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 27/11/2024
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***
The enchanting Christmas Grotto returns and this year, visitors are invited to the magical Elf Workshop. Upon arrival, you will receive a magical Christmas buzzer, a special device that Father Christmas will activate when he’s ready to welcome you. This means you can spend more time exploring our festive role-play town, without the hassle of waiting in line.
When your buzzer twinkles, you’ll embark on a journey through the elf workshop. Guided by a cheerful elf in the bustling workshop, children will be invited to help build a magical Christmas toy. Then it’s time to meet Father Christmas in his magnificent grotto, where every child will receive a wonderful wrapped present.
Bear Town will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with festive touches around every corner!
The Christmas Grotto SEND Session is on Sunday 8th December 2024, 4:45pm – 6:45pm. This session is specifically designed for SEND explorers, to achieve this we have lowered our capacity to ensure a more comfortable play experience
Christmas Experience where children will get to meet Santa and given him their Christmas lists and will also include 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 also present to take a professional photo of your child/children with Santa which will be available to purchase and you will be allocated a personal Elf who will guide you around the Grotto
The hugely popular festive event returns for another year. Meet Father Christmas while you enjoy a tasty breakfast in The Box Kitchen and Bar on selected dates. Tickets include a sausage/vegan sausage bap, bacon bap or pancakes with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, apple and orange juice. All tickets include unlmited tea/coffee. All child tickets include a gift
From 12-5pm on December 6th-8th, 13th-15th and again on the 20th-23rd, 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.
Step into the magical realm of Santa’s Grotto, where treasured Christmas memories are made. Awaiting you are Santa and his Elves, ready to give each ticket holder the unique chance to meet Father Christmas in person. Share your heartfelt Christmas wishes, and every child will be gifted a delightful goody bag brimming with treats and presents. Santa will be spreading his festive cheer from 23rd November to 22nd December, giving everyone ample time to bask in the enchantment
Santa Paws is back at House of Marbles, and this time, it’s bigger and better. Calling all animal lovers, your four-legged and pawed companions are invited to join Santa and his merry Elves on a whimsical journey through our enchanting winter wonderland. As the festive spirit fills the air, your furry friends will have the chance to meet Santa himself, tails wagging in excitement! Capture the moment with a paw-some photo with Santa and let your furry family’s joy shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
What’s Included:
The Grotto experience, culminating in a meeting with Santa
An opportunity for a photo with Father Christmas during your visit
A Goody Bag with a gift from Santa
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.
Visit Santa in his elves in his festive grotto at Bernaville Nurseries. Visitors can receive a present, keepsake book to remember your visit which includes games, colouring and spaces for your own photos, photo opportunity (Elfie selfie) and 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 between 30th November and 24th December 2024
Christmas at Crealy 2024
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
It's the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas at Crealy. See the Park transform into a Winter Wonderland - from sparkling lights to magical entertainment - there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
Don't miss out on the chance to meet & greet with Santa himself in the popular grotto experience, including a FREE toy for every child from Santa's Magical Toy Shop.
Mrs. Christmas and her merry band of elves will greet you upon arrival. They’ll guide you on a short, lantern walk to Farmer Christmas’s charming workshop. In this cosy setting, your family will enjoy exclusive time with Farmer Christmas himself. Children can share their Christmas wishes and chat with him in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Meet Father Christmas at this Grotto experience which is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Christmas gift is included and there 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 magnets and 6x4 prints
HE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway in Devon on selected dates through November & December! Families will 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 awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole.
All guests will receive their first gift of Christmas - A Silver Sleigh Bell - from Santa himself. Upon the return journey, you will be able to enjoy singing along to Christmas carols. For the grown-up kids too, this is a trip down memory lane to a traditional Christmas of old.
A round trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours. There are only a limited number of seats on our snug single-deck tramcars for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride.
Santa will be visiting the Zoo on dates throughout the festive season so book your visit to see him in his grotto. Each child ticket booked includes a gift from Santa and zoo entry (at reduced price) for the day of their grotto visit. Mrs Claus will be spreading further festive joy hosting storytelling sessions at various times throughout the day. Family friendly activities on site to add to the fun - decorate a bauble for the Christmas tree, create some Christmas themed enrichment for the animals and make some eco-friendly food to take home to sprinkle in your garden on Christmas Eve
Step into a winter wonderland at their enchanting Santa's Grotto. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the joyful sounds of Christmas songs.
Meet Santa himself in his brand new treehouse grotto. Every child will get a chance to share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift from the man in red, and, of course, create lasting memories. Their friendly elves will guide you through the whole journey; sharing stories, singing songs, and spreading holiday cheer.
But the magic doesn't end there! Explore the beautiful festive shop, choose your own perfect tree, and indulge in delicious treats at their cosy log cabin cafe. Also, make sure you visit their real live reindeer and maybe even meet the huskies too!
Santa will be located in his Golden Sleigh under the glass canopy within the mall outside Crew clothing Company and Clarendon Fine Art. Families will be able to post with Father Christmas and his Elf for a festive photo before taking home a little keepsake for the tree. Charity partner ELF will be accepting donations (£2.50) from families queuing up to meet Father Christmas. No booking system necessary for thhis experience
7th to 24th December 2024 (selected dates) - further details
Interactive musical storyland session where Father Christmas will share some tales of Christmasses gone by as well as taking you through the story of 'Twas the Night before Christmas.' At the end of the session you will also receive a wrapped Christmas book as a gift from Father Christmas.
