Wondering where to see Father Christmas this year? My 2024 guide has you covered, along with discounts, accessibility info and details of how to book those precious Santa grotto tickets.
It’s hard to keep costs down at Christmas, but I’m pleased to kick the guide off with a family-friendly FREE Santa event.
You’ll find unusual ways to meet up with the big man in red (or is it green?!): Sail with Santa around the harbour; visit Father Christmas in a sparkly cave; discover a grotto at the pier; or hop onto a special Santa train.
But shhh, I’m sharing details of where to find Santa this Christmas, just with you. Although, bah humbug, I suppose it would be in keeping with the Christmas spirit to share it with your nearest and dearest!
You can read the Santa Grotto Guide in order, or, if you know what you’re after, click a link in the table of contents below to head straight to the section you’re interested in.
Happy Santa hunting!
WHERE CAN I SEE SANTA IN BRISTOL?
FREE SANTA-TAINMENT AT CRIBBS
Early Years Story Mornings with Santa & Festive Elves
Until 24th Dec 2024
Come and join Santa and his Festive Forest Elves every day in December for a whole host of festive fun and elvish entertainment!
Where? The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
When? Weekday mornings and weekends until 24th Dec
Cost: It’s FREE to join Santa and his elves!
Booking: More Santa-tainment details here. No need to book
SAIL WITH SANTA IN BRISTOL
Bristol Ferry Boats, Bristol Harbour
Selected dates until 24th December 2024
Enjoy a 45-minute cruise of the Bristol Harbour along with the elves. Join the hunt for Santa on the dockside and once you’ve found him, he’ll board the ferry.
Included in the tour are festive snacks, a gift for each child and sherry for the adults. There will also be a photo opportunity with Santa.
When? Various dates up until 24th December 2024
Where? Meet at The Cascade Steps on Bristol’s centre
Cost: £20 per person.
Accessibility:
- If your child has any additional needs, please contact mailto:info@bristolferry.com.
- Unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users unless you can get out of your chair.
Booking: Bookable in advance.
Discounts & Tips: Babies up to 12 months old travel free (no gift included).
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SANTA’S STORY TIME AT JOHN LEWIS
The Mall Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
Various December dates – subject to availability
Join Santa’s elves for a special Christmas story session, complete a festive craft activity, enjoy an individual family visit with Santa and take home a special gift.
Where? John Lewis, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5QU
Cost:
- Child ticket (£17.50 + £1.75 booking fee)
- Babies under 12 months attending without a sibling will require a ticket.
- Adult ticket (£3 + 30p booking fee)
Booking: Book On-line
Accessibility:
– Full disability access throughout the experience.
– Relaxed sessions are available for anyone who might benefit from them, including disabled, neurodiverse or sensory-sensitive children.
Discounts & Tips: Babies who are accompanying a paying sibling and don’t require a gift are welcome free of charge and don’t need a ticket.
CHRISTMAS AT AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
Travel with Father Christmas on a train in East Bristol
Selected dates until 24th December 2024
SANTA SPECIALS – CHRISTMAS TRAIN RIDES
Enjoy a festive train ride in a vintage carriage. Watch the Avon Valley countryside go by, enjoy mince pies, festive biscuits and a visit from Father Christmas.
Back at the station there will be a photo opportunity with Santa and a bespoke gift for the children.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Join us for a trip onboard one of our steam hauled festive trains and enjoy breakfast in our first class dining carriage. Santa will also make a short visit to the carriage, say hello to everyone and give all children and infants a present.
Where? Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, Bristol
Booking: On-line and phone booking available
Accessibility: Wheelchair Users should contact the railway Booking Office on 0117 932 5538 to purchase tickets.
Dogs, except guide dogs, are not allowed on the train
Note: The festive Christmas donkeys will be returning once again and you’ll be able to see these on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ASHTON COURT
Ashton Court Mansion & Estate, North Somerset
Weekends & selected weekdays until 23rd Dec 2024
The magical Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion is held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house, with city views from its grounds.
The 20 minute interactive experience with professional actors includes photo opportunities and even a small gift for your grown up! Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight children. Your child will also receive a special gift.
The experience can be enjoyed by all ages and is most suitable for children ages 2-11.
Where? Ashton Court Mansion & Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Cost: £15 per child including a gift, £6 per adult. Booking fees apply.
Accessibility & Booking: Free adult tickets for carers. Please contact them with any access queries or to book tickets.
VICTORIAN WEEKEND AT SS GREAT BRITAIN
Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY
7 & 8th December 2024 – Event has passed
Once again Brunel’s SS Great Britain is hosting its popular Victorian Christmas this December. Step back in time as the dockyard is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Old Father Christmas who will be sporting his traditional green robes to meet his visitors.
While you’re there, hop aboard Bristol’s famous ship to experience festive life on board. Remember to talk to the Victorian guides who are sure to have some tales to tell about life at sea!
Tickets:
Entry to SS Great Britain’s Victorian Christmas Weekends is included in the cost of general admission tickets or memberships.
