Christmas is on the way – and here’s where to see Santa in York and North Yorkshire!
We’ve put together a guide on where to see Father Christmas in York and beyond for 2025.
Are we missing a Santa expereince? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
Where to see Santa in York and beyond
Santa’s Grotto at Beetle Bank Open Farm
Come and meet Santa and his Elves with a personal family visit in our very own magical Christmas Grotto. Finish off your visit by choosing your very own special Santa gift. There is literally something for everyone. Our cafe will be open all day for light refreshments and Christmas treats. Visit our animal barn, and have a chat with our residents!
- Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
- 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 Dec
- Multiple times
- £30 for the first child, £22 for the second child, and £18 for third or more children. Accompanying adults £3.50
- Website
Storytime with Father Christmas at Beningbrough
Join Father Christmas on the top floor of the hall for the first time as he prepares for the big day ahead. Hear a unique story, created especially for Beningbrough, and help to save Christmas.
During this thirty minute session, each child will have a special moment to chat with Father Christmas and tell him the wonderful things they’ve been up to this year… and maybe share their gift ‘wish list’. Feel free to bring along a letter if you like! 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
- 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 Dec
- Multiple times
- £14 per child, £7 per adult
- Website
Father Christmas in the Castle
Our beloved experience for families. Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and WonderPhil pay us a special visit from the North Pole, with a joyous show full of heart and Christmas spirit followed by an individual moment with Father Christmas for each group. Each child with a ticket receives a special gift to take home. Includes access to the Gardens and House experience, Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 22 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £65 per child
- Website
York’s Santa Experience with City Cruises
Join Santa, his cheerful elves, and a boat full of sparkling decorations on York’s most magical Christmas river cruise. Kids will visit Santa’s enchanting North Pole Grotto, meet Santa himself, and receive a special gift — while grown-ups enjoy the twinkling lights and joyful Christmas atmosphere.
- The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DP
- 29, 30 Nov, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19-23 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £18
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
You’ll receive a warm welcome from the elves before you take part in our North Pole adventure. Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself. Every child will receive a wrapped gift suitable for their age range.
- Dobbies York, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton, North Yorkshire, YO26 6QE
- 27, 29, 30 Nov, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19-24 Dec
- Multiple times
- £14-£16
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Flamingo Land
From Santa’s Grotto to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, Magical Milkshakes, Merry Marshmallow Making, and the Decoration Station, there’s endless festive fun to enjoy. Includes the Christmas Experience Passport – your ticket to visit Santa and all the magical Christmas activities.
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- 29, 30 Nov, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-24, 27 Dec-4 Jan
- 10am – 4pm
- £16
- 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
- 29, 30 Nov, 6, 7, 13-23 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £15
- Website
Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Come and enjoy a brand-new interactive adventure for families as they meet Father Christmas on the NYMR Santa Express. The steam train ride will be packed with songs, jokes and the magic of Christmas, brought to life by Santa’s Elves – families will also get to meet the great man himself on board.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- 29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 to December
- 9:30am – 5pm
- More info
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. Adults also get to enjoy a bit of festive spirit with a mince pie and hot drink.
- North Yorkshire Water Park, Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU
- 29-30, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £12.50 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
- 27 Nov – 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- From £15.95
- Website
Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Step into the magic of Christmas with Santa’s Christmas Tour! Join the elves on a magical festive guided tour taking you through the secrets of chocolate-making, with plenty of delicious samples along the way. And the best part? Santa himself joins you part-way through the tour to share the magic with you!
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- 29 Nov – 23 Dec
- Slots between 10:30am – 3:30pm
- £27.50
- Website
Santa Airlines at Yorkshire Air Museum
Welcome aboard Santa Airlines 2025 – our grotto in the Dakota aircraft. Running Dec 13th – 14th and 20th – 22nd. Children can enjoy activities with Santa’s elves in the Departure Lounge before boarding a ‘flight’ to the North Pole. Each child can bring one accompanying adult.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- 13-13, 20-22 Dec
- Slots between 10:30am – 4pm
- £12 per child per Museum admission
- Website
Santa’s Grotto at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Swing by the South Entrance of York Designer Outlet and take a wander through the snowy trees in the Enchanted Woodland, where Christmas wishes come alive. With giant size woodland creatures at every turn, the twinkling trail leads to hidden wish potions, Wilson the Wise Owl, Stardust the Unicorn, and finally the glowing Wishing Cauldron, where everyone can drop in their dreams and watch as they shimmer to life with Christmas magic.
Then follow the glittering light tunnel to find Santa in his Grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift awaits.
- Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
- Until 23 Dec
- Multiple times
- £7 per child with £1.50 family booking fee
- Website
