Christmas! It’s never too early to think about Christmas!
Over the last few years, I’ve written a guide on where to visit Santa in Milton Keynes, Northampton and around the local areas and I’ve had great feedback on how useful you’ve found it. This year I’ve created another guide to where to visit Santa in Milton Keynes, Northampton, and other local areas. Although at the time of writing this, it is early November, and tickets for many of these are already on sale, and some are even fully booked, so please check the links under each listing for more information. If you’re looking for where to visit Santa this year, then this guide has you covered.
I’m aiming to regularly update this guide as new events are happening to keep it up to date, however sometimes this isn’t always possible, so if you know of any other events that are happening that aren’t mentioned in this guide, please get in touch with me so I can include them.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this guide and found it useful, please do consider buying me a coffee to help with the running costs of this website. Guides like this can take me a long time to put together, so any comments, shares, and virtual coffees would be greatly appreciated!
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Where to visit Santa in Milton Keynes
Where to visit Santa in Buckinghamshire
Where to visit Santa in Northampton
Where to visit Santa in Bedfordshire
Where to visit Santa in Milton Keynes
Santa’s Grotto With The Snowman
Centre:MK are running the same event that they ran last year, a Santa’s Grotto with The Snowman. There’s a live adaptation of The Snowman, a chance to decorate biscuits before meeting Santa.
We visited this last year and weren’t too impressed at the time and found it all a very rushed experience, however, I have heard from others who visited and had a lovely experience, so maybe we visited on a bad day.
Price: Children are £16.50, adults and babies are £5.50. There’s an option to take home a photo at an additional cost, also an additional £2 per person for the train ride, and £5 per person for the virtual reality sleigh ride.
When: 17th November – 24th December
Where: The Centre:MK, 33a Silbury Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 3ES
Click here for more details
Read my previous review of The Santa’s Grotto at Centre:MK Here!
Santa’s Grotto Experience at Woburn Sands Emporium
SEN Session Available
New for 2023 is the new Santa’s grotto experience at Woburn Sands Emporium. You’ll be greeted by Mrs Claus and taken through different themes on your way to the grotto to meet Santa, and every child will receive a present. You can also visit Santa’s Workshop and make reindeer food. Sessions are per booking, meaning that you can enjoy the experience as a family group.
Price: Adults are £4, children are £15, and babies under 12 months are £6. Extra cost for photos with Santa available to purchase on your way out.
When: 2nd – 3rd December, 9th – 10th December, 16th – 24th December
Where: Woburn Sands Emporium, Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8UF
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto Experience at Frosts – Many dates already sold out
SEN Session Available
The Frosts Santa’s Grotto Experience has quite the reputation, with tickets often going on sale in the summer months and they have a reputation for selling out quickly! At the time of writing this in September there are many dates and times that are already sold out, but if you’re able to visit in the week you’ve got more options available.
The Santa’s Grotto Experience at Frosts is pretty pricey, but I know several people who visit year after year and say it is worth it. The whole experience lasts around 45 minutes, and you’ll have time for fun and games, make reindeer food, decorate gingerbread biscuits, and meet Santa in his cosy living room.
Price: Tickets are sold as ‘family tickets’ starting at £30 for one adult and one child, and a family of four children and 2 adults will cost you £90.50. There’s extra costs for additional children and adults, and the option for additional costs to buy photos.
When: 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th – 30th November, 1st – 24th December
Where: Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8UE
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
SEN Session Available
At Dobbies you can make your way through the enchanting forest at Dobbies Garden Centre to meet Santa. There are lots of interactive elements along the way, and a chance to talk to Santa before receiving your gift.
Price: £11.99 per child, includes entry for up to 2 adults
When: 25th November – 24th December
Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Belvedere Lane, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK17 9JH
Click here for more details
Santa’s Breakfast at Dobbies Garden Centre
Visit Santa in Milton Keynes for breakfast and festive games and activities at Dobbies Garden Centre.
Price: Adults from £8.60, children £13.99
When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 24th December
Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Belvedere Lane, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK17 9JH
Click here for more details
Vintage Christmas Grotto at Bletchley Park
SEN Session Available
Bletchley Park are running their vintage Christmas grotto again this year, where children can meet Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated mansion.