Father Christmas will be welcoming families in the grotto to share their festive wishes then receive a wrapped Christmas book as a gift. Pre-booking is required
Dates from 7th December 2024
Relaxed, BSL signed: Songs and Stories with Father Christmas 2024
Special BSL musical storyland session where signing and singing is highly encouraged. Father Christmas will share tales of Christmasses gone by as well as taking you through the story of 'Twas the Night before Christmas' before getting a wrapped Christmas book at the end. Wheelchair and ear defender friendly experiences - see the website for details and to book
Visit Santa and his Earth Elves in his Saxon grotto.
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.
Your child will receive a fluffy toy and a tree sapling from Santa. Plant the sapling and watch it grow along with your child.
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.
North Pole Check-In: Arrive at the magical North Pole where you will be greeted by the friendly Elves and checked-in! Collect your Christmas passport and get the stamps as you journey through our Christmas experience.
Live Nativity Scene: It's then time to journey back 2000 years, as the Christmas Nativity begins. Travel to Bethlehem to find an inn for the night. After finding a vacancy in our cosy main barn, experience a real manger with all the Pennywell animals looking on. The scene is set and the story of the first Christmas comes to life.
Festive Treats: After the Nativity, head to Noah’s Barn for Christmas cheer with delicious mince pies and warming drinks for the adults and homemade Christmas biscuits and cold drinks for the children.
Elves Sweetshop: Enjoy a visit to the Elves Sweetshop with a bag of yummy sweets for every child.
Tractor Ride: Jump on the Tractor and trailer ride and see if you can spot the gingerbread men hiding along the way.
Christmas Animal Cuddles: Next, you'll experience Christmas close encounters with some of the amazing animals. Tickle, touch and stroke our Pennywell Miniature piglets and other furry friends.
🎁 Visit Father Christmas: Save the best till last! Enter thesparkly enchanted forest where Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto with a special gift for every child. The perfect way to end your Christmas visit! Group visits to Father Christmas will be limited to a maximum of 2 families at a time.
Dates from 1st December 2024
Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall 2024
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP.
Nestled in the historic charm of the magnificent hall, the grotto becomes a winter wonderland, bringing the festive spirit to life. Arrive and be dazzled by a dance performance, enjoy a divine Festive Afternoon Tea, get creative with Christmas activities including gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present.
16th and 17th December 2024
Festive Afternoon Tea With Father Christmas at Boringdon Hall
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP.
Festive Afternoon Tea with a visit from Santa is the perfect way to spend the afternoon together as a family getting into the festive spirit. Meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present as he visits the tables to add a sprinkle of festive magic in the run up to Christmas Day.
Dressed in traditional green, Father Christmas will be telling stories and giving gifts to all good children. After your visit, explore the house decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas, or stay and enjoy the magical Winter Lights in the gardens.
Your child's ticket includes meeting Father Christmas, admission to the House & Gardens, and a present.
Father Christmas is back at Ullacombe looking forward to meeting everyone again this Christmas. Meet Bubbles the elf, who will lead you up to the big man himself, in his secret grotto in the loft. The elves have been busy in their workshop making special gifts for all the children that visit, including an exclusive Ullacombe Christmas decoration that they can choose themselves from Father Christmas' very own Christmas tree when leaving the grotto. Father Christmas will also give all the children that visit an age appropriate gift. Make sure to bring your letters for Father Christmas with you so they can be posted in our magical letterbox which gets flown back to the North pole workshop by reindeer!!
'Alice in a winter wonderland' themed grotto filled with glitter and sparkle along with animated characters before meeting Father Christmas. Tickets are available online
Event and dates to be confirmed for 2024 Santa Visits Dawlish Christmas Market
On selected dates this December, all visitors to The Milky Way this Christmas can look forward to visiting the garland festooned train station made jolly with festive music and giant Christmas tree for a hot chocolate to enjoy on the Festive Train. They'll also get to enjoy a special themed show created by Merlin just for the season!
Magic of Christmas Buzzlewick Ticket holders can also journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewicks Elf Emporium in The Old Barn, where children will get to meet Buzzlewick the Elf and friends, have a go a gingerbread decorating, write a letter to Santa and make reindeer food.
Magic of Christmas Golden Ticket holders will be invited into Santa’s cosy Christmas Cottage to chat to the jolly fella himself and then collect your special festive gift, aswell as taking part in the Buzzlewick experience.
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!
Of course, there’s also lots of other all-weather rides, shows and attractions which will ensure you have a wonderfully festive family day out this December!
Dates from 30th November 2024
Santa at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle, near Exeter.
www.powderham.co.uk
Christmas Grotto experience - see website for booking details
Join in on Saturday 16 November for the wonderful Christmas lights switch-on with an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.
Join your elf tour guides for an adventure through the North Pole in this 10-room interactive walkthrough experience featuring snowy forests, cosy cabins and the amazing Elf Toy Factory. Board the Woodlands Express for an immersive train ride through the North Pole before finally meeting Santa and receiving a gift. You’re sure to find a few surprises along the way!
Take advantage of your Grotto & Park Entry Ticket by exploring everything Woodlands in winter has to offer, with thrilling attractions, soft play, and adorable animals. See opening times on website for which attractions are operating.
Get ready for another season of creating magical family memories at Woodlands!
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!
7th and 8th December
Christmas event at Dartington Crystal
Dartington Crystal
www.visitdartington.co.uk
Frozen themed Santa's grotto, Jiggly Wrigglers, creative Christmas activities, live music and festive treats
Details for 2024 to be announced - information below refers to previous event
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 colouring.
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