Times:
The festive celebrations take place 7th – 8th December 2024
Accessibility: The SS Great Britain is within a historic site with uneven cobblestones and buildings with narrow corridors and doorways, however, a wide range of accessible measures have been put into place.
Accessibility measures include but are not limited to:
- A tactile model of the ship for blind or partially sighted visitors
- Free use of special wheelchairs (as standard wheelchairs won’t fit in some areas)
- Calm sensory sessions
- Free tickets for companions and assistants of disabled visitors
- Alternative entrances and walkways to avoid uneven surfaces
NEW FOR 2024, the SS Great Britain has added some festive sounds and smells. Visit their ‘Access for all’ page for full accessibility information and to download the special Sounds and Smells Guide.
WHERE TO FIND SANTA IN SOMERSET
SANTA’S GROTTO ON WESTON PIER
The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
Until 24th December 2024 – subject to availability
Meet Santa and his elves at The Grand Pier this Christmas!
Join The Grand Pier on a magical adventure to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Santa’s trusty elves.
NEW FOR 2024: Step inside the Enchanted Elevator and take a trip to Santa’s Grotto in style! (included in your visit)
Cost:
Standard Admission = £14.95 per child with accompanying adult.
(Includes entrance to pier, grotto experience and a wrapped gift per child).
Platinum Admission = + £7.50 each
(Includes entrance to pier, grotto experience, wrapped gift and UNLIMITED ride wristband.)
Additional adult = £3.50
Booking: Advance booking is recommended as tickets are limited
Accessibility: There is full disability access throughout using the lift to the first floor.
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AT PUXTON
Puxton Park, Weston-super-Mare
Selected dates until 24th December 2024
Step into Christmas with Puxton’s Magical Christmas Experience.
- Meet Santa and choose a gift in his cosy grotto
- Explore Snowy Christmas Tree Village, featuring the Magical Wish Granting Tree
- Get crafty with Mrs Claus as you decorate gingerbread
- Create your own festive bauble at the Elves’ Workshop!
Where? Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane Hewish, BS24 6AH
When? Weekend dates until – 24th Dec 2024
Cost: £10 per person plus park admission fee
Booking: Online booking available
Accessibility: We are committed to providing an enjoyable and safe visit for all our guests.
Puxton Park has flat easy access with Blue Badge parking spaces near the entrance. Wide, level pathways are accessible for wheelchair users.
Call 01934 523500 or visit the reception desk for assistance during your visit.
SANTA AT CADBURY GARDEN CENTRE
SANTA’S GROTTO AT CADBURY
Selected December 2024 dates, subject to availability
Create memories this Christmas with a festive visit to Santa’s traditional Christmas Grotto.
On arrival, children will plant a magic bean, and then watch as Santa magically transforms it into a real mini-Christmas tree.
Every child will also receive a special gift from the big man himself.
Where? Cadbury Garden Centre, Smallway, Congresbury, North Somerset BS49 5AA
Cost? £14.50 per child + £1.50 booking fee
Free entry for adults
Booking: Book tickets via the dedicated booking site
FATHER CHRISTMAS GROTTO AT CHEDDAR CAVES
Gough’s Cave, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Cheddar
Selected dates to 24th December 2024
This winter, deep within Gough’s Cave you’ll find the magical South West Workshop of Father Christmas’ elves. There’s also the opportunity to book a session to meet Father Christmas himself!
Your children will sing songs, listen to a festive tale and receive a present – if they’ve been good, that is!
Father Christmas will be stopping off to ensure his operations are up to scratch and invites you behind the scenes. Who knows what you might see while you’re there?
And just before you leave Cheddar Caves, remember to write to Santa.
Pop your letter into the red postbox and it looks like the special “South West Workshop Letter Delivery System” will take care of the rest!
Where? You’ll find Father Christmas at his grotto in Gough’s Cave: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF
Cost: Anyone with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket can explore Father Christmas’ South West Workshop.
Grotto Experience Cost:
Gough’s Cave grotto tickets cost an additional £5.99 for any child who would like to receive a gift from Father Christmas. (Token gifts are appropriate up to the age of about 11 years.).
Tickets with no gift, for adults, babies, and older children are £3.99.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the steep gradients and steps, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility will find much of Gough’s Cave inaccessible. If you have queries about the accessibility of this experience please call ahead to discuss your requirements.
Dogs are welcome in the caves.
AVON VALLEY CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Selected dates to 24th December 2024
THE SANTA SHOW
Select the time you would like to see the Santa Show and enjoy a full festive day in the park.
SANTA’S CABIN
Visit Santa in his decorated wooden cabin to get your ‘golden ticket’ to take to the toy factory!
SANTA’S TOY FACTORY
With a golden ticket every child ticket holder can choose their own gift.
GRINCH SEASON SMASH SHOW
NEW for 2024. Grinch now has his own show! See if you can make his heart grow three sizes.
SANTA’S POST ROOM
The Post Room will be open for you to post your letter to Santa and you can use the Avon Valley SMS (Santa Messaging Service) to send any last-minute requests.
