Santa’s grottos · Christmas 2026
Santa’s grottos near York
We’ve checked 14 Santa’s grottos within 30 miles of York. 13 have confirmed 2026 dates, 1 is still to announce. The first opens on Friday 13 November (Santa at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland).
Where prices are published, entry runs from £6 to £31 per child. 12 include a gift in the price.
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 Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Pickering Station, Pickering · 23 miles from York · run by North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Times
- Departures at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00
- Price
- From £29.50
- Per child
- £29.50-£39.50 depending on date (one price per person; no separate child price listed)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Visit length
- 60 minutes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 28-29 Nov; 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 22-24 Dec
Prices: £29.50 per person 28-29 Nov; £34.50 per person 5-6 and 12-13 Dec; £39.50 per person 19-20 and 22-24 Dec; carer tickets £17.50; £1.50 booking fee per booking
One-hour steam train round trip between Pickering and Levisham, with Santa visiting on board. Each child gets a gingerbread man plush toy and a festive book. Station activities include fete games and a post box for letters to Santa. Wheelchair-user tickets can be booked online.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: nymr.co.uk Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Christmas Tour at York's Chocolate Story
York's Chocolate Story, York
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- From £27.50
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £27.50 (2-4 yrs £5, under 2s free)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 75 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 28-29 Nov; 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 Dec
Times: Various times through the day; choose when booking
Prices: Adult £27.50, child £27.50, infant (2-4 yrs) £5, under 2s free
A guided tour with one of Santa's elves, a meeting with Santa, decorating a chocolate lolly and a live chocolatier demo, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Every child gets an age-appropriate gift and sweet treats; adults get a festive gift and hot chocolate.
Parking: No on-site parking; several car parks within walking distanceAccess: Described as fully accessible; free carer tickets for paying disabled visitorsUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: yorkschocolatestory.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas at Murton Park (Santa's Staycation)
Murton Park, Derwent Valley Light Railway, Murton, York · 3 miles from York · run by Murton Park
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Tue 22 Dec
- Price
- From £6
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £23 (ages 0-1 £6)
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 28-29 Nov, 5-6 Dec, 12-13 Dec, 19-22 Dec
Times: Sessions every 20 minutes from 9:20am to 4:20pm (every 30 minutes from 9:30am on 28-29 Nov)
Prices: Adults £12, children £23, ages 0-1 £6, carers £8 (valid card)
Includes a Derwent Valley Light Railway ride, a Mother Christmas show, storytime with Humbug the Elf, a Santa visit with photo, a toy shop using North Pole money, crafts and reindeer food-making. Adults get a mince pie. Online booking only, no walk-ins; arrive 30 minutes before your slot. Most activities are outdoors, so dress warmly.
Parking: On site; postcode YO19 5UFAccess: Buggies welcome except during the Santa audience; buggy parking provided; toilets on siteDogs: Not allowedUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: murtonpark.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Father Christmas Experience at the Web Adventure Park
The Web Adventure Park, York · 3 miles from York
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £24.95 per person
- Per child
- From £24.95
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 28-29 Nov; 5-6, 12-13 and 19-24 Dec
Times: Park open from 9:30am to 6:00pm; your timed slot covers the visit to Father Christmas
A private family audience with Father Christmas, real reindeer, a sleigh photo spot, an elf library and toy shop. The ticket includes unlimited fairground rides, festive shows and indoor and outdoor play. Spread-the-cost payment in three instalments is offered; some slots fill quickly.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: webadventurepark.co.uk Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Breakfast with Santa at the Web Adventure Park
The Web Adventure Park, York · 3 miles from York
- When
- Thursday 10 December
- Price
- From £10.95
- Per child
- From £10.95
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Breakfast with Santa
Prices: From £10.95 per person; does not include park rides, the toy shop or the elf library
Breakfast in the indoor play centre with a Christmas pancake for children, then Father Christmas takes the group to his grotto for a gift. Children can stay and play in the indoor area afterwards. A separate Baby Meets Santa session runs on 14 December from £10.95.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: webadventurepark.co.uk Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
Designer Outlet York, South Entrance, York · 3 miles from York · run by Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
- When
- Fri 13 Nov – Sun 3 Jan
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Winter Wonderland runs 13 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027; Santa visits are booked by date on the booking site
A reservation is required to visit Santa in his cabin, and each child receives a gift. Up to four children per booking. Separate fairground rides such as the Waltzer, dodgems and children's rides are on site.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: yorkshireswinterwonderland.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Elf Training at Allerton Castle (Harrogate Father Christmas Experience)
Allerton Castle, Allerton Mauleverer, near Knaresborough · 12 miles from York · run by Enchanticas
- When
- See dates below
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 2026, multiple dates and times; see the ticket page
An elf training workshop, an Elf Training Show in the Ballroom with Santa, a personal meeting with Father Christmas, a gift and a photo by his sleigh. Babes in arms up to 12 months are free and children up to 18 months are welcome. A relaxed show with less sensory stimulation and a Codebreakers Christmas for ages 7 and over are also offered.
Access: Pushchairs cannot be taken inside; babies must be carriedUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: enchanticas.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard
Castle Howard, Malton, near York · 13 miles from York
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 21 Nov - 24 Dec (selected dates)
Prices: From £60 for children; maximum two adults per booking
Includes a Christmas show, a one-to-one moment with Father Christmas and a gift for each child. Recommended for ages 4 and over. Separate from the house-and-gardens ticket for A Dickens of a Christmas (from £24).
