I don’t know about you but one of the highlights of the festive season for me and my family is the annual visit to Santa, every year we try to do something different and this year we are going to The National Forest Adventure Farm.
In doing my research and deciding where to take my boys, I shortlisted lots of places and here is a run down of my favourites, I hope these help you to decide where to take your little ones this year and I’d love to hear in the comments what you thought of them.
National Forest Adventure Farm
The North Pole Adventure takes place from 25th November right through to Christmas Eve, and you will be taken on a 2 hour journey to meet Santa in and his friends in the North Pole. As well as taking part in this amazing adventure you also get to spend a full day at the farm enjoying all the usual attractions.
For more details visit their dedicated North Pole Adventure Webpage – https://www.adventurefarm.co.uk/northpoleadventure/
Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
We took the boys here last year and had a fantastic time. The Magical Christmas event runs from 18 November to the 31st December and this year is expected to be extra special as they celebrate 10 years of Magical Christmas. As well as a visit to Santa, Thomas Land and selected rides around the park are open, as well as the zoo and 4D cinema.
For more details visit the Drayton Manor website – https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/magical-christmas
Bluebells
Festive Farm Fun starts at Bluebells on 25th November and runs through to Christmas Eve. Santa’s Grotto is open every weekend and there are also star lit grotto evenings on selected dates. As if that wasn’t enough you can have breakfast with Santa, take part in story telling or even watch a live nativity – again these are all on selected dates. After all that excitement you can then sit down in the café and enjoy a special Christmas icecream.
Find out more on the Bluebells website
Denby Pottery Village
What better way to combine a bit of Festive Shopping with a visit to Santa. The Santa Experience at Denby takes place from 1st – 24th December and there is also a Christmas market taking place during the first weekend of December.
Find out more on the events page of their website – https://www.denbypottery.com/denby-pottery-village-events
National Trust
There are so many National Trust Properties locally and they all have their own special events on during the Festive Season with Santa, winter walks, children’s crafts and even some carol singing.
You can search for Christmas events near you on the website – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/visit-father-christmas
Conkers
Winter Wonderland takes place on 13 days in December. Santa’s chief elf will take on you an adventure to his grotto, meet the singing reindeer and ride the Santa Special Train. It may even snow. Afterwards Mum and Dad can enjoy a mince pie and some mulled wine.
You can find out more and book online here
The Snowdome
If you can’t stretch to a trip to Lapland but want to see Santa in the snow then Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome is the place to go. Opening on 17th November, you will be able to follow the snow trail, watch a live show, meet the reindeer and visit the big man himself.
Check out the video on their website to find out more – https://www.snowdome.co.uk/santas-winter-wonderland/
Mercia Marina
For a Santa experience with a different you need to visit the Floating Grotto at Mercia Maria. Open weekends from 2nd December as well as meeting Santa you will be taken on a short cruise around the Marina. With a Christmas market on the 10th December this would be a great place to do a bit of shopping as well.
Find out more on their website – http://www.merciamarina.co.uk/whats-on/santas-floating-grotto-2017/
Twinlakes/Wheelgate
Part of the same theme park company Christmas at Twinlakes in Leicester or Wheelgate in Mansfield is always going to be fun. With lots of indoor and outdoor rides and activities as well as The Christmas Experience opening at both parks on 25th November, there are also special Christmas party days and a chance to have Breakfast with Santa.
Find out more and book online via your chosen parks website
https://wheelgatepark.com/event_category/christmas/ or https://www.twinlakespark.co.uk/event_category/christmas/
Intu Shopping Centres
Nottingham and Derby’s local shopping centres have carol singing, Santa’s grotto’s as well as late night shopping events.
To find out more pop down to your local centre or visit their website
https://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/whatson or
https://intu.co.uk/derby/event-archive/christmas
So there you have it my round up of top places to visit Santa in 2017. Let me know where you go of if I’ve missed somewhere you would highly recommend in the comments.