Price: £11 per child – you will also need to pay admission to Bletchley Park as well
When: 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st & 22nd December
Where: The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB
Click here for more details
Christmas with Santa and the pigs at Curly Tails
Santa and the pigs is making a return to Curly Tails again this year. We love Curly Tails, and visited the grotto last year and I think it’s my favourite grotto I’ve visited ever – there’s no rush, and you can visit Santa anytime during your visit. It all feels very relaxed, and you can wander around and feed the pigs and visit the small animals too!
Price: £15 per person
When: 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th and 20th – 24th December
Where: 19 Drayton Rd, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes MK17
Click here for more details
Read my review of Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary here!
Santa’s Grotto at Milton Keynes Museum
Milton Keynes Museum are running a Santa’s grotto this year over selected weekend dates in December. Help Mrs Christmas make some special reindeer snacks, and make Christmas crafts with the elves before meting Father Christmas. The museum will be all dressed up ready for a Victorian Christmas, with mulled wine and mince pies, and maybe even snow along the street of shops!
Price: £12 per child – you will also need to purchase museum tickets in advance or present your re-entry ticket on the day
When: 1st – 3rd, 8th – 10th, and 15th – 17th December
Where: Milton Keynes Museum McConnell Drive, Stacey Bushes, MK12 5EL
Click here for more details
Santa train at Caldecotte Miniature Railway
I love Caldecott miniature railway, it’s always a fun trip out with the kids and very budget-friendly! This year they are running their Santa train again one weekend in December where you can ride the train and then meet Santa for £1 per person. There’s no booking needed, but I can imagine it will be busy as it’s only available for one weekend so be prepared to wait a while!
Price: £1 per ride
When: 16th & 17th December 12pm – 4pm
Where: Caldecotte Miniature Railway, Lakeside Grove, Milton Keynes MK7 8HP
Click here for more details
Father Christmas at Thrift Farm
Over the last couple of years there’s been a Father Christmas event at Thrift Farm, and this year it’s on again with lots included! This year you can make reindeer food, make a cuddly bear toy, walk through the festive woodland, and visit Santa and have a story with him – and more! It’s another pricey option for children, but it does look like there is lots included with your ticket, including your farm entry, so great if you’re looking for lots to do!
Price: Children are £24.50, adults are £16.50, babies under 18 months are free – there’s also a £10 option for babies to get a bear
When: Every weekend in December until the 24th
Where: Thrift Farm, Buckingham Road, Whaddon, Milton Keynes, MK17 0EQ
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto with Willen Hospice
Willen Hospice are running a Santa’s grotto this year in their hospice gardens. It’s open for all visitors, with fuss-free parking, and money from the event will go to helping the hospice.
Price: £15 per visitor which includes a gift
When: 9th & 10th December and 16th – 22nd December 10am – 4pm
Where: Willen Hospice, Milton Road, Willen Village, Milton Keynes, MK15 9AB
Click here for more details
Where to visit Santa in Buckinghamshire
Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
SEN Session Available
Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park are running a Father Christmas event, where you can wander through the festive forest, to find Father Christmas on his big red tractor. There’s lots of things to do including seeing real reindeer, gingerbread decorating, and writing a Christmas list. As entry includes all-day access to the farm as well, this is a great place to visit if you’re wanting to make a day of it!
Price: Children are £24.95, adults are £13.45, and under 1’s are £13.45 – The price also includes all-day access to the farm.
When: 25th – 26th November, 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 24th December
Where: Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park, Hogshaw, MK18 3LA
Click here for more details
The Panto Express with Father Christmas at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
See Father Christmas onboard a grotto with a difference at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre – on board a vintage steam train! Ride the steam engine while Santa visits you in your carriage during the 25 minute journey, plus enjoy a pantomine production of Beauty and the Beast.
Price: There are different tickets available depending which carriage you book starting from £17.50, Under 1’s are £6 – this includes entry to the museum
When: 25th – 26th November, 2nd -3rd, 9th -10th, 16th – 17th December
Where: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY
Click here for more details
Christmas Spectacular at Odds Farm Park
SEN Session Available
Odds Farm Park are running their Christmas Spectacular event again this year, although it’s one of the more pricey options to visit Father Christmas in Buckinghamshire! At Odds Farm Park you can explore the sparkling enchanted woodland as you make the journey through the North Pole to search for Father Christmas in his grotto. There’s lots of other things you can do such as making your own cuddly creation in the elves workshop, making Christmas crafts, and reindeer food.
