Santa grottos near Timperley 2026, prices compared

Every Santa visit we know of within an hour of Timperley, with the real price from each booking page, what it costs a family of four, what the ticket includes, and which are selling fast or already sold out. Sort by price or distance, or narrow it down.

107 Santa visits · typically £19.50 a child · £65 for a family of four · 11 selling fast · 6 sold out

Prices from each visit's own booking page, checked on Sunday 25 October. Family of four means two adults and two children, with fees and any admission.

Going fast 11

This week's sell-out watch › what sold out in the last seven days, to share with friends.

The Dunham Barn Santa's Grotto 2026 Sold out on 19 Dec and 20 Dec · 15 min
Brunch with Santa at The Garden Bar Selling fast · 25 min
The Grotto at the Corn Exchange Selling fast · 25 min
Breakfast with Santa at Broadstone Mill Selling fast · 30 min

7 more

Festive Family Tea with Father Christmas Selling fast · 30 min
Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall Selling fast · 35 min
Lunch with Santa at The Royal Toby Sold out on 20 Dec · 40 min
SEN-friendly Christmas day at The Ice Cream Farm Selling fast · 55 min
Grotto on the Square Selling fast · 55 min
Breakfast with Santa Sold out on 20 Dec · 60 min
Breakfast with Santa Live Show at The Yorkshire Hive Selling fast · 80 min

Our picks

The ones we'd book, by what matters to you. Prices and booking state are live; every visit is in the full list below.

Book these first 3

These sell out every year.

The Dunham Barn Santa's Grotto 2026 (private family slots) The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey, Altrincham · 15 min Selected dates 5-24 Dec; private slots for up to 6, some dates already sold out£28.88 a child, one adult includedSelling fast

Fifteen minutes from Timperley, and the most relaxed private visit nearby: a craft and reindeer food with the elves, then unhurried time with Santa, and you take your own photos. A slot covers up to six people, so it works out well for bigger groups.

The Grotto at the Corn Exchange (immersive Santa experience) Corn Exchange, Manchester · 25 min Daily timed slots; ~30 mins of elf missions then Santa; gift per child; Whispering Winter quieter SEN sessions on selected dates; December weekends already ~75% sold£29.50 a child, adults £14.50Selling fastSEN session

A walk-through story in the city centre: about 30 minutes of elf missions from room to room, then Santa's cabin. One of the dearer ones, and every child needs a ticket, babies included. Weekdays are much easier to get than December weekends.

Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall Capesthorne Hall, Siddington · 35 min 7 Nov - 24 Dec, timed sessions£64.95–£159.95 a child, adults £64.95 · £265.75 for a family of fourSelling fast

The big one: around four and a half hours of toy-making, gingerbread, ice skating and a personal visit with Father Christmas, with an invitation posted to your home beforehand. It costs far more than a grotto.

Closest to Timperley 2

HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto (early-bird family bundles until 2 Nov; SEND sessions) The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park · 15 min Timed 30-minute sessions; weekday mornings off-peak until 18 Dec£20–£25 a child, adults £8 · £56 for a family of fourSEN session

Half an hour of games and sweet-making in a covered tent, then a private meeting with Santa and a plush toy to take home. Weekday mornings until 18 December are the cheapest slots.

Christmas at Wythenshawe Hall (hall dressed for Christmas, Santa's grotto) Wythenshawe Hall · 15 min Sat 12 and Sun 13 Dec; usual open-day hours 11am-4pm; 2026 prices to be confirmed (last time £3 entry, grotto £3.50 per child, grotto queue closes 2pm)Under £10

The low-cost choice: the volunteers who open the hall usually run a small grotto at their Christmas weekend, with no booking. This year's details aren't confirmed yet.

Best for babies and toddlers 4

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Thu 10, Fri 11, Thu 17 and Fri 18 Dec; ages 6 months to 5 years, older children welcome£15 a child, adults free · £30 for a family of four

A festive play session for 6 months to 5 years, with Father Christmas and a gift. Up to two adults come free and parking is free. It runs on four weekday dates, so it's quieter than a weekend grotto.

Meet Father Christmas in the Power Hall Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · 25 min Sat-Sun 21-22, 28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13 Dec; daily Wed 16-Wed 23 Dec£15 a child, 2 adults included · £30 for a family of four

Father Christmas waits on the old station platform in the Power Hall. The child ticket covers up to two adults and a science-themed gift, which makes it one of the best-value Santas in the city. There are relaxed sessions and a BSL afternoon.

Story Time with Santa and Mrs Claus The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey · 15 min Thu 10 Dec, 11am-12.30pm£22.38 a child, one adult included

A gentle story session with Santa and Mrs Claus, with a gift for each child. A good first Santa for children who might be wary of a dark grotto.

Lunch with Father Christmas Piccolo Bar and Restaurant, Gatley · 20 min Sat 12 Dec, 12pm-2.30pm£11.55 a child, adults free · £23.10 for a family of four

A pasta or pizza lunch, a Santa visit and a selection box at a Gatley Italian restaurant on Saturday 12 December. Adults go free but still need a ticket.

Under £15 a child 3

Santa Special train ride with Santa in a replica miners' cottage Lancashire Mining Museum, Astley, Wigan · 30 min Sat 12 and Sun 13 Dec; times not yet published; open carriages so wrap up£8.80 a child, adults £4.40 · £26.40 for a family of four

A short Santa train ride and a visit to Santa in a replica miner's cottage. The carriages are open, so wrap up.

Santa's Grotto (Warrington Disability Partnership) Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington · 25 min Sat 28 Nov to Tue 22 Dec, selected days 10am-4pm (weekends 28/29 Nov, 5/6, 12/13, 19/20 Dec, plus Mon 21 and Tue 22 Dec)£14 a child, adults £2 · £32 for a family of four

Run by Warrington Disability Partnership and fully accessible. The ticket covers Santa, a present and a puzzle trail.

Christmas at The Works (Santa's grotto, frosty science, letters to Santa, carols, free crafts) Lion Salt Works, Northwich · 35 min Sun 11am–4pm; grotto and science sessions are timed and bookable£3 a child · £6 for a family of four

A free drop-in Christmas day near Northwich on Sunday 13 December, with crafts, carols and a postbox for letters. Santa costs a few pounds, but places are limited, so book.

A bigger day out 4

Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min 28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec; departures from Bury roughly 9.30am to 3.20pm; 80-min steam trip£24.50–£41 a child, adults £25 · £101.50 for a family of fourSEN session Sat 28 Nov

An 80-minute steam trip from Bury with carols, mince pies and Santa on board, and a gift for every child. The late-November dates are the cheapest; prices rise towards Christmas Eve.

