Christmas is on the way – and here’s where to see Santa in York!
We’ve put together a guide on where to see Father Christmas in York and beyond for 2024.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
To see what else is going on in York and further afield this Christmas, take a look at our huge guide below!
Where to see Santa in York and beyond
Santa’s Grotto at Beetle Bank Open Farm
Come and See Santa in his magical grotto! Each child will have a one-on-one experience with the Big Man Himself and before you leave, your child can choose an early present of their choice.
- Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
- 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 Dec
- Multiple times
- £22 for the first child and each consecutive child £16. Accompanying children and adults £2.50
- Website
Storytime with Father Christmas at Beningbrough
Join Father Christmas for ‘Shrunk in the Wash’ – a brand new tale in the Victorian laundry. Book your place on a group experience with storytelling, a chat and gift from the man in red. Plus the chance to capture festive photos.
Join Father Christmas for one last time in the Victorian laundry before he moves to the hall next year! Hear him tell the new story of his latest laundry mishaps as he prepares for the big day ahead. There will be presents for the children at the end of the experience and the chance to take some festive snaps to remember the moment.
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
- 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 Dec
- Multiple times
- £12.50 per child, £6 per adult
- Website
Father Christmas in the Castle
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.
Enjoy a full day out at Castle Howard with a Father Christmas in the Castle experience, which includes access to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland in our main House, and access to the Gardens.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 23, 24, 30 Nov & 1-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £60 per child, £31/£36 per adult
- Website
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse
Share a laugh and photograph with Santa in our Grotto this Christmas, which has moved locations to the Boathouse. Enjoy a short show by the much-loved Story Craft Theatre, bursting with energy and Christmas joy, before that all-important meeting with the man himself. All children take home a gift.
Enjoy a full day out at Castle Howard with a Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse ticket, which includes access to the Gardens.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 30 Nov & 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £36.50
- Website
York’s Santa Experience with City Cruises
Get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard City Cruises, where you’ll be joining Santa himself for a magical cruise along the stunning River Ouse! Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by Santa’s treasured elves.
- The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DP
- 23, 24, 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19-23 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £15
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
Santa’s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year it’s even more magical! This year we are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself! Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at our enchanting forest, and after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to meet Santa. Children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift.
- Dobbies York, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton, North Yorkshire, YO26 6QE
- 28, 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £12.99
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Flamingo Land
Discover a wonderland of family fun this Christmas at Flamingo Land! Meet the main man himself in his cozy grotto and share your Christmas wish—have you been good this year? Receive a special key to Santa’s Magical Toy Shop, where you can choose your very own gift.
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21-24 Dec
- 10am – 4pm
- £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
- 7, 8, 14, 15 Dec
- 2-4pm
- Website
Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into a world of magic and wonder as you enter Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience. Get ready, for Santa is flying through the starry skies to meet you! From the moment you step into this enchanted land, Santa’s cheerful elves will welcome you with open arms. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- 23, 24, 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £13
- Website
Santa Specials with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
All aboard our Santa Specials to meet Santa Claus and have fun with his railway helpers. Our delightful brand-new Santa Specials experience offers a unique blend of nostalgia, tradition and festive fun for the whole family. Meet Santa on board a festive steam train ride. Each child will receive a unique Edmondson railway ticket, a nod to the traditional way to record railway fares, as a keepsake of their journey, along with a limited-edition soft toy and more to take home to remember their special day.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £29.50pp
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at North Yorkshire Water Park
Our Christmas workshop and grotto experience consists of an hour spent decorating gingerbread Christmas Trees, making a Christmas decoration and writing a letter to Santa, all with the help of one of wonderful Santa’s Elves. The children then get to go and see Santa and Mrs Claus in Santa’s Grotto to receive a present and to have some time chatting about what Christmas might bring this year.
- North Yorkshire Water Park, Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU
- 7, 14, 21 Dec
- Multiple times
- £22.50 per child
- Website
Magical Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm
Join us for a magical sleigh ride and a heart-warming adventure. Soar through the trees on an enchanting sleigh ride and meander through our Woodland Village with treats and activities to enjoy at every turn. Meet our cheery elves along the way and the star of the show, Santa Claus himself! It wouldn’t be Christmas without a meet-and-greet with the man himself. Visit Santa Claus in his cosy Christmas grotto and capture precious memories of this heart-warming tradition.
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
- 7, 14, 21 Dec
- Multiple times
- £22.50 per child
- Website
Rawcliffe Christmas Fair & Grotto
Santa is visiting Rawcliffe! Book your child’s ticket to visit Santa this year at The Rec Hall. Ticket includes: kids Christmas crafts, a meet with the main man Santa Claus, and a gift to take home. There will also be a 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
- 7-8 Dec
- 10am – 4pm
- £7
- Website
Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Get ready for a festive adventure on Santa’s Christmas Chocolate Tour! This guided journey takes you through the ages of chocolate, revealing York’s rich heritage with each stop. Along the way, enjoy delicious chocolate samples, and meet Santa in his workshop, where you’ll create your own Christmas-themed chocolate treats.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- 30 Nov – 23 Dec
- Slots between 10:30am – 4pm
- £23.95
- 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 and a glittering light tunnel 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
- 15 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- Website