Christmas is on the way – which means Santa Claus is coming to York!
We’ve put together a guide on where to meet Father Christmas himself in York and beyond.
Time to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice…
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping a line at [email protected].
Where to meet Santa in York and beyond
Santa’s Grotto at Beetle Bank Open Farm
Santa is back in his cosy Grotto. Each family has a ten minute slot with the big man himself, and each child can choose their own good quality present. The barn will be open for cuddles with Rabbits and Guinea Pigs and the cafe will be open for lunch with homemade cakes and Christmas treats!
- Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
- 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £22 for the first child and each consecutive child £15. Each under 2s not receiving a present are free of charge and accompanying adults £1.50 each (Members free of charge)
- Website
Storytime with Father Christmas
The man in red is visiting Beningbrough once more to rest and recharge ahead of his busy night on Christmas Eve. He loves welcoming visitors and sharing stories of his adventures during the busy build-up to Christmas.
Take a seat in the Victorian laundry for thirty-minutes, hear first-hand about the antics of the cheeky elves and help Father Christmas solve a riddle. He’s such a generous man and has told us he’ll bring a few sacks of gifts for the children. There will be time for each child to have a chat and if you’d like to, bring a letter to Father Christmas on the day. He loves to read what you’ve been up to and all the kind things you’ve done through the year.
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
- 2, 3, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 Dec
- Multiple times
- Normal admission prices on arrival
- Website
Father Christmas in the Castle
Make magical memories, and meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at Castle Howard this Christmas. Watch a joyful performance bursting with jingle bells and Christmas spirit, sing Christmas songs together, and enjoy a special, individual moment with Father Christmas himself. All children take home a Christmas gift.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 25 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple time slots
- From £19
- Website
Santa’s Grotto with Story Craft Theatre at Castle Howard
Share a laugh and photograph with Santa in our Courtyard Grotto this Christmas. Enjoy a short show by Story Craft Theatre bursting with puppetry, energy and Christmas joy, before that all-important meeting with the man himself. All children take home a gift.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-24 Dec
- Slots from 10am – 4:15pm
- £22 per child, accompanying adults go free
- Website
York’s Santa Experience with City Cruises
Get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard a City Cruises boat, where you’ll be joining Santa himself for a magical cruise along the stunning River Ouse! Elevate your festive celebrations with the renowned City Cruises Santa Experience – one of the best Christmas experiences in York! Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by one of Santa’s treasured Elves and the ever-jolly St. Nick himself.
- The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DP
- 25 & 26 Nov, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16-23 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £15
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to our Santa’s grotto this Christmas. This experience includes meeting with Santa and, of course, a special gift for your little ones. Take in the atmosphere as you walk through our enchanting forest. An elf will guide you to find our Little Seedlings characters along the way before arriving in our wildlife forest clearing where the little ones will make a special item to take home. Your experience will then continue with a chance to meet Santa Claus – children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift.
- Dobbies York, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton, YO26 6QE
- 25, 26, 30 Nov, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 20-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £11.99
- Website
Christmas Experience Days at Flamingo Land
This year at Flamingo Land we are bringing the ultimate Christmas experience for all children to enjoy! So, why not join Santa’s elves and visit our magical festive land – meet Santa in his grotto and share your Christmas wish and enter Santa’s Magical toy shop to select your very own present.
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Nov and 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 27-31 Dec 2023 and 1-7 Jan 2024
- From 10am
- £15
- Website
Santa in the Mill at Holgate Mill
Santa will be back in his grotto in the mill this Christmas.
- Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York, YO26 4TX
- 2, 3, 9, 10 Dec
- 2-4pm
- £6 per child
- Website
Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into a world of magic and wonder as you enter Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await. Step into Santa’s cosy grotto, where time stands still as you create memories that will warm your heart for years to come.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- 25 Nov – 24 Dec
- 10am – 5:30pm
- From £10
- Website
Christmas at Murton Park
Santa’s village is the perfect winter wonderland for the whole family! You’ll get to explore the village, full of festive decorations and sparkling lights and your children will meet Santa himself in the Long House (along with other boys and girls) with the chance to tell him what’s on their list this year – he’ll even give them some special money to spend in the toy shop!
