Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Devon in 2024
Most events are still to be announced for 2024, so keep checking back for updates
Updated 10/6/2024
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 Santa 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 Father Christmas 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 Santa 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 in Devon 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!
**Don't forget to mention Primary Times Devon when making an enquiry or booking***
Upon arrival, you will receive your very own Christmas buzzer, a special device that Father Christmas will activate when he’s ready to welcome you into his magnificent grotto! This means more time to enjoy our festive town and no queues.
Once the buzzer twinkles to life, you will embark on an immersive journey through our winter woodland. With the help of a cheerful elf, each child will create their own bag of enchanting reindeer food.
Then it’s time to join Father Christmas in his splendid grotto, where all children will receive a beautifully wrapped present!
Bear Town will be completely transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, with festive touches around every corner!
Come and enjoy the enchantment of Christmas at Bear Town!
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Christmas experience with opportunity to meet Santa, gift craft activity, Treasure Trail, photo opportunities and more. Pre-booking essential.
NOT ONLY WILL THE CHILDREN GET TO MEET SANTA AND GIVE HIM THEIR CHRISTMAS LISTS, BUT THIS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE WILL ALSO INCLUDE:
Meet Santa, and have a chance to give him your Christmas lists.
A craft activity for each child to take part in.
A festive snow machine.
Santa's Treasure Trail.
A quality, age appropriate gift from Santa.
Your own photo opportunities in Santa's Winter Wonderland*.
Image me Studios will be here to take a professional photo of your child/children with Santa which will be available to purchase, alongside a range of festive souvenirs. You will be given a £1 off voucher to be used for the purchase of any Image Me photo souvenir.
You will be allocated a personal Elf who will guide you around the Grotto
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a special 'Breakfast with Santa' in The Box Kitchen & Bar on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-17 December, plus Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December. This event has been hugely popular in previous years, so don't leave it too late to book!'Breakfast with Santa' tickets include a sausage/vegan sausage bap, bacon bap or pancakes with tea, Americano or hot chocolate. All children’s tickets include a gift.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
From 12-4pm on December 9th-12th, and again on the 17th-19th, children can pay a special visit to Santa in his grotto, and receive a gift to take home. They'll be able to let Father Christmas know all about what they'd like for Christmas this year, and take special photos to remember the visit by.
Please book to confirm your 5-minute slot; tickets are £15.00 for each child.
They recommend visiting 15 minutes early to enjoy our Christmassy activities (colouring, singalong and glitter wishes) and to help make sure that everyone is ready to take their turn.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Step into the enchanting world of Santa’s Grotto, where the magic of Christmas comes alive. Children can embark on an unforgettable journey, meeting Santa Claus and sharing their Christmas wishes. The grotto is beautifully decorated, creating a whimsical atmosphere that fills the hearts of young and old with joy and wonder.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Take your furry friend on a magical trip through the festive winter wonderland where Santa and his Elves will be waiting to welcome you into the cosy grotto. Take a photo with Santa and receive a goody bag filled with seasonal treats to enjoy. 50p from each Santa Paws ticket sale will be donated to PDSA.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Stepping through the doors into the grotto, enter a world of selfie opportunities for all the family. Bring your cameras or phones, pose on the throne, take a selfie in front of the tree, sit your dog in the sleigh the choice is yours. Walk on through the grotto and next you will jump into the North Pole with the eskimo and polar bears, and the magical dreams area with twinkling lights and fluffy snow.
The light tunnel will lead you to the enchanted castle where the fairies and unicorns live. Life size characters to wonder and amaze the little ones. Turn around and look through the windows into Andy’s bedroom. See Woody and Buzz getting up to mischief as the train Choo Choo’s around the track. Turn around and the mirrors will make you laugh at your reflection.
Turn the corner into the gingerbread house and you’re nearly there, Santa is waiting to meet you and make your Christmas wishes come true.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Visit Santa and his elves in his festive grotto. Participants can receive a present and a keepsake book to remember your visit including games, colouring and a place for your Polaroid photo. There will also be a photo opportunity (Elfie selfie) as well as the opportunity to make your own reindeer food.