The North Pole Experience Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 30 min 9:30am-4:30pm£42.50–£59.50 a child, adults £15 · £119.75 for a family of fourSEN session

A guided adventure for pre-schoolers to about 8: a North Pole passport, building a teddy, reindeer dust and a story by the fire, ending with a personal grotto visit. There are SEN-only sessions too.

The Magic of Christmas at Freight Island (storybook trail, Santa's Lodge, Christmas Village) Freight Island, Manchester city centre · 25 min Selected dates, weekends through the season then daily 18–24 Dec; 15-minute arrival slots from 9am; about 90 minutes; first hour SEN-friendly£31.90–£44 a child, adults £15.95 · £97.30 for a family of four

A 90-minute storybook trail through a Christmas village to Santa's lodge, with arrival slots every 15 minutes so there's little queuing. The first hour of each day is SEN-friendly. Every child needs a ticket.

Father Christmas at the Farm Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Selected dates, 10:30am-4pm£14 a child, adults £12.50 · £53 for a family of four

A grotto at Tatton's working farm with choirs, brass bands and the farm animals around it. It suits younger children best and is partly outdoors.

Calmer visits 4

For children who find crowds hard. Every relaxed session is on our SEN-friendly page.

A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas (neurodivergent-friendly sessions) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Fri 11 Dec mornings and Wed 16 Dec 9.30am-4.20pm, 30-minute slots£12 a child · £24 for a family of fourQuiet session Fri 11 Dec

Quiet 30-minute visits with no music and fewer guests, open to anyone of any age with additional needs, on 11 and 16 December. No Quarry Bank admission needed.

SEND slots with no strobe or loud effects, and fewer visitors.

Whispering Winter sessions with the sound turned down.

SEND Santa trains on 28 and 29 November, 5 December and 22 December.

Sort

Every Santa visit 107

Santa's Grotto at OYEZ Arts, Altrincham Town Hall (with festive crafts) Oyez Arts, Altrincham · 10 min Sat 10.30am–5pm, three time slots£25 a child, adults free · £50 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, crafts and a drink

Grotto · Includes a present and activities

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present, sweets and activities

Story Time with Santa and Mrs Claus The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey · 15 min Thu 10 Dec, 11am-12.30pm£22.38 a child, one adult included

Grotto · Includes a present and a show

Twilight Supper with Santa The Dunham Barn, Dunham Massey · 15 min Thu 17 Dec, 5pm-6.30pm£22.38 a child

Meal with Santa · Includes food and a present

Breakfast with Santa at The Dunham Barn The Dunham Barn, Altrincham · 15 min Wed 23 and Thu 24 Dec, 8.30-9.30am. Full English, songs with Santa and Mrs Claus, small gift per child.£22.38 a child, adults £22.38 · £89.52 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food and a present

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present, crafts and activities · Sold out on 19 Dec and 20 Dec

Lymm Dickensian Day (parade, steam engines, Santa's grotto, stalls) Lymm village centre · 15 min Sat 10am-4pm; village closed to traffic, free park and ride from Lymm High School (vintage bus 10am-4.30pm)Free

Grotto

Cruise with Father Christmas (floating grotto on the Ship Canal) Manchester River Cruises, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Selected dates from 21 Nov; one-hour sailings at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm and 6pm; sensory-adapted sailings 19 and 22 Dec at 10am; ages 2-10; end date assumed£15 a child, adults £17 · £64 for a family of fourQuiet session Sat 19 Dec

Santa boat trip · Includes a present, food, a drink, a ride and a show

Lunch with Father Christmas Piccolo Bar and Restaurant, Gatley · 20 min Sat 12 Dec, 12pm-2.30pm£11.55 a child, adults free · £23.10 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food and sweets

Tea with Santa Adventure Forest Play Centre, Trafford Park · 20 min Saturday 19 December; time not given (shown when you book)£28 a child, adults £5 · £66 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes activities, food, a present and crafts

Breakfast with Santa (SEN) Adventure Forest Play Centre, Trafford Park · 20 min Sunday 20 December; time not given (shown when you book)£28 a child, adults free · £56 for a family of fourSEN session

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present and activities

Father Christmas at the Farm Tatton Park, Knutsford · 22 min Selected dates, 10:30am-4pm£14 a child, adults £12.50 · £53 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes animals and activities

Grotto · Includes a present and activities

Grotto · Includes a present

Brunch with Santa at The Garden Bar (pancakes, letter writing, games, face painting, gift) The Garden Bar Monton, Monton, Eccles · 25 min Sun 13 and Sun 20 Dec, 11am–2pm£16.77 a child, adults £9.02 · £53.18 for a family of fourSelling fast

Meal with Santa · Includes a present, food, a drink, crafts and activities

Father Christmas Experience at Bramall Hall Bramall Hall, Bramhall, Stockport · 25 min Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec; timed slots from 10am£22.38 a child, one adult included · £44.76 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, crafts and activities

Breakfast with Santa at The Lost and Found Princess Street, Knutsford · 25 min Sat 5 Dec, 9.15am-12pm (a Sun 6 Dec listing also appears)£22.50 a child, adults £22.50 · £90 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, a present, a photo and crafts

Grotto · Includes a present and activities

Big day out · Includes activities

Santa Sunday Lunch at Fairmont Cheshire (characters, panto, Santa) Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Mere, Knutsford · 25 min Sun from 12pm to 3pm£40 a child, adults £60 · £200 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present, a show and activities

Christmas Fayre at Stockport Town Hall Stockport Town Hall · 25 min Thu 3 Dec, 12-6pmFree

Grotto

Stockport Deaf Children's Club: Breakfast with Santa Walthew House, Shaw Heath, Stockport · 25 min Sat 5 Dec 9.30am–11.30amUnder £10

Meal with Santa

Christmas Fun Day (Santa visit, games and activities) Alford Hall Sports and Social Club, Warrington · 30 min Sat 5 Dec, 2-5pm; free parking£6 a child

Grotto · Includes activities

HWMC Kids Christmas Party (games, crafts, face painting, meet Santa) Houldsworth Working Men's Club, Reddish, Stockport · 30 min Sun 6 Dec, 1-4pm£6.13 a child

Grotto · Includes activities and crafts

Story Time With Santa (30-minute storytelling sessions) Alford Hall Sports and Social Club, Warrington · 30 min Sun 12–3pm, 30-minute sessions£7.50–£8.52 a child

