If you want to take the little people in your life to meet Father Christmas this year, but haven’t got round to buying tickets, don’t panic.
Some of the UK’s top Santa attractions still have a small amount of tickets for meet-and-greets on selected dates, and we’ve got the lowdown on what’s still available right here.
Whether it’s ice-skating in an elven village, exploring a medieval castle or getting muddy on a farm, there are some truly incredible venues spreading festive cheer this year, for a range of ages and budgets.
North-West: Lapland UK Manchester
Ticket prices: From £110pp (under-ones go free)
Availability: Six remaining dates between Monday December 15 and Christmas Eve
Beloved by celebrities and even royalty (Kate and William have visited!) this is the ultimate Santa experience - but it’s so much more than that.
Set in a real-life forest (covered in lashings of incredibly lifelike snow), families are taken on a magical immersive journey that includes toy-making in the elf workshop, gingerbread decorating, ice-skating and - of course - a personal meeting with Father Christmas in his cosy cabin.
While ticket prices aren’t cheap (remaining dates start at £110pp) there’s loads included - free parking, a framed photo with Santa, and a toy to take home (plus another to open on the big day).
After first opening in Ascot (just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle), Lapland UK has now set up shop in the North-West with its first Manchester site - and tickets are selling like hot cakes.
North-East: Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley, Durham
Ticket prices: From £36.95pp (under-ones go free)
Availability: Some remaining slots on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December
Prior to meeting the big guy, kids can enjoy a real-life winter wonderland with activities including a ride-on train, a sweet shop, gingerbread decorating and a letter-writing area. The experience ends with a visit to the Elf Toy Shop where little visitors can choose their own gift.
Make sure you leave enough time to visit the rest of the adventure park, which boasts a giant soft play, go-karts and tractor rides along with a working farm that’s home to llamas and pigs.
Midlands: Stories with Santa at Warwick Castle
Ticket prices: From £29pp
Availability: Some remaining slots from Monday 15 December to Christmas Eve
Set inside a jaw-dropping castle, kids will enjoy story time with Santa as well as access to the grounds of the medieval fortress which is currently home to a massive playground, a maze, spooky dungeon and, for the rest of the month, a Christmas market. If you’re feeling extra festive you can upgrade your ticket to include ice skating or the evening light trail (subject to availability).
Greater London: Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow
Ticket prices: From £30 per group for a toddler experience or £31.50 per child for a private meet-and-greet
Availability: Some remaining slots from Wednesday 17 December to Christmas Eve (17 and 18 only for toddler experience)
Set on the outskirts of London, this is as close as city-dwellers will come to the North Pole without venturing beyond the M25. The adventure park and zoo has had a festive makeover for 2025, with visitors treated to a personal appointment with Santa - and under-ones will even get a gift included with their ticket too.
South-East: The Polar Express at Spa Valley Railway, Kent
Ticket prices: From £31.77pp
Availability: Sunday 28, Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December only
Inspired by the classic Christmas story, fans of the film will love this immersive experience set at the Spa Valley Railway. You’ll board a traditional steam train in your pyjamas and be treated to live entertainment, music and stories during the journey - with hot chocolate and cookies for sustenance, of course. True to the film, visitors will go home with a special sleigh bell from Santa himself.
South-West: Pennywell Farm, Devon
Ticket prices: From £17.95pp
Availability: Some remaining slots from December 18 to Christmas Eve
This much-loved farm in Devon is opening its doors to those seeking festive magic, with Christmas bookings including a walking nativity journey, animal petting, festive treats and a visit to the elves’ sweet shop - plus much more fun on the farm. A recent visitor said everyone in her party ‘aged from five to 70’ loved every minute of their visit.
Featured Image Credit: Lapland UK
Unity Blott