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Share a home cooked breakfast with Santa in the Lilypond Restaurant and visit Santa and his elves in his festive grotto at Bernaville Nurseries with adult options as well as regular children and mini breakfasts for different appetites. The visit includes a present, keepsake book to remember your visit including games, colouring and a place for your Polaroid photo, a photo opportunity (Elfie selfie) and the chance to make your own reindeer food
Selected dates from 30th November 2024 - other details below refer to a previous event
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's Magical Ice Show
Sooty's Christmas Show
Buddy and Blossom's Jingle Bell Show
Santa's Magical Post Office
Winter Light Displays
Santa Meet and Greet Experience (upgrade option)
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
A magical after-hours festive experience for children. Meet Occombe Farmer Christmas in his farm workshop, hear stories with Mrs Christmas, get crafty with our elves!
You’ll be greeted by Mrs Christmas for festive storytelling. Get crafty decorating gingerbread cookies with our cheerful Occombe elves. But perhaps best of all, you’ll meet Occombe Farmer Christmas himself in his charming farm workshop, for your own special meet and greet. The workshop is indoors and warm, perfect for capturing cherished photo memories. As a delightful surprise, every child will receive a special gift from Occombe Farmer Christmas. And of course, there’ll be plenty of time for festive play and visiting our animal encounters barn, to round off this enchanting experience.
· Meet & greet with Occombe Farmer Christmas
· A special gift from Occombe Farmer Christmas for each paying child
· Gingerbread cookie decorating
· Storytelling with Mrs Christmas
· Indoor play (and outdoor play weather permitting)
· Animal Encounters in the Animal Barn
Dates for 2024 to be announced - see below for details of a previous event
Go and visit Santa in his magical grotto. Receive a special gift and capture the moment with a professional photo!
Open from 24th November until 1st January.
TERM TIME (24th Nov to 19th Dec)
Monday – Friday 3:30pm – 6.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 1pm – 6.30pm
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS (20th Dec to 24th Dec)
1pm – 6.30pm everyday
Open 7 days a week (closed on Christmas Day)
£10.50 per child, £1 per adult
Additional options for Professional Photos
Your photos can also be turned into a special keepsake or gift for loved ones. Including: Snow Globes | Baubles | Keyrings | Jumbo Fridge Magnet | 6x4 Prints
Dates from 23rd November 2024 - further details below refer to a previous event for guidance
Families can enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa's home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the lights whilst you walk around the North Pole
Rowcroft Hospice has teamed up with Marldon Christmas Tree Farm to offer a magical Santa’s Grotto experience for local children. In the enchanted snow-covered grotto in the North Pole, Totnes Road, Marldon, children will have the chance to meet Santa and his elves, encounter a real reindeer, and receive a special Christmas gift. The cost for the fairy-tale adventure is £16 per child, with all profits going to support the hospice. Staffed by hospice volunteers, the grotto will be open Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 16 December, and all day every day between 18 to 23 December. You can book your slot at www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/santasgrotto or by calling 01803 210821.
From 6th to 8th December 2024 - further details below refer to a previous event
Storytime sessions with Father Christmas with an opportunity to say hi to Santa and take a selfie at the end and every child gets a very special keepsake to take home.
16th, 21st and 22nd December 2023
Relaxed, BSL signed Songs and Stories with Father Christmas at Saltram
Relaxed Father Christmas sessions that are slightly smaller and with songs and stories at a slower pace and British Sign Language interpretation. 45 minute storytime session recommended for children over 3 with an opportunity to say hi to Father Christmas, grab a selfie and every child gets a very special keepsake to take home.
Step back into yuletide and experience Earth Santa, a unique medieval twist on Father Christmas.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Wildwood Devon and featuring authentic Saxon homes, Wildwood Devon’s Saxon Village sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday adventure. Embark on a magical journey into the enchanting Saxon era and experience the holiday magic as if you've been transported back in time.