Grotto · Includes activities

Santa train · Includes a present, a ride and crafts

Christmas at Gulliver's World Warrington Gulliver's World Resort, Warrington · 30 min Selected dates 14 Nov - 24 Dec; Smasher 10.30am-5pm, Cracker 10am-5pm (to 2pm on 24 Dec)£12–£39 a child · £48 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a ride, a present, a drink and food

Santa Cruise on the River Weaver (songs, stories and Santa on board) Anderton Boat Lift, Anderton, Northwich · 30 min 19-21, 23 and 24 Dec; 45-minute cruises between 9.30am and 4.30pm, timed slots£15 a child, adults £10 · £50 for a family of four

Santa boat trip · Includes a present, a ride and a show

Breakfast with Santa at Broadstone Mill Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet, Reddish · 30 min Sun 20 Dec 10am–11.30am£15.25 a child, adults £14.50 · £59.50 for a family of fourSelling fast

Meal with Santa · Includes a present, food, a drink, a photo, crafts and a show

Santa's Breakfast at Dobbies Marple (breakfast, Santa, mini tree to decorate) Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple · 30 min Selected mornings; 90-minute sessions£16.50 a child, adults £9 · £51 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present, crafts and activities

Breakfast Santa Cruise (cooked breakfast then Santa cruise with games and gifts) Anderton Boat Lift, Anderton, Northwich · 30 min 9.30am start, about 1h45 (breakfast in the coffee shop then 45-min cruise)£20 a child, adults £20 · £80 for a family of four

Santa boat trip · Includes food, a present, a ride and a show

Festive Family Tea with Father Christmas Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Wed 2, Fri 4, Tue 8, Fri 11, Tue 15, Wed 16 and Fri 18 Dec, 5-6.30pm£29.99 a child, adults £19.99 · £99.96 for a family of fourSelling fast

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, crafts, a present and activities

The North Pole Experience Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 30 min 9:30am-4:30pm£42.50–£59.50 a child, adults £15 · £119.75 for a family of fourSEN session

Big day out · Includes a present, activities, crafts, food and sweets

Christmas at the Dragon Miniature Railway (Father Christmas grotto and decorated train circuit, Romiley and Marple Lions) Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple · 30 min Date unconfirmed · Father Christmas arrives Sat 28 Nov, then weekends to Christmas; times to be postedUnder £10

Grotto

Visit Father Christmas at the Silk Museum (grotto, Victorian toys, dressing up) Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield · 35 min Selected dates 21 Nov–12 Dec, slots 10.15am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm£10 a child

Grotto · Includes a present and activities

Magical Christmas Experience with Santa and Friends The Southfields Pub, Bolton · 35 min Selected dates 26 Nov-24 Dec, 1-7pm, timed 30-minute family sessions£14.57 a child, 2 adults included · £29.67 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present

Christmas on the Farm (grotto with Mrs Claus story) Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, Chadderton, Oldham · 35 min 5-6, 12-13 and 17-24 Dec; farm 9.30am-4pm, last entry 3pm; online booking only, bring cash for extras£18.86 a child, adults £15.72 · £69.16 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, entry and animals

Santa train · Includes a ride, a present and a show

Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall Capesthorne Hall, Siddington · 35 min 7 Nov - 24 Dec, timed sessions£64.95–£159.95 a child, adults £64.95 · £265.75 for a family of fourSelling fast

Big day out · private visit · Includes a present, crafts, activities, a show and a photo

Lunch with Santa at The Royal Toby (three-course lunch, songs, gift for every child) The Royal Toby Hotel, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale · 40 min Sun 20 and Wed 23 Dec, 1.30pm£15.95 a child, adults £31.50 · £94.90 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present and a show · Sold out on 20 Dec

Santa at Knowsley Safari (daytime and Enchanted-evening grotto) Knowsley Safari, Prescot · 40 min Evening grotto 20 Nov–23 Dec with Enchanted; daytime grotto 21 Nov–24 Dec with safari admission; SEN evening 9 Dec£21.50 a child, adults free · £43 for a family of fourSEN session Wed 9 Dec

Grotto · Includes a present

The Santa Experience at The Hayloft (elves, reindeer food, festive train ride, story and gift from Santa) The Hayloft Cheshire, Sandy Lane, Widnes / Warrington (WA8) · 40 min Selected days 6–24 Dec, timed slots from 9.30am£23.92 a child, adults £8.52 · £64.88 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, a ride, crafts and activities

Cockfields Christmas Experience (Cockfields Express to the North Pole) Cockfields Farm Park, Ashton-under-Lyne · 40 min Selected dates from 21 Nov (28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec listed); train to the North Pole, post office, private grotto, enchanted forest, Mrs Claus biscuit decorating, elf show, Build-a-Bear; SEN sessions also from 21 Nov; up to 45% off early dates£37.47–£62.45 a child, adults £29.37 · £133.68 for a family of fourSEN session Sat 21 Nov

Big day out · private visit · Includes a present, crafts, food, a ride, a show, animals, entry and activities

Father Christmas at Smithills Hall (grotto with elves and photos) Smithills Hall, Bolton · 40 min Date unconfirmed · Planned days 12, 13, 15, 18, 19 and 20 Dec incl. a My First Father Christmas (0-3) day and SEND days; public times and prices not yet publishedNot on sale yet£10–25

Grotto

Festive Boat Trips and Santa's Grotto Experience National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port · 45 min 5-6 Dec, 12-13 Dec and 19-24 Dec, 10am-4pm£8.50 a child, 2 adults included · £17 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present and entry

Breakfast with Santa at Milnrow Cricket Club Milnrow Cricket Club, Harbour Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale · 45 min Sat 11am–1.30pm£10 a child, one adult included · £20 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food

Breakfast with Santa at The Black Bull (selection box and photos) The Black Bull, Knowsley Road, St Helens · 45 min Sat 12 and Sat 19 Dec, 10am–12pm£11.27 a child, adults £11.27 · £39.57 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes sweets, food, a photo and activities

Dear Santa Claus: Christmas Grotto at Delamere Station House Delamere Station House, Delamere Forest, Northwich · 45 min Sat 5 Dec 11.30am-1.30pm confirmed on the organiser's Eventbrite (15-minute slots, arrive 10 min early); listing also shows Sun 6 Dec from 9.30am£11.50–£13.17 a child, adults freeOn sale Sun 29 Nov 12.30am