Price: Children are £43.95, adults are £15.95, under 2’s are £28 – discounts available to members
Where: Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Rd, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX
When: 25th – 26th November, 1st – 3rd, 7th – 10th, 13th – 24th December
Click here for more details
Mother Christmas’ Grotto at Lillingstone Pick Your Own
SEN Session Available
I’ve visited Lillingstone Pick Your Own for a few of their events and it’s always lovely, and this year they are running Mother Christmas’ grotto. Visit Mother Christmas in her cosy Grotto, upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by Santa’s special Elves, and taken through to Mother Christmas’ enchanting Grotto, where she will spend some time chatting to each child and read a magical story!
Price: £19.95 per child which includes 2 adults
When: Weekends from 25th November – 23rd December
Where: Lillingstone Pick Your Own, Lillingstone Dayrell, Buckingham, MK18 5AF
Click here for more details
Where to visit Santa in Northampton
Christmas at The Hub
SEN Session Available
Riverside Hub run their Christmas at the Hub event every year and it’s always very popular – we visited in 2021 and had the most incredible time! There are loads of special areas and photo opportunities you can visit, decorate gingerbread men, play festive hook-a-duck, and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Tickets also include 2.5 hours entry to Riverside Hub, and access to all of the soft play facilities.
Price: Children are from £25, Adults from £8, Babies 3-12 months from £13 and Babies under 3 months are free
When: 25th November – 24th December
Where: Riverside Hub, Riverside Retail Park, 7 Carousel Way, Northampton NN3 9HG
Click here for more details
Read My Previous Review of Christmas at the Hub here!
Santas Grotto at Delapre Abbey
Meet Father Christmas at Delapre Abbey, have your photo taken and receive a present from one of his elves.
Price: Children are £10, adults are free
When: 1st – 3rd, 8th – 10th, 15th – 17th December
Where: Delapre Abbey, London Rd, Northampton NN4 8AW
Click here for more details
Christmas Experience at Mini Meadows Farm
SEN Session Available
Mini Meadows are running a Chritmas experience again this year, where you can explore the elf village and choose sweets from the shop, write a letter to Santa and make reindeer food, and then meet Santa in his workshop and pick out a favourite toy! Ticket price includes all-day entry into the farm park, as well as the outdoor play areas, sand pit and cafe.
Price: Children are £25.50, adults are £12.50 and babies are free
When: 25th – 26th November, 1st – 3rd, 8th – 23rd December
Where: Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Northampton NN6 6HZ
Click here for more details
Santa Cruises at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruene
Seet Santa onboard the Santa Cruise at The Boat Inn with a 80-minute cruise with party games, mince pies, drinks and a present for each child!
Price: £22 per person, children under 12 months are free
When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th, 20th – 24th December
Where: The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto at Wappenham Farm
Wappenham Farm are running a Santa’s Grotto experience in December. When you arrive you will be greeted ny the Elves who will hand you your Santa’s grotto passport before you help them to make some reindeer food, and heading into the grotto to meet Santa and listen to a Christmas story.
Price: £19.95 per child – includes 2 adults
When: 2nd – 3rd, 7th, 9th – 10th, 14th, 16th – 17th, 19th – 22nd December
Where: Wappenham Farm, Towcester, NN12 8SQ
Click here for more details
Christmas at West Lodge Farm Park
SEN Session Available
West Lodge Farm Park are running an immersive Christmas experience this year, with lots of activities such as making reindeer food, visiting elf school, sending your leter to Santa at the elf post office, and meeting Father Christmas. Ticket price also includes entry all-day to the farm, but there are also some small extra charges if you want to do some of the activities such as gingerbread decorating.
Price: Children are from £27.50, Adults are £12.50 – there is also a small extra charge for some of the adtional activities
When: 25th – 26th November, 2nd – 3rd, 7th – 10th, 13th – 24th December
Where: West Lodge Farm Park, Kettering, NN14 2SH
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto at Whilton Locks Garden Village
Visit Santa in his grotto at Whilton Locks Garden Village and recieve a gift.