Visit Santa and his Earth Elves in his Saxon grotto from 18 – 24 December. For the first time ever, they will also be running an EVENING grotto on 22 December.
Christmas Light Switch On signifying the start of late night shopping on Thursdays and the Christmas season, Pannier Market, Christmas Crafts on the Strand and Guildhall Grotto where children can meet Mr and Mrs Claus.
Craft, stalls, music, Christmas gifts, Morris Dancing, Christmas gifts, Christmas carols around the Christmas tree, light switch on and Santa’s Grotto at Baskervilles.
Father and Mother Christmas will be joining Torre Abbey for a selection of dates. Each family will also be able to explore the Abbey and Gardens, visit the Christmas around the World exhibition and take in the festive atmospehre of Winterfest. This will include a Christmas market in the Spanish Barn and free Christmas crafts for children.
10th December 2023
Christmas Family Fun and Arthur Christmas at Seaton Gateway
Seaton Gateway Theatre, EX12 2LE.
www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk
Festive afternoon with Santa’s Grotto, activities and screening of Arthur Christmas
During this Christmas experience, families are invited to arrive at the North Pole to be greeted by friendly elves and check in where they will receive their Christmas passport as get stamps as they journey through the Christmas experience. This is then followed by a walking Nativity journey through scenes and animals representing the story of the first Christmas and refreshments. The Elves Sweetshop will have a bag of sweets for every child. Attendees will then have a tractor and trailer ride to see if they can spot gingerbread men hiding along the way before experiencing close encounters with some of the amazing animals at Pennywell including their miniature piglets, pygmy goat kids and other furry friends. Finally the experience comes to an end in the enchanted forest with a visit to Father Christmas who will have a special gift for every child.
3rd, 10th and 17th December 2023
Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall 2023
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP.
Journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewicks Elf Emporium in The Old Barn, where all children will get to meet Buzzlewick the Elf and friends, have a go a gingerbread decorating and make reindeer food. Then there’ll be the chance to be invited into Santa’s cosy Christmas Cottage to chat to the jolly fella himself and then collect your special festive gift.
But that’s not all … all visitors to The Milky Way at Christmas can look forward to visiting our garland festooned train station made jolly with festive music and giant Christmas tree for a hot chocolate to enjoy on the Festive Train. Plus, keep an eye out for Santa’s naughty elves as you make your way around the whole park – their mischievous antics are bound to give you a chuckle!
Interactive festive, musical, Christmas production where all children get a present from Santa most suitable for ages 2 to 8 . Meet Santa after each performance in the Landmark Pavilion. A family ticket event offer is available.
Meet your elf guides and adventure through the magical forest meeting all of Santa's festive friends before arriving at his toy workshop.
Your Christmas Grotto ticket includes, an interactive journey through 10 rooms of Santa's Grotto, free gift from Santa for children, photo opportunities, free reindeer food to take home, free festive drink for adults, free sweet treat for children, opportunity to bring in a pre-written Christmas letter to be posted in Santa's postbox, entry to Woodlands including all of the open winter fun rides and attractions.
Father Christmas will be parking his sleigh and settling into a magical Grotto in Dartington’s historic Courtyard. He cannot wait to meet little ones and tell them all about life in the North Pole, how Rudolph and friends are, and about all the hard work his helper elves are doing to get ready for the “big night”. Santa will of course be giving out little gifts too!
During every Wednesday and Sunday throughout December. The Winter Wonderland experience includes cake decorating, gingerbread house making, Christmas car creating, Letters to Santa then meet the big man himself
Santa's Grotto with opportunity to take festive photos and receive a special Christmas goodie bag as well as the chance to write a ltter to the North Pole and do some Christmas colourin
Other Events to be confirmed for 2023
Santa's Grotto will not be taking place at Otter Nurseries near Ottery St Mary for 2023 - see statement here
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