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present and sweets

Santa & Steam Specials Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, Rudyard, near Leek · 45 min Sat/Sun 12, 13, 19 & 20 Dec 2026; experience lasts 60-90 mins, train leaves 10 mins after ticket time£23.50 a child, adults £23.50 · £94 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a ride, a present, food and a drink

Santa's Grotto Wheelock Hall Farm, Wheelock, Sandbach · 45 min Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22 and Wed 23 December; 5-minute grotto slots through the day, farm open 9am–6.30pm£25 a child, adults £2.99 · £50.98 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present, a photo, crafts, entry and animals

Frodsham Christmas Festival (parade, lantern making, Santa's grotto, stalls) Frodsham town centre · 45 min Date unconfirmed · Sat 28 Nov 10am–8pmFree

Grotto

Breakfast with Scuba Santa Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port · 45 min Date unconfirmed · 20–24 DecNot on sale yet£10–25

Meal with Santa

Festive Breakfast with Father Christmas Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk · 50 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Dec; 10-11am single sitting£9.50 a child, adults £10, plus admission · £71.50 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink and a present

Meet Victorian Father Christmas (Dickensian grotto with traditional toys) Grosvenor Museum, Chester · 50 min Sat 28 Nov, 10.30am–4pm; timed slots£10 a child, adults free · £20 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present

The Eureka! Christmas Experience (private meet with Santa) Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax · 50 min 5-6, 12-13 and 18 Dec, then daily 19-23 Dec; timed slots, 12 families per slot£15–£20 a child, adults £7.50 · £45 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes crafts, a drink, food and a present

SEN Christmas Grotto Hayrack Church Farm, Thornton-le-Moors, near Chester · 50 min Saturday 5 December, 1.30–4.30pm£24.95 a child, adults £10 · £69.90 for a family of fourSEN session Sat 5 Dec

Grotto · Includes a present, crafts, animals, entry and activities

Santa's Grotto Hayrack Church Farm, Thornton-le-Moors, near Chester · 50 min Sat 5 Dec (morning), Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22, Wed 23 Dec and Thu 24 Dec (morning); times on booking£24.95 a child, adults £10 · £69.90 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, activities and crafts

Christmas at Betley Court: The Enchanted Light Trail (Santa, steam train, market) Betley Court Farm · 50 min Thu–Sun from 3pm, 26 Nov–20 Dec£26.26 a child, adults £20

Grotto · Includes a ride, a present and activities

Christmas at Astley Hall (Nutcracker-themed decorated hall) and An Audience with Father Christmas Astley Hall, Chorley · 50 min Hall dressed Sat 21 Nov-Sun 20 Dec; Father Christmas weekends only, ticketed personal family meetingNot on sale yet£10–25

Grotto · private visit

Santa's Grotto Acorn Farm, Kirkby, Knowsley · 50 min Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December; times not given. The farm's Christmas market runs alongside on the SundayUnder £10

Grotto

Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier Head (covered ice rink, rides, Santa's Grotto) Pier Head, Liverpool waterfront · 55 min Open daily 11am-9pm; skating sessions hourly 11am-8pm£9.95 a child, one adult included

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present

Brunch with Santa in the Refectory Chester Cathedral Refectory · 55 min Sun 6, 13 and 20 Dec, sittings 9am-11.30am; also Thu 24 Dec from 8.30am; ages 1-10; Afternoon Tea with Santa on 6 and 20 Dec 1.30-3pm£15–£16 a child, adults £16.50 · £64 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food and sweets

Brunch with Santa at BOXPARK Liverpool Boxpark Liverpool · 55 min Daily 20–24 Dec, 10am–12pm£16.77 a child, adults £11.27 · £57.13 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, a photo and activities

Santa's Grotto at the Town Hall Town Hall Square, Chester · 55 min Sat-Sun 12-13 and 19-20 Dec 2026, 10.30am-4.30pm£18 a child, adults £12 · £60 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes crafts, a photo and a present

Sail to Santa (boat trip to Santa's Island, elves' workshop crafts) WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, Lancashire · 55 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19–23 Dec; timed boat slots, last boats from 3pm, activities end 4pm£18.50 a child, adults free, plus admission · £85.11 for a family of four

Santa boat trip · Includes a ride, a present and crafts

Santa Special Cruise on the River Dee ChesterBoat, The Boating Station, Souters Lane · 55 min Sat 5, Sat 12 and Sat 19 Dec at 12pm and 2.30pm (one hour)£19 a child, adults £17 · £72 for a family of four

Santa boat trip · Includes a present, food, a drink and a ride

A Magical Meeting with Father Christmas at Hoghton Tower (Postmaster, Reindeer Keeper, Mrs Claus storytime) Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston · 55 min Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20 and Mon 21 Dec; timed slots; tearoom 10am-4pm; Sun 20 Dec also farmers' market (£3/car site fee)£20 a child, one adult included · £40 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, a photo and a show

Story Time with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall Liverpool Town Hall, Liverpool city centre · 55 min Selected dates; sessions about 45-60 minutes; sensory-friendly session usually offered£22.50 a child, one adult included · £45 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present and a show

SEN-friendly Christmas day at The Ice Cream Farm (grotto, breakfast with Santa, cookie making) The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Sat: breakfast 10-11am, grotto 11am-2.15pm, cookie making 1.30-2.30pm£29 a child, adults £4 · £66 for a family of fourSelling fastSEN session Sat 28 Nov

Grotto · Includes entry, a present, food, activities and a drink

Santa's Grotto at The Ice Cream Farm The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Date unconfirmed · Ticket includes all-day entry and two scoops of ice cream in a collectible Christmas mug£29 a child, adults £4 · £66 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes entry, a present, food, activities and a drink

Santa Brunch at Ten Streets Social (storytelling, sing-alongs, one-to-one time with Santa) Ten Streets Social, 8 Regent Road, Liverpool · 55 min Mon 21 Dec 12pm, Tue 22 Dec 10am and 1.30pm, Wed 23 Dec 12.30pm£33.27 a child, adults £22.27 · £113.18 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · private visit · Includes food, crafts and a show

Grotto on the Square (Santa's Enchanted Elevator and gingerbread grotto) Eastgate Square, Chester · 55 min Fri 20 Nov to Christmas Eve; bookings openAdults £3Selling fastSEN session

Grotto · Includes a present

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Gawthorpe Hall (Father Christmas, crafts, bellringers) Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley · 60 min Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov 11am-3.30pm; phone 01282 771004 to reserve a Father Christmas slotFree, adults £7, plus admission · £14 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes crafts and entry