Price: £17.99 per child, adults are £3.50
When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th, 21st – 24th December
Where: Whilton Locks Garden Village, Daventry, NN11 2NH
Click here for more details
Santa Specials at Northampton & Lamport Railway
All aboard the Santa Specials at Nortahmpton & Lamport Railway, where you will travel along the one and a half miles of railway while snacking on mince pies, mulled wine and other snacks and soft drinks. After your train ride you will meet Santa in his workshop where your child will receive a present.
Price: Children are from £15.50, adults are from £14
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 26th November to 23rd December
Where: Northampton and Lamport Railway, Chapel Brampton, NN6 8BA
Click here for more details
Enchanted Christmas at Evenley Wood Garden
Evenley Wood Garden are holding their enchanted Christmas event, where you can make decorations and reindeer food, post a letter to Santa, and meet Father & Mother Christmas for hot chocolate and marshmallows around the open fire.
Price: £19.95 per person
When: 2rd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th, 20th – 23rd December
Where: Evenley Wood Garden, NN13 5SH
Click here for more details
Where to visit Santa in Bedfordshire
Santa’s Grotto at Bedford Winter Wonderland
Bedford are running their Winter Wonderland event for a second year in Bedford Park, with lots of activities from ice skating, rides, a Christmas tree maze, and there’s an opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto! Santa’s grotto is only available on set dates, but it looks like a great day out! You can read more about Bedford Winter Wonderland here.
Price: Children are £6 which includes one adult, additional adults are £4 – Please note there is also a £2 entry per person (under 3’s are free) to Bedford Winter Wonderland as well
When: 25th – 26th November, 2nd – 3rd December, 9th – 10th December, 16th – 17th December, 20th – 23rd December
Where: Bedford Park, Park Avenue, Bedford MK41 7SS
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto at The Olde Watermill Shopping Village
If you’re looking for a longer experience when looking where to visit Santa in Bedfordshire, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village have a 50-minute experience for all the family. There’s lots to do from songs and dancing, making reindeer food, make wishes with Mrs Claus, and meet Santa himself. Sounds like there is lots to do this year, and I love how they’ve made this into a much bigger attraction than some other places you can meet Santa.
Price: Children are £15.99, adults are £5.49, babies under 6 months are free
When: Selected dates between 25th November – 24th December
Where: The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire, MK45 4RF
Click here for more details
Christmas at Mead Open Farm
Another popular Christmas event is at Mead Open Farm – it’s another one on the higher end of the price scale, but this does include your entry to the farm making this a whole day event. There’s lots to do from group stories, decorating gingerbread, making reindeer food, and visiting Santa’s toy shop.
Price: Children are £36, adults are £26 and under 1’s are £12
When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th -10th, 15th – 17th, 20th – 24th December
Where: Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, Bedfordshire, LU7 9JH
Click here for more details
Santa’s Steam Specials at Leighton Buzzard Railway
Leighton Buzzard Railway are running a number of Santa’s steam specials, offering a 25 minute journey on their narrow-gauge railway before meeting Santa in his grotto. We’ve visited Leighton Buzzard Railway twice before for the Santa steam specials, and it’s always been great fun! The kids love going on the train before we head in to visit Santa, and it’s nice to do something a bit different!
Price: Adults are £12.50, children £13.50 and children under 2 are £8.50
When: 2nd – 3rd, 6th, 9th – 10th, 13th, 16th – 18th, 20th – 24th December
Where: Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TG
Click here for more details
Meet Santa at Whipsnade Zoo
Santa is stopping by at Whipsnade Zoo in their cosy Lookout Lodge this year. Children can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special Christmas gift to take home.
Price: £15.50
When: Weekends from 2nd December, and then 16th – 24th December
Where: Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF
Click here for more details
SEN Christmas Events
If you’re looking for an SEN-friendly Christmas event I’ve included a few I’ve found below, If you know of any others, please get in touch with me so I can add them.
Santa’s Grotto SEN Experience at Woburn Sands Emporium
Woburn Sands Emporium are running SEN versions of their Santa’s Grotto experience, offering adapted SEN sessions with longer times between sessions to allow the journey to the grotto to be enjoyed in good time. Sessions are per booking, meaning that you will get to enjoy the experience as a family group.
Price: SEN children and adults are £15, accompanying adults/carers are £4. Additional cost for photos with Santa.