Parking: £7.25 per car, pre-booked; free for Blue Badge holdersAccess: Not wheelchair accessibleChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: castlehoward.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto in the Jellycat Shop at Castle Howard
Castle Howard, Stable Courtyard, Malton, near York · 13 miles from York · run by Castle Howard
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £37.50
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 28 Nov - 24 Dec (selected dates)
A one-to-one visit with Santa, with a special Jellycat toy to take home. The Jellycat Shop is new at Castle Howard for 2026.
Parking: £7.25 per car, pre-booked; free for Blue Badge holdersAccess: Fully wheelchair accessibleChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: castlehoward.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas Adventure with Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park, Wetherby · 14 miles from York
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Times
- Santa open until 7pm
- Price
- From £31
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- Silver from £31.00, Gold from £42.50 (park entry and grotto)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 21 Nov - 24 Dec (Gold tickets weekends 21 Nov-13 Dec and daily 18-24 Dec; Silver daily 21 Nov-24 Dec); illuminations and ice skating to 3 Jan 2027
Prices: Gold (with Santa's grotto and theatre show): child from £42.50, adult from £32.50. Silver (with grotto, no show): child from £31.00, adult from £21.00. Illuminations, forest and maze tickets from £18.50 do not include the grotto.
Families walk through a North Pole village, ride an elevator to Santa's log cabin, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, have photos taken and get a gift. One family at a time meets Santa. Under-2s are free for main activities but need a paid ticket for the grotto. Dogs are not allowed except service animals.
Access: One free companion for eligible disabled guestsDogs: Not allowedChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: stockeldpark.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave
Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well, Knaresborough · 16 miles from York · run by Mother Shipton's Cave
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £18
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £18-£19 Santa ticket, plus family admission £44-£46
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 28 Nov - 24 Dec; most expensive on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-24 Dec
Times: Timed slots; arrive 15 minutes before your Santa time
Prices: Santa Experience ticket (ages 0-12) £18-£19 per child, on top of family admission (up to 5 people) £44-£46; £1.50 booking fee per order
A winter woodland walk to Santa's grotto, with a private family meeting and a soft toy for each child. Everyone, including babes in arms, counts towards the 5-person family ticket. Dogs are not allowed during the Christmas event except assistance dogs.
Parking: Included with car admission for your sessionAccess: Middle areas are pushchair and wheelchair accessible but some walkways are narrow; the Cave and Wells have three flights of stepsDogs: Not allowedUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: mothershipton.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Dobbies York
Dobbies Garden Centre York, York · run by Dobbies
- When
- Sun 22 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 22 Nov - 24 Dec; not all dates run at every store, so check York availability when booking
Children get a collectable penguin soft toy. Arrive at your booked time, no earlier than 5 minutes before. A maximum of 2 adults per child. Professional photos are sold with a 20% discount if pre-booked. A quieter grotto for children with additional needs is run separately.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: events.dobbies.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale · 30 miles from York
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 28 Nov - 24 Dec
A woodland trail past decorated winter scenes and elves' homes to Santa's sitting room. Each child chats with Santa, has a keepsake photo taken and gets a gift. Price not published yet. About 50 minutes from York.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: thorpperrow.com Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Santa Airlines at Yorkshire Air Museum
Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York · 6 miles from York
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- Last year: £12 per child plus museum admission
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Last year: 13-14 and 20-22 December 2025, £12 per child plus museum admission
Last year children did activities with Santa's elves in the Departure Lounge, then took a pretend flight in a Dakota aircraft to meet Santa. Each child could bring one adult. No 2026 dates are published yet.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: yorkshireairmuseum.org Book a visit
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway | Pickering (23 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £29.50 | — |
| Santa's Christmas Tour at York's Chocolate Story | York | Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £27.50 | Book ahead |
| Christmas at Murton Park (Santa's Staycation) | Murton, York (3 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Tue 22 Dec | £6 | Book ahead |
| Father Christmas Experience at the Web Adventure Park | York (3 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £24.95 | — |
| Breakfast with Santa at the Web Adventure Park | York (3 mi) | Thursday 10 December | £10.95 | — |
| Santa at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland | York (3 mi) | Fri 13 Nov – Sun 3 Jan | — | Book ahead |
| Elf Training at Allerton Castle (Harrogate Father Christmas Experience) | Allerton Mauleverer, near Knaresborough (12 mi) | 2026, multiple dates and times; see the ticket page | — | Book ahead |
| Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard | Malton, near York (13 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto in the Jellycat Shop at Castle Howard | Malton, near York (13 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Christmas Adventure with Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park | Wetherby (14 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £31 | Book ahead |
| Santa Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave | Knaresborough (16 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £18 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Dobbies York | York | Sun 22 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Thorp Perrow Arboretum | Bedale (30 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa Airlines at Yorkshire Air Museum | Elvington, York (6 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
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Common questions
Which York grottos include a present?
Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Santa's Christmas Tour at York's Chocolate Story, Breakfast with Santa at the Web Adventure Park, Santa at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, Elf Training at Allerton Castle (Harrogate Father Christmas Experience) and Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard and 6 others include a gift for each child in the ticket price.
Are any Santa’s grottos near York free?
None of the ones we checked is free. The cheapest is Christmas at Murton Park (Santa's Staycation) at £6, and the dearest Christmas Adventure with Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park at £31.
When do Santa’s grottos near York open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Santa at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland (Fri 13 Nov); Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard (Sat 21 Nov); Christmas Adventure with Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park (Sat 21 Nov); Santa's Grotto at Dobbies York (Sun 22 Nov); Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Sat 28 Nov); plus 7 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.