Victorian Father Christmas at Samlesbury Hall Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston · 60 min Sun 6 Dec only, 11am-4pm, timed slots; private 5-minute meeting for 1-4 children aged 10 and under£11 a child, adults free · £22.80 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes sweets

Breakfast with Santa at The Ship Inn, Haskayne The Ship Inn, 6 Rosemary Lane, Haskayne, Haskayne, near Ormskirk · 60 min Sat 5, 12 and 19 Dec, 10am–12pm£15.75 a child

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present, a show and activities

Breakfast with Santa at Brockholes (Kestrel Kitchen, floating Visitor Village) Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston · 60 min Selected dates 12–20 Dec, from 9am£15.95 a child, adults £12.95 · £57.80 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink and a present

Father Christmas Grotto by the Lake at Brockholes Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston · 60 min 28 Nov–24 Dec, 10am–4pm£18.95 a child, adults free · £37.90 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present, crafts and activities

Meet Father Christmas at Trentham Trentham Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent · 60 min 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19-24 Dec, 9am-6pm£22 a child, adults free · £44 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present

Breakfast with Santa (buffet, storytime, games, crafts and face painting) Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Pulford, Chester · 60 min Sun 22 Nov, Sun 13 Dec and Sun 20 Dec, 10am–12pm£26 a child, adults £26 · £104 for a family of fourSelling fast

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a present, crafts and activities · Sold out on 20 Dec

Farmer Christmas (reindeer, private Santa visit and toy shop) Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm, Downholland, Ormskirk · 60 min 28 Nov - 24 Dec 2026; timed sessions£26.50–£37 a child, adults £16.50 · £86 for a family of four

Big day out · private visit · Includes a present, animals, activities and entry

Santa's Steam Train Adventure Ribble Steam Railway & Museum, Preston · 60 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 & 22 Dec 2026; 75 mins incl. 55 mins on the train£27.50 a child, adults £27.50 · £110 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a present, food, a drink, sweets, a ride, a show and activities

Santa's Secret Forest (woodland Christmas adventure, with SEN sessions) Orrell Hill Woods, Orrell Hill Farm, Orrell Hill Lane, Ince Blundell, near Formby · 60 min Weekends from 21 Nov, then daily 19–24 Dec; timed slots from 10.30am; SEN sessions Sun 22 Nov and Sun 6 Dec 2.30pm£50.05–£72.05 a child, adults £50.05 · £200.20 for a family of four

Big day out · Includes activities

Magical Days Out: Christmas at Alton Towers (CBeebies Land, Hey Duggee Live, Santa's Grotto) Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire · 65 min Selected dates only; reduced seasonal selection of rides in CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay£12.50 a child, plus admission · £89 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, entry, a ride and a show

The Elf Explorer at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Oxenhope Station, Oxenhope, Keighley · 65 min 28-29 Nov; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-24 Dec; sessions 9am, 10.30am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 3.15pm£26–£36 a child, adults £26 · £104 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a ride, a show, a present, sweets and a drink

Santa Express at Kirklees Light Railway Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West, Huddersfield · 65 min 28–29 Nov; 5–6, 12–13, 18–20, 22–24 Dec (no 6pm train on Christmas Eve)£29.95 a child, adults £25.95 · £113.60 for a family of four

Santa train · private visit · Includes a ride, a present, food, a show and activities

Santa and the Reindeer Rangers at Cannon Hall Farm Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley · 65 min 28-29 Nov; 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec only£32.95 a child, adults £16.95 · £99.80 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present, animals and entry

Santa Specials at Peak Rail Peak Rail, Matlock · 65 min 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 Dec; Mince Pie Specials from 26 Dec£80 for up to 4 · £80 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a ride, a present, food, a drink and a show

Christmas Grotto Wonderland Blackpool Pleasure Beach · 70 min 21 Nov to 24 Dec; 30-minute timed slots, book by midnight the day before£19.99 a child, 2 adults included · £39.98 for a family of four

Grotto · Includes a present, a ride, a drink and crafts

Reverse Grotto at Erddig Erddig, Wrexham · 75 min 28 Nov - 20 Dec, 11am-3pm (selected dates)Free

Grotto

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Erddig Erddig, Wrexham · 75 min Selected mornings 9am–10.30am£22 a child, adults £20 · £84 for a family of four

Meal with Santa · Includes a present and food

Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard Chatsworth House, Bakewell · 75 min 28 Nov-13 Dec sessions include Christmas at Chatsworth entry; 18-23 Dec farmyard-only; relaxed 5 Dec, autism-friendly 21-22 Dec£23–£40 a child, adults £19 · £84 for a family of fourRelaxed Sat 5 Dec

Grotto · Includes a present, activities, animals, entry and a drink

Santa's Enchanted Journey (steam Santa trains) Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth Station · 75 min Selected days, steam-hauled£67 for up to 4 · £68.50 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a ride, a present, food, a drink and a show

Polar Bear Santa's Grotto Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster · 80 min 5-6, 12-13 and 19-24 Dec£15 a child, 2 adults included · £25 for a family of four

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present

Breakfast with Santa Live Show at The Yorkshire Hive Evolution Experience Restaurant, Doncaster · 80 min 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 Dec, 8.45am–10.30am£27 a child, adults £30 · £114 for a family of fourSelling fast

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, a show, a present and activities

Follies Safari: 4x4 ride to Santa's hillside grotto Hawkstone Park Follies, Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury · 80 min Selected dates; timed bookings£149 for up to 6 · £149 for a family of four

Big day out · private visit · Includes a present and a ride

Santa at SEA LIFE Blackpool SEA LIFE Blackpool · 85 min 5-6, 12-13, 19-23 Dec 10.15am-3pm; 24 Dec 10.15am-1pm£12 a child

Grotto · Includes a present

Santa Specials at Middleton Railway Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Leeds · 85 min Sat–Sun 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 Dec, plus Wed 23 and Thu 24 Dec£18–£19 a child, adults £14.50 · £65 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a ride and a present

Santa Specials at Llangollen Railway (steam to Lapland at Carrog) Llangollen Station · 90 min Selected dates; evening trains£32 a child, adults £32 · £128 for a family of four

Santa train · Includes a present, a ride, food and a drink

Baby's First Santa Visit at The Dunham Barn The Dunham Barn, Altrincham · 15 min Short 10-minute visits for babies and very young children, from 2.30pm; check Eventbrite for all slots. Bring your own camera.£11.55 a child, 2 adults included · £23.10 for a family of fourSold out

