Santa’s grottos · Christmas 2026
Santa’s grottos near Leicester
We’ve checked 16 Santa’s grottos within 23 miles of Leicester. 12 have confirmed 2026 dates, 4 are still to announce. The first opens on Saturday 14 November (Deck the Halls: Meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle).
Where prices are published, entry runs from £18 to £29.95 per child. 12 include a gift in the price. Where booking hasn’t opened yet, the listing says when it does.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Stoughton Grange
Stoughton Grange (next to The Cow & Plough), Oadby · 3 miles from Leicester · run by Steamin' Billy
- When
- See dates below
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Adults pay
- No
- Booking opens
- Friday 25 September
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Grotto dates are given when booking; booking opened Friday 25 September
Times: Slots at 11am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1pm, 1:40pm, 2:20pm and 3pm
Prices: A ticket covers 1 child with 2 accompanying adults; extra child tickets are sold. See the booking page for prices.
The grotto is in the old piggery beside the Cow & Plough, with small sessions of at most 8 children per slot.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: steamin-billy.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto and Santa Paws at Buttercups Tearoom
Buttercups Tearoom, Billesdon · 9 miles from Leicester
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Tue 22 Dec
- Price
- From £18
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £18.00 (adults £2.50, infants under 12 months £2.50)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 5 minutes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21 and Tue 22 December 2026
Times: Morning and afternoon five-minute slots with breaks between sessions; times shown when booking
Prices: Child £18.00 (includes present), dog £18.00 (includes present), adult £2.50, infant under 12 months £2.50. One family visit takes up to 4 children, 6 adults, 2 infants and 2 dogs
Each family gets its own five-minute visit with Father Christmas, and dogs can come in on a Santa Paws ticket. Arrive at least ten minutes early. Cancellations need 48 hours' notice and carry a £5 admin fee; dogs must stay on leads.
Dogs: WelcomeUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: buttercupstearoom.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Great Central Santa Express
Great Central Railway, Loughborough Central, Loughborough · 9 miles from Leicester · run by Great Central Railway
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £27.50
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 28 November – 24 December 2026
Times: Timed departures from Loughborough Central; arrive 30 minutes before
Prices: Tickets from £27.50; price varies by date and time. Premium private compartments for up to 8 are also sold
A steam train runs to Leicester North with a 25-minute stop for a photo with Santa in his grotto, and returns behind a heritage diesel. Each child meets Santa and gets a gift, an activity pack and a festive drink and treat; adults get a mince pie and an Irish cream liqueur. Only assistance dogs are allowed on board.
Parking: Free on-street parking near Loughborough CentralAccess: Accessible coach with a limited number of wheelchair spaces, which must be reserved online when buying ticketsDogs: Not allowedChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: gcrailway.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas Woodlands at Manor Farm
Manor Farm Park & Woodlands, East Leake · 13 miles from Leicester
- When
- Sun 29 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £29.95
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £39.95 (age 2–16), £29.95 (under 2)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Sun 29 Nov; weekends from 5 Dec; Mon 21, Tue 22 and Wed 23 Dec; Thu 24 Dec (11 dates in all)
Times: Farm open 8.30am–5pm (Christmas Eve to 2pm). Woodlands/Santa 9am–1.30pm and 2.15pm–5pm (Sun 29 Nov and Christmas Eve: 9am–1.45pm)
Prices: Booking panel lists child aged 2–16 £39.95, child under 2 £29.95, adult £19.95, babe in arms £0. Ticket covers all-day farm entry and a timed Santa visit. Children with membership £22.95–£28.95 depending on date; adults with membership free
Each child gets a Christmas Passport covering Santa, a gift from his toy shop, gingerbread decorating, reindeer food and a letter to Santa. The time on the ticket is for seeing Santa, not arrival, and can run 15 minutes late. The woodlands close 1.30–2.15pm for lunch, and general farm entry cannot be booked on event dates. Only registered guide dogs are allowed.
