Santa’s Schedule: where to visit Santa in the UK
Its that most wonderful time of the year. The hint of magic in the air with anticipation of what Santa will be leaving you under the Christmas Tree. We are all on our best behaviour, adults too, as we know Santa will be checking his list twice. But I think the biggest thing about the Christmas season is the memories it makes and what better memories than taking your children to see Santa
Of course he is so busy he does have to have some help, and Stagecoach have come to his aid to help him out and make sure he is in the right place at the right time. Here’s the run-down of where you can visit Santa’s grotto in 2016.
Where to visit Santa in the North East
Santa and his reindeers are heading to the North East soon to meet local boys and girls and find out what they would like for Christmas. His calendar is pretty jam packed, but here’s where you can meet him this year:
Intu Metrocentre, Gateshead — Santa arrives on Saturday 12th November 2016 and will stay until Saturday 24th December 2016, when he’ll have to dash off to catch up on his deliveries. Visit him in his grotto and each child will receive a free Playmobil gift from the man himself.
Opening times:
- Monday – Friday 10am – 8pm
- Saturday – 9am – 7pm
- Sunday – 11am – 5pm
- Christmas Eve – Closed at 4pm
Beamish, Country Durham — If its traditional you look for , head to Beamish. Santa will be warming himself by the fireside grotto from the 19th November to Christmas Eve, you will have plenty of time to get your Christmas list to him and even skate on the ice rink.
From 10am to 4pm and open everyday.
Where to meet Santa in the North West
If you up in the North West, the you can get your little ones the chance to meet Father Christmas and pass on their wish lists. Here’s where he’ll be this year:
Hamleys, Manchester — Hamleys is the perfect place for your little one to meet Father Christmas. Santa will be at the Manchester store from 26th November to 24th December. It will be hosted in group sessions, your little ones will get to hear festive stories, write their own wish lists and of course meet St Nick himself. They can enjoy festive treats and receive a goody bag too.
Various slots available — this one is always busy so booking online advised.
Cheshire Reindeer Lodge, Cheshire — You cant have Santa without his reindeers. Visit Cheshire Reindeer Lodge to meet and feed Rudolph and co., see some fun elf shows and meet Santa himself. There will be a fairground and donkey rides, with each child receiving a gift from Santa too.
Entry available from 10am to 6.30pm.
Where to meet Santa in Scotland
Santa Land, Edinburgh — Santa has his grotto in Santa Land this year, near the Christmas Tree Maze and Santa Train, and will be there between 19th November and Christmas Eve. He will be of course dishing out gifts too!
Opening times:
- 10.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday
- 10.30am to 8pm Saturday & Sunday
- 10.30am to 7.30pm Christmas Eve
Hamleys, Glasgow – For an extra special experience involving seasonal games, activities and snacks why not visit Father Christmas at Hamleys in Glasgow. Children will receive a gift bag full of treats to take home. Visit Santa between the 26th of November and the 24th of December – as that’s the last date he’ll be there before taking to the skies for Christmas deliveries! However, it’s expected to be a busy event – so you’ll want to book online!
Where to visit Santa in London
Santa’s Grotto, Leicester Square – In Leicester Square, Santa will be in a sparkling grotto at the centre of a Christmas market and vintage Speigeltent. It’ll be a cosy place for parents and children, with a fully stocked assortment of Christmas shows on top of seeing Santa. Entry to the area is free, but you’ll need to book tickets for Satan’s Grotto. The event runs from the 11th of November till the 8th of January, 2017. However, you’ll only be able to meet Santa at key times, so book online to avoid disappointment.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park – Amongst winter markets and ice skating at Hype Park, you’ll find Santa Land, where there is a toy factor, rides for littles ones and a grotto housing Santa! Entry is free, and the grotto is open from 10am to 6pm every day. If you’re taking the bus, parents can enjoy a glass of Gluhwein or two. The event runs from the 18th November 2016 to the 2nd of January.
Where to meet Santa in Oxfordshire
Didcot Railway Centre, Oxford – For those who love Thomas the tank engine as much as Santa and want to meet them the same time there is Didcot Railway Centre who will be hosting a winter treat for December 2016. Both Thomas and Santa will be welcoming the children . This will be available at specific times throughout December:
- Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 December
- Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 December
- Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 December
- Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 December
Pleas note that the admission includes a rise on trains and activities. It’s priced at £15 for children aged 1-15, which includes a gift from Santa, or £15 for adults. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
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