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present

Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank (SOLD OUT) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Now listed as sold out on the National Trust events page (17 Oct)£12 a child, adults free, plus admission · £84 for a family of fourSold out

Grotto · private visit · Includes a present and a photo

Breakfast and Brunch with Santa Stockport Plaza Cafe · 25 min Sat 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec and 19 Dec, 9.30/10am breakfasts and 12pm brunchesSold out£10–25

Meal with Santa

Festive Family Breakfast with Father Christmas Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 Dec, 9.30-11am; everyone attending needs a ticket£24.99 a child, adults £14.99 · £79.96 for a family of fourSold out

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, a present and crafts

Breakfast with Santa at Tegg's Nose Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield · 40 min Sun 13 Dec, from 8.30am£16 a child, adults £12 · £56 for a family of fourSold out

Meal with Santa · Includes food, a drink, a present and crafts

Story Time with Father Christmas at Rufford Old Hall Rufford Old Hall · 55 min Selected days 12.30pm–1.10pm£17 a child, adults free, plus admission · £66.50 for a family of fourSold out

Grotto · Includes a drink, food, a present and activities

Free ways to see Santa 10

Santa walking round a shop, a market or a fayre, and free grottos. No booking, so you may queue.

Skate & Spot Santa at Planet Ice Altrincham Planet Ice Altrincham, Oakfield Road · 10 min Sat 12, Sun 13 and Fri 18 – Thu 24 Dec, public sessions£10–25

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Thu 10, Fri 11, Thu 17 and Fri 18 Dec; ages 6 months to 5 years, older children welcome£10–25

Father Christmas' Arrival Parade (festive tractors) Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Wed from 5pmFree

Walkabout Father Christmas in store Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury · 30 min Daily from 5 Nov: weekdays 2-6pm, weekends 12-4pm (check the page for later December times)Free

Christmas Eve Polar Express party and Santa meet and greet (PJs essential) ICONS, 511 Bury New Road, Prestwich · 30 min Thu 3–5pm; hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas dancing£10–25

Santa Saturday (Wish Fairies, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, brass bands) Oldham town centre · 40 min Sat 19 Dec, 12 noon–4pmFree

BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas (light trail, mini panto, Father Christmas) BeWILDerwood Cheshire, Whitchurch · 65 min Sparkling after-dark Christmas light trail; session times not listed£10–25

Reverse Grotto at Erddig Erddig, Wrexham · 75 min 28 Nov - 20 Dec, 11am-3pm (selected dates)Free

Christmas Lantern Making Workshop & Santa's Lantern Parade Lower Chambers, Knutsford · 20 min Sat 21 Nov, workshops 9.30-11am or 12-1.30pm; gather at Knutsford station car park 5.30pm for the parade before the lights switch-onSold outFree

Side by side

The same visits as a table. A dash means the booking page doesn't say.