Parking: Free, no booking neededAccess: Paths suit most wheelchairs and pushchairs; wheelchairs are welcome in Santa's Grotto, mobility scooters cannot go in, and pushchairs are discouraged in the grottoDogs: Not allowedUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: manorfarm.info Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Dine with Santa at Gates Garden Centre Oakham
Gates Garden Centre, Oakham (also offered at Gates Woodlands, Hinckley), Cold Overton, Oakham · 14 miles from Leicester · run by Gates Garden Centres
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Breakfast with Santa
Dates: Saturday 28 November until Christmas Eve 2026; breakfast and dinner sittings
Breakfast or dinner with Santa and his elves in the Thornton Suite at Oakham, or at Fred & Ivy's Restaurant at Hinckley. Every child ticket includes a gift. Each table booking must include a child ticket, seating is pre-allocated and separate bookings cannot be combined; menus are for ages 2+ and babies in arms are free.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: gatesgardencentre.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Magical Christmas Journey at Mini Meadows Farm
Mini Meadows Farm, Welford · 15 miles from Leicester
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- Farm open 10am–5pm daily
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 60 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2026
An hour-long walk-through of an ice cave, Christmas village and winter forest ending at Santa's workshop, where each child chooses a gift from his toy shop. Ticket also includes full-day farm entry, the indoor sandpit and play areas, reindeer food to make, a mince pie and hot drink for adults and a sweet treat for children. The farm is on the Leicestershire–Northamptonshire border.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: minimeadowsfarm.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Twinlakes Winter Wonderland
Twinlakes Park, Melton Mowbray · 16 miles from Leicester
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 28 November – 24 December
Prices: Santa's Grotto needs a separate ticket on top of day admission; online day tickets carry a 25% discount. See the booking page for prices.
Only children need a Santa ticket; accompanying adults go in free. Each child gets a golden ticket to choose a gift in the gift shop, and the visit includes a sleigh ride through a fairy-tale forest to Santa's log cabin. The park has 125,000 sq ft of heated indoor play.
Parking: Free parkingChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: twinlakespark.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Welford Christmas Tree Farm
Welford Christmas Tree Farm, Welford · 17 miles from Leicester
- When
- Mon 7 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Times
- Farm open 9am–4pm daily
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19 and 20 December 2026
A one-to-one visit with Santa and a gift; money raised goes to the Leicestershire MS Therapy Centre. Storytime with Santa is a separate booking. Weekend visits to the farm need a free timed-entry ticket, and it is a working farm so wear wellies. Reindeer are on site 5–22 December.
Parking: Free, expanded car parkAccess: Tree yard, tipi, cafe and shop are wheelchair accessible; the plantations are uneven with tree stumps and not suitable for pushchairsChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: welfordchristmastreefarm.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Winter Wonderland and Santa's Grotto at Conkers
Conkers, Moira · 18 miles from Leicester
- When
- From Sat 28 Nov
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Opens Saturday 28 November 2026 (opening weekend 28–29 Nov); Discovery Centre opens 10am daily
Times: Timed Winter Wonderland slots; arrive 30 minutes early. Discovery Centre opens 10am
A Conkerchoo train takes you to a timed walk of about 30–40 minutes through the Valley of Lights to Santa's Grotto, where each child gets a token to choose their own gift. Adults get a free mulled wine and festive treat, children a gingerbread biscuit. Gingerbread decorating is £2.50, pot painting £4 and reindeer food £2 per child. SEN sessions with fewer visitors are offered.
Parking: Free parking at the Discovery Centre and Waterside CentreChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitconkers.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Deck the Halls: Meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, near Grantham · 23 miles from Leicester
- When
- Sat 14 Nov – Wed 30 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 14 November – 30 December 2026
The castle's state rooms are themed on Christmas carols, with a Mice Trail, a visit to Father Christmas, festive afternoon tea and Castle by Candlelight. Prices are on the castle's booking pages. About 45 minutes' drive from Leicester.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: discover-rutland.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Twycross Zoo (Lanterns of the Wild)
Twycross Zoo, Twycross
- When
- See dates below
- Times
- Lanterns trail: latest entry 8pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Lanterns of the Wild runs 6 November 2026 – 21 February 2027; grotto sessions are booked separately and dates are shown at booking
Prices: Grotto is a separate ticket; see the booking page for the price. Lanterns trail tickets: adult from £19.00, child from £13.75
The grotto is inside the Himalaya building and every child with a paid ticket gets a plush gift; under-6-month-olds are free but get no gift. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+. Photos are available to buy. Book the grotto slot with a gap from your Lanterns trail time.