Where? Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park in Keynsham, Bristol
Cost: Santa visit is included in the Avon Valley Christmas Experience Day Ticket
When? Various dates until 24th December 2024
Discounts & Tips: Book online in advance to avoid a £5 per ticket surcharge
SANTA’S GROTTO AT WOOKEY HOLE
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Selected dates to 24th December 2024
This Christmas, Wookey Hole transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offering a magical Santa’s Grotto in Somerset for families.
- Santa’s Grotto: Meet Father Christmas in his traditional grotto, where children receive a special gift from Santa’s Elves at the Toy Factory (from TY Toys).
- Twixmas Experience: Enjoy a Twixmas Experience between 27 December and 5 January. Paddington™ will be making an appearance in place of Father Christmas.
- When? Weekends from 23 November and daily from 21 to 24 December 2024.
- Where? Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, Wookey Hole, BA5 1BA
- Cost? Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland tickets range from £5 – £24.
- Booking: Visit the Wookey Hole website to book. Advance booking is essential.
Other Activities at Wookey Hole: Explore Wookey Caves illuminated by over 100,000 fairy lights, enjoy a festive-themed circus show, or watch a special Christmas movie in the 4D Cinema.
Did you know you can even turn it into a mini-break and stay at Wookey Hotel?
For more festive activities, see Things to Do This Christmas in Bristol and North Somerset 2024.
SANTA IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
VISIT SANTA AT OLD DOWN
Old Down Estate, South GLOS, Bristol
20th – 24th December 2024
Come along to see Santa’s Grotto in Gloucestershire, meet and greet with Santa and receive your own magical gift chosen by Santa himself just for you!
Children’s ticket includes:-
- Meeting with Santa in his magically decorated Grotto
- Present from Santa for children
- Family Photograph with Santa
- Country Park Entry for the day of your booking
Day tickets also include day entry for Old Down Country Park, so you can explore the Park before your festive meeting with Santa.
Where? Old Down Estate, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG
Non-member Pricing: Children’s Ticket £19.95, Adult £15, Concession £10.50
(Children must be accompanied by an adult who will need to purchase a ticket to enter the park.)
Discounts & Tips: Discounted tickets for Old Down Country Park members!
Booking: Booking essential
CHRISTMAS AT CLEARWELL CAVES
The Very Hungry Polar Bear
Various dates until 24th Dec 2024
After Christmas (without Santa) 27th-31st Dec 2024
Follow the adventures of Bernard, a young boy who finds a baby polar bear floating on an iceberg and decides to take it home.
Meet Father Christmas then join Bernard in ‘the land where snow covers the ground for most of the year!’. Midway through the Caves, explore Christmas stalls filled with gifts and decorations, and visit our Underground Café for hot drinks and delicious cakes, before the story resumes… The visit takes most people around 1.5 hours to complete.
After Christmas tickets are also available (without Father Christmas, the Christmas stalls or the Underground Café). On the surface, our gift shop will be operating as normal and the Lamproom Café will have a tasty range of drinks, snacks, delicious cakes, and a cosy real fire.
Where? Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Clearwell, Nr Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
Cost:
Adult £19, Child 2 to 12 with gift £19
Baby under 2 with gift £11, Baby under 2 no gift – free entry
Booking: Limited spaces available. Tickets are available to book on Clearwell Caves website.
Parking: Ample free onsite parking
SANTA IN WILTSHIRE
LONGLEAT SANTA TRAIN
Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
Every day until 24th December 2024
Take a trip on Longleat’s Santa Train to make this Christmas extra magical. Journey past Half Mile Pond before arriving at the North Pole Halt, an enchanting snow-covered winter wonderland.
But don’t linger too long, Father Christmas is waiting for you in his woodland winter grotto! He wants to hear all about your Christmas wishes. And who knows, if you’ve been good this year, his elves may even have a gift waiting for you.
Santa Train Ticket:
Child ticket – £23.50 including a Christmas gift.
Adult ticket – £7.50 including hot chocolate and a festive mince pie.
Babies under 12 months who don’t require a gift don’t need a ticket.
NOTE: You must have a valid entry ticket or member ticket in addition to the Santa Train ticket.
Booking: Pre-booking is essential. SOLD OUT
Hopefully, my article has given you some ideas about where to see Father Christmas over the festive season. If you’ve found it helpful, please consider sharing it with friends or families who might also find it useful.
PIN: SANTA GROTTOS BRISTOL & NEARBY GUIDE!
I’m pleased to be working once again with Destination Bristol on the Merry Bristmas campaign and I’d like to thank them for their support with this article.
For more inspiration on festive events in Bristol and surrounding areas, you might like to check out Visit Bristol’s Christmas content and follow the #MerryBristmas hashtag on social media.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2024!
Please always check with the venue/organiser before you travel as times and prices may be subject to change, error or cancellation.
DISCLOSURE: We have been hosted by some of the attractions featured for review purposes. All opinions are my/our own and I retain full editorial control of all content on this site.