Santa visit	A child	Family of four	Includes	Booking
Santa's Grotto at OYEZ Arts, Altrincham Town HallGrotto · 10 min	£25 a child, adults free	£50	a present, crafts, a drink	On sale
A Quiet Visit with Father ChristmasGrotto · 15 min	£12 a child	£24	a present, activities	On sale
HARIBO Holly Jolly GrottoGrotto · 15 min	£20–£25 a child, adults £8	£56	a present, sweets, activities	On sale
Story Time with Santa and Mrs ClausGrotto · 15 min	£22.38 a child, one adult included	–	a present, a show	On sale
Twilight Supper with SantaMeal with Santa · 15 min	£22.38 a child	–	food, a present	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at The Dunham BarnMeal with Santa · 15 min	£22.38 a child, adults £22.38	£89.52	food, a present	On sale
The Dunham Barn Santa's Grotto 2026Grotto · 15 min	£28.88 a child, one adult included	–	a present, crafts, activities	Selling fastSold out on 19 Dec and 20 Dec
Lymm Dickensian DayGrotto · 15 min	–	–	–	No booking
Christmas at Wythenshawe HallGrotto · 15 min	–	–	–	No booking
Cruise with Father ChristmasSanta boat trip · 18 min	£15 a child, adults £17	£64	a present, food, a drink, a ride, a show	On sale
Lunch with Father ChristmasMeal with Santa · 20 min	£11.55 a child, adults free	£23.10	food, sweets	On sale
Tea with SantaMeal with Santa · 20 min	£28 a child, adults £5	£66	activities, food, a present, crafts	Check
Breakfast with SantaMeal with Santa · 20 min	£28 a child, adults free	£56	food, a present, activities	Check
Father Christmas at the FarmGrotto · 22 min	£14 a child, adults £12.50	£53	animals, activities	On sale
Santa's GrottoGrotto · 25 min	£14 a child, adults £2	£32	a present, activities	On sale
Meet Father Christmas in the Power HallGrotto · 25 min	£15 a child, 2 adults included	£30	a present	On sale
Brunch with Santa at The Garden BarMeal with Santa · 25 min	£16.77 a child, adults £9.02	£53.18	a present, food, a drink, crafts, activities	Selling fast
Father Christmas Experience at Bramall HallGrotto · 25 min	£22.38 a child, one adult included	£44.76	a present, crafts, activities	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at The Lost and FoundMeal with Santa · 25 min	£22.50 a child, adults £22.50	£90	food, a drink, a present, a photo, crafts	On sale
The Grotto at the Corn ExchangeGrotto · 25 min	£29.50 a child, adults £14.50	–	a present, activities	Selling fast
The Magic of Christmas at Freight IslandBig day out · 25 min	£31.90–£44 a child, adults £15.95	£97.30	activities	On sale
Santa Sunday Lunch at Fairmont CheshireMeal with Santa · 25 min	£40 a child, adults £60	£200	food, a present, a show, activities	Check
Christmas Fayre at Stockport Town HallGrotto · 25 min	–	–	–	No booking
Stockport Deaf Children's Club: Breakfast with SantaMeal with Santa · 25 min	–	–	–	On sale
Christmas Fun DayGrotto · 30 min	£6 a child	–	activities	On sale
HWMC Kids Christmas PartyGrotto · 30 min	£6.13 a child	–	activities, crafts	On sale
Story Time With SantaGrotto · 30 min	£7.50–£8.52 a child	–	activities	On sale
Santa Special train ride with Santa in a replica miners' cottageSanta train · 30 min	£8.80 a child, adults £4.40	£26.40	a present, a ride, crafts	On sale
Christmas at Gulliver's World WarringtonGrotto · 30 min	£12–£39 a child	£48	a ride, a present, a drink, food	On sale
Santa Cruise on the River WeaverSanta boat trip · 30 min	£15 a child, adults £10	£50	a present, a ride, a show	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at Broadstone MillMeal with Santa · 30 min	£15.25 a child, adults £14.50	£59.50	a present, food, a drink, a photo, crafts, a show	Selling fast
Santa's Breakfast at Dobbies MarpleMeal with Santa · 30 min	£16.50 a child, adults £9	£51	food, a present, crafts, activities	On sale
Breakfast Santa CruiseSanta boat trip · 30 min	£20 a child, adults £20	£80	food, a present, a ride, a show	On sale
Festive Family Tea with Father ChristmasMeal with Santa · 30 min	£29.99 a child, adults £19.99	£99.96	food, a drink, crafts, a present, activities	Selling fast
The North Pole ExperienceBig day out · 30 min	£42.50–£59.50 a child, adults £15	£119.75	a present, activities, crafts, food, sweets	On sale
Christmas at the Dragon Miniature RailwayGrotto · 30 min	–	–	–	Check
Christmas at The WorksGrotto · 35 min	£3 a child	£6	–	On sale
Visit Father Christmas at the Silk MuseumGrotto · 35 min	£10 a child	–	a present, activities	On sale
Magical Christmas Experience with Santa and FriendsGrotto · 35 min	£14.57 a child, 2 adults included	£29.67	a present	On sale
Christmas on the FarmGrotto · 35 min	£18.86 a child, adults £15.72	£69.16	a present, entry, animals	On sale
Santa Specials at East Lancashire RailwaySanta train · 35 min	£24.50–£41 a child, adults £25	£101.50	a ride, a present, a show	On sale
Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne HallBig day out · 35 min	£64.95–£159.95 a child, adults £64.95	£265.75	a present, crafts, activities, a show, a photo	Selling fast
Lunch with Santa at The Royal TobyMeal with Santa · 40 min	£15.95 a child, adults £31.50	£94.90	food, a present, a show	On saleSold out on 20 Dec
Santa at Knowsley SafariGrotto · 40 min	£21.50 a child, adults free	£43	a present	On sale
The Santa Experience at The HayloftGrotto · 40 min	£23.92 a child, adults £8.52	£64.88	a present, a ride, crafts, activities	On sale
Cockfields Christmas ExperienceBig day out · 40 min	£37.47–£62.45 a child, adults £29.37	£133.68	a present, crafts, food, a ride, a show, animals, entry, activities	On sale
Father Christmas at Smithills HallGrotto · 40 min	–	–	–	Not on sale yet
Festive Boat Trips and Santa's Grotto ExperienceGrotto · 45 min	£8.50 a child, 2 adults included	£17	a present, entry	Check
Breakfast with Santa at Milnrow Cricket ClubMeal with Santa · 45 min	£10 a child, one adult included	£20	food	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at The Black BullMeal with Santa · 45 min	£11.27 a child, adults £11.27	£39.57	sweets, food, a photo, activities	On sale
Dear Santa Claus: Christmas Grotto at Delamere Station HouseGrotto · 45 min	£11.50–£13.17 a child, adults free	–	a present, sweets	Not on sale yet
Santa & Steam SpecialsSanta train · 45 min	£23.50 a child, adults £23.50	£94	a ride, a present, food, a drink	On sale
Santa's GrottoGrotto · 45 min	£25 a child, adults £2.99	£50.98	a present, a photo, crafts, entry, animals	On sale
Frodsham Christmas FestivalGrotto · 45 min	–	–	–	No booking
Breakfast with Scuba SantaMeal with Santa · 45 min	–	–	–	Not on sale yet
Festive Breakfast with Father ChristmasMeal with Santa · 50 min	£9.50 a child, adults £10, plus admission	£71.50	food, a drink, a present	On sale
Meet Victorian Father ChristmasGrotto · 50 min	£10 a child, adults free	£20	a present	On sale
The Eureka! Christmas ExperienceGrotto · 50 min	£15–£20 a child, adults £7.50	£45	crafts, a drink, food, a present	On sale
SEN Christmas GrottoGrotto · 50 min	£24.95 a child, adults £10	£69.90	a present, crafts, animals, entry, activities	Check
Santa's GrottoGrotto · 50 min	£24.95 a child, adults £10	£69.90	a present, activities, crafts	Check
Christmas at Betley Court: The Enchanted Light TrailGrotto · 50 min	£26.26 a child, adults £20	–	a ride, a present, activities	On sale
Christmas at Astley HallGrotto · 50 min	–	–	–	Not on sale yet
Santa's GrottoGrotto · 50 min	–	–	–	Check
Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier HeadGrotto · 55 min	£9.95 a child, one adult included	–	a present	On sale
Brunch with Santa in the RefectoryMeal with Santa · 55 min	£15–£16 a child, adults £16.50	£64	food, sweets	On sale
Brunch with Santa at BOXPARK LiverpoolMeal with Santa · 55 min	£16.77 a child, adults £11.27	£57.13	food, a drink, a photo, activities	On sale
Santa's Grotto at the Town HallGrotto · 55 min	£18 a child, adults £12	£60	crafts, a photo, a present	On sale
Sail to SantaSanta boat trip · 55 min	£18.50 a child, adults free, plus admission	£85.11	a ride, a present, crafts	On sale
Santa Special Cruise on the River DeeSanta boat trip · 55 min	£19 a child, adults £17	£72	a present, food, a drink, a ride	On sale
A Magical Meeting with Father Christmas at Hoghton TowerGrotto · 55 min	£20 a child, one adult included	£40	a present, a photo, a show	On sale
Story Time with Santa at Liverpool Town HallGrotto · 55 min	£22.50 a child, one adult included	£45	a present, a show	On sale
SEN-friendly Christmas day at The Ice Cream FarmGrotto · 55 min	£29 a child, adults £4	£66	entry, a present, food, activities, a drink	Selling fast
Santa's Grotto at The Ice Cream FarmGrotto · 55 min	£29 a child, adults £4	£66	entry, a present, food, activities, a drink	On sale
Santa Brunch at Ten Streets SocialMeal with Santa · 55 min	£33.27 a child, adults £22.27	£113.18	food, crafts, a show	On sale
Grotto on the SquareGrotto · 55 min	Adults £3	–	a present	Selling fast
Victorian Christmas Weekend at Gawthorpe HallGrotto · 60 min	Free, adults £7, plus admission	£14	crafts, entry	On sale
Victorian Father Christmas at Samlesbury HallGrotto · 60 min	£11 a child, adults free	£22.80	sweets	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at The Ship Inn, HaskayneMeal with Santa · 60 min	£15.75 a child	–	food, a present, a show, activities	On sale
Breakfast with Santa at BrockholesMeal with Santa · 60 min	£15.95 a child, adults £12.95	£57.80	food, a drink, a present	On sale
Father Christmas Grotto by the Lake at BrockholesGrotto · 60 min	£18.95 a child, adults free	£37.90	a present, crafts, activities	On sale
Meet Father Christmas at TrenthamGrotto · 60 min	£22 a child, adults free	£44	a present	On sale
Breakfast with SantaMeal with Santa · 60 min	£26 a child, adults £26	£104	food, a present, crafts, activities	Selling fastSold out on 20 Dec
Farmer ChristmasBig day out · 60 min	£26.50–£37 a child, adults £16.50	£86	a present, animals, activities, entry	On sale
Santa's Steam Train AdventureSanta train · 60 min	£27.50 a child, adults £27.50	£110	a present, food, a drink, sweets, a ride, a show, activities	On sale
Santa's Secret ForestBig day out · 60 min	£50.05–£72.05 a child, adults £50.05	£200.20	activities	On sale
Magical Days Out: Christmas at Alton TowersGrotto · 65 min	£12.50 a child, plus admission	£89	a present, entry, a ride, a show	On sale
The Elf Explorer at Keighley and Worth Valley RailwaySanta train · 65 min	£26–£36 a child, adults £26	£104	a ride, a show, a present, sweets, a drink	On sale
Santa Express at Kirklees Light RailwaySanta train · 65 min	£29.95 a child, adults £25.95	£113.60	a ride, a present, food, a show, activities	On sale
Santa and the Reindeer Rangers at Cannon Hall FarmGrotto · 65 min	£32.95 a child, adults £16.95	£99.80	a present, animals, entry	On sale
Santa Specials at Peak RailSanta train · 65 min	£80 for up to 4	£80	a ride, a present, food, a drink, a show	On sale
Christmas Grotto WonderlandGrotto · 70 min	£19.99 a child, 2 adults included	£39.98	a present, a ride, a drink, crafts	On sale
Reverse Grotto at ErddigGrotto · 75 min	Free	–	–	Check
Breakfast with Father Christmas at ErddigMeal with Santa · 75 min	£22 a child, adults £20	£84	a present, food	On sale
Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth FarmyardGrotto · 75 min	£23–£40 a child, adults £19	£84	a present, activities, animals, entry, a drink	On sale
Santa's Enchanted JourneySanta train · 75 min	£67 for up to 4	£68.50	a ride, a present, food, a drink, a show	On sale
Polar Bear Santa's GrottoGrotto · 80 min	£15 a child, 2 adults included	£25	a present	On sale
Breakfast with Santa Live Show at The Yorkshire HiveMeal with Santa · 80 min	£27 a child, adults £30	£114	food, a drink, a show, a present, activities	Selling fast
Follies Safari: 4x4 ride to Santa's hillside grottoBig day out · 80 min	£149 for up to 6	£149	a present, a ride	On sale
Santa at SEA LIFE BlackpoolGrotto · 85 min	£12 a child	–	a present	On sale
Santa Specials at Middleton RailwaySanta train · 85 min	£18–£19 a child, adults £14.50	£65	a ride, a present	On sale
Santa Specials at Llangollen RailwaySanta train · 90 min	£32 a child, adults £32	£128	a present, a ride, food, a drink	On sale
Baby's First Santa Visit at The Dunham BarnGrotto · 15 min	£11.55 a child, 2 adults included	£23.10	a present	Sold out
Meet Father Christmas at Quarry BankGrotto · 15 min	£12 a child, adults free, plus admission	£84	a present, a photo	Sold out
Breakfast and Brunch with SantaMeal with Santa · 25 min	–	–	–	Sold out
Festive Family Breakfast with Father ChristmasMeal with Santa · 30 min	£24.99 a child, adults £14.99	£79.96	food, a drink, a present, crafts	Sold out
Breakfast with Santa at Tegg's NoseMeal with Santa · 40 min	£16 a child, adults £12	£56	food, a drink, a present, crafts	Sold out
Story Time with Father Christmas at Rufford Old HallGrotto · 55 min	£17 a child, adults free, plus admission	£66.50	a drink, food, a present, activities	Sold out