Parking: £4 per vehicleAccess: Grotto and trail are step-free and suit pushchairs and wheelchairsUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: twycrosszoo.org Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Winter Wonderland and Santa's Grotto at Tropical Birdland
Tropical Birdland, Desford
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 5–6, 11–13, 18–20 and 22–23 December 2026
Families carry a lantern on a lit walk down to Santa's Grotto, passing his fairy friends on the way. Prices and times are on the Tropical Birdland ticket page.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: magazines.raring2go.co.uk Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Santa's Grotto at Windmill Farm Park
Windmill Farm Park, Kibworth Harcourt · 9 miles from Leicester
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- Not published
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Last year: weekends from 29 November and daily 12–24 December 2025
Last year's ticket covered a visit to Santa, a small gift from the elves' toy shop, an ornament to make, real reindeer, a gingerbread cookie and the farm's indoor and outdoor play. No 2026 dates announced yet.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitharborough.com Details - Awaiting 2026 dates
Meet Santa at the Deer Barns, Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park, Deer Barns Visitor Centre, Newtown Linford · run by Bradgate Park Trust
- When
- Last year: every weekend from 29 November 2025
- Price
- Not published
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Last year's grotto had elves, festive crafting and a gift, and pre-booking was essential. No 2026 dates announced yet.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitleicester.info Details - Awaiting 2026 dates
Santa's Magical Grotto Experience at Spanhoe Lodge
Spanhoe Lodge, Laxton, near Corby · 23 miles from Leicester
- When
- Last year: 6–21 December 2025, 12pm–8pm
- Price
- Not published
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Last year's visit had a light trail, a letter to Santa, an early present, a photo opportunity and cookie decorating with Mrs Claus. About 50 minutes' drive from Leicester.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: discover-rutland.co.uk Details - Awaiting 2026 dates
SEND-friendly Santa's Grotto at Amy's House
Amy's House, Burbage
- When
- Last year: Sunday 14 December 2025
- Price
- Not published
- Type
- Grotto visit
A calm grotto designed for children with additional needs, run once last year.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitleicester.info Details
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa's Grotto at Stoughton Grange | Oadby (3 mi) | Grotto dates are given when booking; booking opened Friday 25 September | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto and Santa Paws at Buttercups Tearoom | Billesdon (9 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Tue 22 Dec | £18 | Book ahead |
| Great Central Santa Express | Loughborough (9 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £27.50 | Book ahead |
| Christmas Woodlands at Manor Farm | East Leake (13 mi) | Sun 29 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £29.95 | Book ahead |
| Dine with Santa at Gates Garden Centre Oakham | Cold Overton, Oakham (14 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Magical Christmas Journey at Mini Meadows Farm | Welford (15 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Twinlakes Winter Wonderland | Melton Mowbray (16 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Welford Christmas Tree Farm | Welford (17 mi) | Mon 7 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Winter Wonderland and Santa's Grotto at Conkers | Moira (18 mi) | From Sat 28 Nov | — | Book ahead |
| Deck the Halls: Meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle | Belvoir, near Grantham (23 mi) | Sat 14 Nov – Wed 30 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Twycross Zoo (Lanterns of the Wild) | Twycross | Lanterns of the Wild runs 6 November 2026 – 21 February 2027; grotto sessions are booked separately and dates are shown at booking | — | Book ahead |
| Winter Wonderland and Santa's Grotto at Tropical Birdland | Desford | Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Windmill Farm Park | Kibworth Harcourt (9 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | — |
| Meet Santa at the Deer Barns, Bradgate Park | Newtown Linford | Awaiting 2026 | — | — |
| Santa's Magical Grotto Experience at Spanhoe Lodge | Laxton, near Corby (23 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | — |
| SEND-friendly Santa's Grotto at Amy's House | Burbage | Awaiting 2026 | — | — |
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Common questions
When do Santa’s grotto bookings open near Leicester?
Santa's Grotto at Stoughton Grange: Friday 25 September. Popular weekend slots can go within days, so it pays to be ready.
Which Leicester grottos include a present?
Santa's Grotto and Santa Paws at Buttercups Tearoom, Great Central Santa Express, Christmas Woodlands at Manor Farm, Dine with Santa at Gates Garden Centre Oakham, Magical Christmas Journey at Mini Meadows Farm and Santa's Grotto at Twinlakes Winter Wonderland and 6 others include a gift for each child in the ticket price.
Are any Santa’s grottos near Leicester free?
None of the ones we checked is free. The cheapest is Santa's Grotto and Santa Paws at Buttercups Tearoom at £18, and the dearest Christmas Woodlands at Manor Farm at £29.95.
When do Santa’s grottos near Leicester open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Deck the Halls: Meet Father Christmas at Belvoir Castle (Sat 14 Nov); Magical Christmas Journey at Mini Meadows Farm (Sat 21 Nov); Great Central Santa Express (Sat 28 Nov); Dine with Santa at Gates Garden Centre Oakham (Sat 28 Nov); Santa's Grotto at Twinlakes Winter Wonderland (Sat 28 Nov); plus 5 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
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