When: 2nd – 3rd December, 9th – 10th December, 16th – 24th December
Where: Woburn Sands Emporium, Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8UF
Click here for more details
Santa’s Grotto Experience at Frosts Exclusive SEN Session
Frosts are running an exclusive SEN session for their Santa’s Grotto Experience, where you will receive the same unique experience, with some small adaptions with smaller groups of people, reduced lightings and sound, and less display furniture to make it more accessible.
Price: Tickets are sold as ‘family tickets’ starting at £30 for one adult and one child, and a family of four children and 2 adults will cost you £90.50. There’s extra costs for additional children and adults, and the option for additional costs to buy photos.
When: 3rd, 19th and 26th November
Where: Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8UE
Click here for more details
Santa’s Quiet Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
Dobbies are running a quiet version of their grotto experience for those with additional needs one afternoon in December. There’s no music, reduced twinkling lights, and prior to the visit Dobbies will email you a photo of the grotto so you know what to expect.
Price: £11.99 per child, incudes up to 2 adults
When: 8th December from 2.30pm
Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Belvedere Lane, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK17 9JH
Click here for more details
Relaxed Christmas Grotto at Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park are running a relaxed Christmas Grotto for neurodiverse children, or those with sensory needs. There will be timeslots available to ensure waiting times are minimal, and you can request to have the lighting adjusted and music turned off if needed. Bletchley Park will also provide a sensory map and social story in advance of the day to support your visit so you know what to expect on the day.
Price: £11 – You will also need to pay admission to Bletchley Park as well
When: 2nd December between 10am – 3pm
Where: The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB
Click here for more details
SEN Session – Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park are running a SEN session every Saturday from 9.30am, and also included all-day access to the farm. To book onto a SEN session, email info@hogshawfarm.co.uk . The SEN sessions are quieter slots, for visitors who prefer to avoid noise and crowds – there aren’t any additional details, so I would recommend getting in touch with them to check that this suits your childs needs.
Price: Children are £24.95, adults are £13.45, and under 1’s are £13.45
When: From 9.30am every Saturday during the festive period.
Where: Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park, Hogshaw, MK18 3LA
Click here for more details
SEN Only Session – Christmas Spectacular at Odds Farm Park
Odds Farm Park are running a SEN only session of their Christmas Spectacular event on the 26th November – there aren’t any additional details, so I would recommend getting in touch with Odds Farm Park to check if this suits your childs needs.
Price: Children are £43.95, adults are £15.95, under 2’s are £28 – discounts available to members
When: 26th November
Where: Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Rd, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX
Click here for more details
SEN Session – Mother Christmas’ Grotto at Lillingstone Pick Your Own
Lillingstone Pick Your Own are running a SEN version of Mother Christmas’s Grotto on the 26th November – I can’t find any additional details, so I would recommemd getting in touch with Lillingstone Pick Your Own if you want to check that this suits your childs needs.
Price: £19.95 per child which includes up to 2 adults
When: 26th November
Where: Lillingstone Pick Your Own, Lillingstone Dayrell, Buckingham, MK18 5AF
Click here for more details
SEND Christmas event – Christmas at the Hub
Riverside hub are running a SEND event for their Christmas at the Hub on the 1st December. There aren’t any additional details, so I would recommend getting in touch with Riverside Hub if you want to check this suits your childs needs.
Price: Children are from £25, Adults from £8, Babies 3-12 months from £13 and Babies under 3 months are free
When: 1st December
Where: Riverside Hub, Riverside Retail Park, 7 Carousel Way, Northampton NN3 9HG
Click here for more details
SEN Session – Christmas Experience at Mini Meadows Farm
Mini Medaows are running a SEN session of their Christmas Experience. There aren’t any additonal details, so I would recommend getting in touch with Mini Meadows Farm if you want to check this suits your childs needs.
Price: Children are £25.50, adults are £12.50 and babies are free
When: 28th – 30th November, and 5th – 7th December
Where: Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Northampton NN6 6HZ
Click here for more details
The SEN Christmas Experience at West Lodge Farm Park
West Lodge Farm Park are running two SEN Chrstmas experiences this year, on the 15th November and the 7th December. They’ve been designed specifically for those who may struggle with sensory overloads, and will be quiter and more accessible.
Price: Children are from £27.50, Adults are £12.50 – there is also a small extra charge for some of the adtional activities
When: 25th November and 7th December
Where: West Lodge Farm Park, Kettering, NN14 2SH
Click here for more details
