Looking for a truly magical Christmas experience for your family? Santa’s grotto adventures have become a festive must-do for families across the UK, offering an enchanting way to meet Father Christmas without the need for a trip to the Arctic Circle.
While jetting off to Lapland is the dream, there are incredible alternatives much closer to home that still deliver a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
These immersive experiences are so popular that families are willing to travel far and wide to visit them—but be warned, they don’t come cheap! Lapland UK remains the most famous, with tickets selling out as soon as they’re released. Excitingly, they’re expanding to the North West in 2025, bringing their signature festive wonderland closer to Manchester.
Best Santa’s Grottos in the UK 2025
If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve rounded up the very best Santa’s grotto experiences across the UK for 2025. Get ready to plan a Christmas your little ones will never forget!
Lapland UK – Ascot and Manchester
Lapland UK tickets usually go on sale in March with newsletter subscribers getting an early heads up. Ticket prices vary, being more expensive on weekends and the closer to you get to Christmas. They sell out within a few hours on the day tickets are released but don’t be disheartened if you’re far down on the queuing system on the website, many people are successful.
Lapland UK is a 4 hour journey along the magical pathways of the Elven World. It includes activities along the way such as helping the Toy Factory Elves make a toy for Father Christmas’ Sleigh, decorating gingerbread with Mother Christmas, reindeers and more.
New for 2025, Lapland Manchester is actually located a little further south of the city in Cheshire and closer to Macclesfield.
Christmas at Legoland Windsor – Berkshire
“Now this was a memory of a lifetime, one we shall never forget. What an absolutely incredible day, from start to finish our whole family was beautifully mind-blown!”
Leogland Windsor theme park is fully embraces Christmas for the festive season. You can visit to enjoy the rides and entertainment all included in your admission and as an option add on, talk a walk through the wintry woodland to meet Father Christmas in his cabin.
The Flight Before Christmas – Cotswolds
The Flight Before Christmas, Santa Grotto experience at Cotswold Airport was amazing last year and it returns for 2025. Held on a British Airways jumbo jet plane, the airport is just outside Kemble and not far from Cirencester.
Perfect for the whole family, The Flight Before Christmas takes place on board a British Airways jumbo jet. It’s a unique theatrical experience, and consists of interactive elements throughout, workshops and a visit to Father Christmas for a story time session.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort – Surrey
Another of the big theme parks with a Christmas experience is Chessington World of Adventures Resort. There are various options from just visiting the theme park for the day or adding on extras like the Christmas village or family short break.
- Father Christmas’s grotto
- Enchanted Hollow toy workshop
- Festive trail
- Christmas panto
- Zoo talks & feeds
McDonald Hotel Aviemore Resort – Scotland
The closest you can get to Lapland for a magical experience without leaving the UK! McDonald Aviemore Resort in the Scottish Cairngorms is the place to go for a festive family getaway. Full details for 2025 have yet to be released but last year’s Christmas experience will give you a flavour of what to expect.
The 2 or 3 night stay last year included family passes to the hotels ice rink, Landmark Forest Adventure Park ancient forest Twi-LIGHTS Christmas light trail, a special reading with Santa himself, season films in the hotel’s cinema and a Christmas swim disco.
If you’re local, they offer day passes
- Unlimited access to leisure facilities (pool, flume, soft play & more!)
- Activities in the Elf Workshop (arts & crafts)
- The Big Christmas Panto ‘Beauty and The Beast’
- Santa’s Big Roast Dinner (3-Course Festive Buffet)
- The Big Christmas Show
Find out more about the Christmas experience in the Cairngorms
The North Pole Experience – Liverpool
The North Pole Experience at Otterspool Adventure brings the magic of the North Pole to the North West. Located in Liverpool at one of the cities most iconic landmarks – Otterspool Prom.
- Snowtrail Express
- North Pole Town Square
- Mrs Claus’ Kitchen
- Elf Workshop
- Father Christmas’ Grotto
- Ice Rink
- Marshmallow toasting
- Post a letter
Warwick Castle – Warwickshire
Christmas at the Castle 2025 is ON SALE now!
- Stories with Santa: Experience the magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Stories with Santa experience.
- Ice Rink: Glide into festive fun at Warwick Castle’s brand-new ice rink, set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Guy’s Tower.
- Light Trail: Warwick Castle transforms into a sparkling wonderland this Christmas with a brand-new light trail. Over half a million twinkling lights illuminate 64 acres of our historic grounds.
- Food & Drink Village: Enjoy festive treats, including marshmallows, mulled wine, and seasonal delights.
The Magical Christmas Experience at 4 Kingsdoms Adventure Park – Hampshire
Meeting Father Christmas at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park in Hampshire is a major indoor interactive Christmas experiences in the UK. The Multi award winning Christmas Experience is in its 13th Year for 2025. The 2.5 hour experience starts with a flight to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Spaceship. You walk, wonder and play through fantastical locations and rooms, before boarding the North Pole Express train for a scenic ride back to the UK.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – multiple locations
The Polar Express Christmas experience takes place upon a steam train. Inspired by the 2004 Christmas movie, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride features characters including The Conductor, singing and dancing Chefs and of course, The Hobo! Served with Hot Chocolate and a cookie, receive the first gift of Christmas from Father Christmas.
2025 Polar Express Train Ride Locations
- London Euston Station – London
- South Devon Railway – Buckfastleigh
- Edinburgh Waverley – Edinburgh Scotland
- Spa Valley Railway – Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent
- Wensleydale Railway – Yorkshire
