call Of The Wild Zoo, Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5QZ
23, 24, 30 November and every weekend in December plus 13, 23 and 24th.
Brand new for 2024, Call of The Wild Zoo is hosting Wild Wonderland this November and December. Tickets are £45.00 per person (plus £4.50 booking fee per person) and includes: Zoo entry, gingerbread biscuit decorating, teddy building workshop, souvenir passport and ticket, a visit to meet Father Christmas and a gift and ice skating.
Meadow Croft Garden Centre is only a 2 minute drive away from Call of The Wild Zoo so why not tie in a trip to their German market and make a full day of festive fun?
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| Everything from Deluxe Christmas Experiences To No Frills Grotto |
The Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP
6, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30th November and 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23rd December 2024
Tickets range from £30 to £75 for non members dependent on date, under 1s are free (as observers). Member prices are discounted. There is also a £15 booking fee per order.
The magical tour includes: Learning spells with the elves, indulging in some sweet treats with Mother Christmas and enjoying the snow show before meeting Santa for a photo opportunity. Next its off to the Teddy Bear Market where your little ones can choose and make their very own furry friend to take home. Last but not least its a visit to the Elf Emporium to exchange their Elf money for a gift of their choice.
There is also an ice rink, fair ground rides, a train plus all the fun of the farm to be enjoyed before and after the tour.
Read all about our visit in previous year and tips to get the most out of your visit here.
Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park
Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF
Experience takes place weekends from 24th November and the 20th to 24th December
From the same magic created at Marsh Farm comes a scaled down Christmas Experience on the other side of Essex. It's a 90 minute experience which includes a Sparkle Snow Show, Mother Christmas's Kitchen, Santa's grotto and the Teddy Bear Market. Assuming this is a similar format to when we were invited to visit a couple of years ago meeting Santa takes place as a group. It's a fun experience, but more about the activities than meeting Santa. You can read about our visit here. Tickets cost £15.99 to £30
Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15
9BZ
Weekends from 30th November 2024- 22nd December
Enjoy the festivities at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary every weekend from Saturday 30th November. Activities include: Letter writing to Father Christmas, a Christmas trail, a grotto with a gift from Santa, Christmas arts and crafts, access to the miniature Christmas village as well as general admission to the sanctuary. There is also free gingerbread and warm squash for children whilst the adults can indulge in complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
Adult tickets are £9.00, Children between 2-15 £18.99. They also offer Family tickets where you can save a few pounds. Under 2's with a gift are £4.99 and free without.
Christmas Train to Wickford
Southminster Station, Station Approach, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EN
24 November 2024
Enjoy a ride on this Christmas Train on the journey to Wickford to the Christmas Fayre in the town on the 24th November 2024. Each child with a ticket will get a free pass to see Father Christmas in the grotto at Wickford. Adults £5 Children £3. Tickets on sale from 24th September 2024
Epping Ongar Santa Special Trains
Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN.
Weekends from 23rd November and everyday from 19th to 24th December 2024
Enjoy a return journey on the Festive Special Train from North Weald and meet Santa and his friends during the experience and receive an age appropriate gift for each child. There are also festive food stalls, a brass band and entertainers at the station. The entire experience takes around 2 and a half hours. From £27.50 to £37.50 per person dependent on date and carriage. A limited number of private carriages are also available.
Harlow Harvey Centre Grotto
The Harvey Centre, Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow CM20 1XR
Details are yet to be announced, but over the last few years we have worked a couple of times with The Harvey Centre in Harlow. One of the things I love about this Shopping Centre is the Christmas Grotto. It's no frills, but you don't need to book and the Father Christmas has always been friendly and patient with his time. You can read more about our last Christmas visit here. The Grotto is likely to appear in late November and last year dogs could even visit on selected days!
It's worth checking out your local shopping centre as they are all likely to have Festive Events which have a great community feel.
John Lewis
If you’re a My John Lewis member (free to join) you can access advance booking for their Santa visits until 29th September. The Chelmsford branch is hosting Santa’s Tea Party this year which includes a special Christmas story session with snacks, hot chocolate and a special gift.
Child tickets are £17.50 (+£1.75 booking fee). Babies under 12 months can attend with a paying sibling without receiving the gift or snack for free. Adult tickets (max 2) are £6 (+60p booking fee) and include a tea or coffee and slice of cake.