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- 25, 26 Nov and 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 Dec
- Multiple times
- £10 per adult, £20 per child and £5 for 0-1 year olds
- Website
Santa Specials with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Join Santa and his special team of elves at either Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express which will take you on a festive journey you won’t forget!
This enchanting Christmas experience sees Mr. Claus and his jolly helpers pass through the heritage carriages, giving children a chance to meet the legendary man himself on board the train, and gifting a special soft toy present to the children onboard – providing they’ve managed to keep themselves off the naughty list this year!
- Pickering & Grosmont Stations, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- 25, 26 Nov, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £30 per person
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at North Yorkshire Water Park
Experience the magic of our Santa’s Grotto & Workshop and join us on the weekends of 2nd, 3rd, 9th or 10th of December to visit Santa & Mrs Claus along with their Elves to have festive fun and create lasting memories.
- North Yorkshire Water Park, Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU
- 2, 3, 9, 10 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £12.50 per child
- Website
Magical Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm
Begin your enchanted journey on a sleigh ride to Santa’s Woodland Village where a magical world awaits at Piglets Adventure Farm! Hop aboard Santa’s real Sleigh to take an enchanting ride through snowy trees and twinkling lights before arriving at the Woodland Village, where you’ll be greeted by our jolly elves. Discover Santa’s grotto, use your magic key to unlock the door to Santa’s Toy Shop, and more festive treats.
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
- 18 Nov – 24 Dec
- 9am – 7:30pm
- £30 per person
- Website
Rawcliffe Christmas Fair & Grotto
Santa is visiting Rawcliffe! Book your child’s ticket to visit Santa this year at The Rec Hall. Enjoy the Christmas market held in the Rec Hall with local Christmas stalls selling beautiful handmade crafts.
- The Rawcliffe Rec Hall, Saint Mark’s Grove, Rawcliffe YO30 5TS
- 2 & 3 Dec
- Multiple times
- £7
- Website
Rufforth Santa and Christmas market
Come along with the family and meet Santa! Before meeting Santa you will experience a magical walk made up of different experiences. There will be New York, snow, giant candy and even the grinch! There will also be a huge Christmas market with food, activities, donkey rides and fairground rides.
- Rufforth Airfield, Wetherby Road, York YO23 3QA
- 22 November to 24 December
- Tuesday-Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays
- £15 for single entry, family tickets available
- Website
Christmas at Spilmans
Join Father Christmas as he welcomes you into his warm and cosy cabin to tell you a story that will warm all your festive hearts. Sitting on cosy cushions, you will see Santa sitting in his chair by his fire, where he will read a special festive tale.
- Spilmans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk, YO7 3NB
- 25 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £15.95
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park
What could make Christmas more magical than meeting Father Christmas himself? Enter Santa’s Grotto and make lasting memories that will be cherished by young and old. At Stockeld Park, we always like to make Santa feel at home and so, as always, we have prepared him a beautiful, cosy log cabin ready for his arrival all the way from Lapland!
- Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
- 18 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £20
- Website
Chocolate making with Santa at York’s Chocolate Story
Join our ‘Chocolate making with Santa’ experience where you will have the chance to meet Santa and even make delicious chocolate lollies with him and his trusty elf. Our guided tour experience will take you on a journey through the rich history of chocolate. You’ll be amazed by fascinating facts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on chocolate-making. And that’s not all – each guest will receive a special hand-delivered gift from Santa and have the opportunity to snap a photo with the jolly man himself.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- 25, 26 Nov and 2, 3, 9, 10, 16-23 Dec
- Multiple times
- £25 pp or £6 for children under 4
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Santa and his elves, and this year visitors can enjoy an extended snowy woodland walk to find his cosy log cabin Grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift for children awaits.
- Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
- 17 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £6 per child
- Website