A visit to Santa near Timperley typically costs £19.50 a child this year, or £65 for a family of two adults and two children. 75% of the visits listed include a present. Where we have last year's price for the same visit (27 of them), the price per child is up by a median 4.5%.

The family-of-four figure is the cheapest total for two adults and two children (aged 4 and 7) on the cheapest standard date, with every compulsory booking fee and any admission you have to pay to get in. Peak dates cost more: where a visit has dearer days, the price per child shows the range.

6 have already sold out and 11 are selling fast or have dates gone. Weekday and November dates are usually the easiest to get, and often the cheapest. Booking states come from our checks of each booking page; tap a visit for the details and the booking link.

Questions parents ask

How much does it cost to see Santa near Timperley?

Typically £19.50 a child in 2026, or £65 for a family of four once adult tickets, fees and any admission are added. The cheapest still on sale are Christmas at The Works (£3 a child), Christmas Fun Day (£6 a child) and HWMC Kids Christmas Party (£6.13 a child).

Which Santa grottos are closest to Timperley?

15 are within 20 minutes of Timperley, including Santa's Grotto at OYEZ Arts, Altrincham Town Hall, A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas and HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto. Sort the list by distance to see the rest.

Where can children have Santa to themselves?

17 give each family its own time with Santa, among them HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto, The Dunham Barn Santa's Grotto 2026 and Lapland Manchester at Capesthorne Hall. Most breakfasts, trains and fayres are shared with other families.

Are there quiet or SEN Santa visits?

A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas, HARIBO Holly Jolly Grotto, Cruise with Father Christmas and Breakfast with Santa run quieter or SEN sessions. Our SEN-friendly page lists every relaxed session.

Are Santa grottos selling out?

6 have already sold out and 11 are selling fast or have dates gone. The popular private visits near Altrincham sell their December weekends first.

Which grottos are worth booking?

Our picks at the top of this page: the ones that sell out first, the closest, the best for babies and toddlers, under £15 a child, bigger days out and calmer visits.