It’s that time of year again; time to visit Santa!
Last year, spotting the big man in red was from a distance, but this year looks set to be more of a return to normal.
You’ll see him at supermarkets, shopping centres, playgroups, garden centres and just passing by your house sometimes.
You can even have breakfast or tea with Santa and his elves if you fancy.
Whatever your kids would like, and whatever your budget, there are a lot of chances to see the Santa before Christmas.
Please check the individual events as they tend to run on selected dates, and you may need to book ahead.
FREE or cheap
Rugby Rokeby Lions Santa sleigh (Rugby)
The sleigh, elves and Santa visit major shopping locations on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays right through the month, and tour residential areas of Rugby in the evenings. Selected dates – follow the Facebook page for updates and routes.
Daventry Country Park (Daventry)
Father Christmas is touching down at Daventry Country Park to meet children in the run-up to the big day. Just £1.50 per child and each child will receive a special present from Santa. 21st December only.
Grottos
1st North Pole Scout Group (Rugby)
Set up and run by 3 Scout groups, this experience is beyond amazing! There are rooms to go into that have crafting activities, more trees than you can imagine, and of course Santa himself. Only 50% of tickets are bookable so there is always a slot available for walk-up visitors.
Whilton Locks (Daventry)
This family-run garden centre has loads of Christmas activities running, from ice skating to grotto experiences, crafts and more.
Manor Farm Catthorpe (Rugby)
Pre-book a visit to see Santa. Each child will receive a gift and a packed-up tea. 15th and 16th December only.
Kenilworth Fire Station (Kenilworth)
Meet Santa in his Grotto at Kenilworth Fire Station, with games and competitions, tours of the fire engine, and tea and coffee for the grown-ups. 18th December only.
Touchwood (Solihull)
Visit Santa’s grotto or Santa’s Post Train. Must be pre-booked.
Coventry Transport Museum (Coventry)
Wander through a magical winter wonderland of festive activities and snowy scenes before taking a ride on an enchanting vintage sleigh, pulled by two trusty reindeer. Your next stop? Lapland. Meet Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes, receive a magic key and collect your gift from our elf’s toy shop.
Devonshire Arms (Coventry)
Pre-booked only. Tickets include breakfast, drink and a small gift. 18th December only.
Rugby Fire Station (Rugby)
Santa will be in his grotto for you to come and visit him at a cost of just £2.50 per child. There will also be activities including crafts, tombola and a raffle. 20th December between 10:00 – 14:00 only.
Hatton Adventure World (Warwick)
Take a walk through the enchanted forest and watch a special Christmas Panto starring Father Christmas. Get creative with gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making and go for a spin on the festive funfair rides and much more. Tickets include entry into Hatton Adventure World as well as access to the Enchanted Christmas Kingdom.
Warwick Castle (Warwick)
Lots of festive activities including a visit to see Santa and entry to the castle. In partnership with Orchard Toys.
Magic Alley (Stratford-upon-Avon)
From the moment that you enter Magic Alley, you are plunged straight into a magical wonderland of storytelling and childhood memories.
West Lodge Farm (Kettering)
Pop on your magical glasses and walk through the twinkly wood, make some magical reindeer food and decorate a card for someone special. Go to the Elf School where one of Santa’s Elves will give you a lesson on how to be the perfect Christmas Elf. Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto.
Dobbies Garden Centres (Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Northampton)
Santa’s Grotto is one of the most exciting festive experiences at Dobbies. Bring your little ones along to explore the enchanted setting, be welcomed by Santa himself and receive a toy of your choice.
Bosworth’s Garden Centre (Bourton Latimer)
Join Santa as he reads some of his favourite stories to you and join in a singalong with him too. All children receive a gift from Santa at the end of the session.
Compton Verney (Warwick)
Santa’s Magical Woodland Grotto with letter posting along the way.
Breakfast or tea with Santa
If you want to enjoy a longer experience of either breakfast or tea with Santa, check out these options. Please check the individual details for each event, but usually these include a meal, activities and interaction with Santa.
Whilton Locks (Daventry)
1st North Pole Scout Group (Rugby)
Warwick Castle (Warwick)
Dobbies Garden Centres (Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Northampton)
Bosworth’s Garden Centre (Bourton Latimer and Elton)
Trails
Draycote Water (Rugby)
Severn Trent Naughty Elf Christmas Trail
The Bull Ring (Birmingham)
Snowman Trail walking with The Snowman trail in Birmingham City Centre.
Rugby Town Centre
Snowman and Snowdog trail (Rugby)
Charlecote Park (Stratford)
Percy the Park Keeper trail. Join in with family trail activities around the park and gardens on Percy’s winter wander. Spot themed artworks along the way
Coventry Cathedral (Coventry)
‘The Snowman’ Tour at Coventry Cathedral – 23rd December 2021 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
Illumnations
Warwick Castle light trail. 27th November- 3rd January.
Coombe Abbey Park (Coventry) Winter Light Trail. 18th November- 24th December.
Ice skating
Whilton Locks (Daventry)
Warwick Castle (Warwick)
Coventry Cathedral (Coventry)
Other Christmas experiences
Tudor World (Stratford-upon-Avon)
Santa will be storytelling at Tudor World in Stratford upon Avon from – included in the price of entry. 17th to 24th December.
Kineton Christmas Tree trail (Kenilworth)
300-500 individually decorated and themed Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses, charities and individuals, creating a mapped walking trail all around the village of Kineton and Little Kineton.
Tamworth SnowDome (Tamworth)
Winter Wonderland family fun sessions.
Eathorpe Christmas light (Leamington Spa)
Annual village decorated with lights.
Carol services
TBC.
Plays and shows
Beauty and the Beast – Belgrade Theatre
24th November – 8th January 2022
Aladdin – Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall
4th Dec – 2nd January 2022
Santa’s Magical Mystery Guest – Belgrade Theatre
9th – 24th December 2021
A Christmas Carol – Belgrade Theatre
12th – 23th December 2021
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Warwick Ars Centre
18th December 11am – 24th December 2021 2pm
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