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| Meeting Father Christmas at Party Kingdom |
Party Kingdom
Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon, Chelmsford CM3 6HBThese popular Christmas experiences are based on a farm in Latchingdon. This year they are offering three options: gold, platinum, and even a ‘bad’ Santa night for adults only. Both the gold and platinum experiences include a ride on The Santa Express (children only), letter from Father Christmas, magical elevator ride to the North Pole, a personal chat with Father Christmas and a gift. The platinum experience also includes a bear building activity with Mrs Claus, ‘snowball’ fight in the magical winter wonderland themed rooms and a green screen sleigh ride experience.
Gold experience tickets start from £15 for up to 14 months old (includes gift only), £28.50 up to 12 years old and £10 for adults. Platinum tickets start from £15 for up to 14 months old (includes gift only), £39.99 up to 12 years old and £15.50 for adults.
If you want to give it a go for a bit less, you can book their practice day for the 17th November with £20 off per booking.
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| Enjoy the magic of Christmas at White Elm Garden Centre |
White Elm Garden Centre
White Elm Road, Danbury, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4LRWeekends from 23rd November then every day from 19th to 23rd December.
This grotto in Danbury needs to be booked quickly as it sells out earlier every year. It features a walk through experience with Santa’s elves, ending with a visit to Santa where children will receive a gift and have photos taken. There are also grotto games to play earning them a sweet treat too. The garden centre is set in a lovely shopping village with lots of small shops to visit and a petting farm with soft play that can be booked separately.
Grotto entry is £19.99 per child and £2.50 per adult. Babies under six months are free with a sibling but will not receive a gift. Petting farm is £2.50 (6 months to 2 years), £7.95 (2 to 16 years) and £8.95 per adult.
Cherry Lane Garden Centres
Offering breakfast or tea with Santa, these visits are a great way to feed the kids in the run up to Christmas. With stores in both Braintree and Hockley (Riverside) hosting these experiences, everyone is treated to a full breakfast, with beans or preserve on toast also an option for the little ones or tea, such as jacket potato or kids favourite fish fingers, for each person. After the meal, balloons and magic keep them entertained before story time with Santa, an individual meeting and a gift for each child.
Breakfast or tea with Santa is £13.99 per child and £9.99 per adult.
Santa’s Cabin at Lakeside
Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, RM20 2ZPIf you’d like to combine your Santa visit with Christmas shopping this year look no further than Santa’s Cabin located on the Quay at Lakeside shopping centre. Children can visit Santa in his magic cabin where they will receive a gift and have the chance to capture memories with photo souvenirs available to purchase.
Tickets are £8.50 per child (+£1.50 fee per booking).
Chelmsford Museum
Oaklands Park, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ
30th November, 1st December and 7th to 8th December
Join Father Christmas at the Snug in Oaklands Park, which you can combine with a visit to Chelmsford Museum. Friendly elves will guide children to meet the man himself and will take home both a gift and an extra surprise. Gifts this year include a cuddly tiger or an advent calendar book.
Children’s tickets start at £25 each but there are discounts for further children in the booking (max 4 per booking).
Breakfast and Santa at Harlow Garden Centre
Harlow Garden Centre, Canes Lane, CM17 9LD
Weekends from 30th November then every day from 19th to 24th December.
Spend your morning having breakfast as a family at Harlow Garden Centre before Santa arrives to tell stories. He will meet with each family individually before giving every child a gift. Children can enjoy a full breakfast or pancakes while adults can swap their full breakfast for eggs Benedict or Florentine. The garden centre puts on impressive Christmas displays each year so is worth a look around too.
Adult tickets are £14.95 each and children £15.95. Access via link above or directly here.
North Weald and District Miniature Railway
Harlow Garden Centre, Canes Lane, CM17 9LD
14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 24th December
Hop aboard this miniature railway for their Santa Specials. Located in the grounds of Harlow Garden Centre (on the other side of the car park and independently run) the North Weald and District Miniature Railway takes you to Santa’s grotto where each child receives a gift and can have their photo taken. This year you can also visit Santa in the dark and admire all the lights along the route in full effect.
Tickets are £8 pp, babies under six months go free.
*All information added in good faith and is believed accurate at time of checking. Always check the website or social media before visiting/ booking.*
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