Where To See Santa In Derbyshire – Christmas Events

​Where To See Santa In Derbyshire – Christmas Events

Welcome to the enchanting world of Derbyshire’s Santa Claus experiences, where the festive spirit comes alive in many magical ways. From the grandeur of Bolsover Castle to the cosy charm of Chesterfield Canal, there’s a special treat for everyone during this joyous holiday season filled with Christmas spirit. Whether you’re exploring Santa’s Woodland Grotto, basking in the Valley of Christmas Lights, or sipping hot chocolate in an Enchanted Forest, the options are boundless.

It is a time to create cherished memories with our little ones. And that’s just the beginning! We’re continually adding new places and experiences to ensure this festive period is filled with the ultimate Christmas cheer. So, grab your ticket and step into a world where the magic of Christmas knows no bounds for festive fun and see which festive event suits you.

While we are excited to bring you this list of our favourite Father’s Christmas experiences, we can not help but acknowledge that times are tough and even more challenging in a season when finances are very much at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The activities below are great, but remember, children remember the time spent with you no matter what you do at Christmas.

• Please make sure to check the website of the venues as the events through the festive season cover various dates, and most need to be booked in advance. We always do our best to ensure our information is current; however, things can change, so please check with the venue before setting off.

Here is our list of where to see Santa in Derbyshire:

Meet Santa At Denby Pottery Village

Derby Rd, Ripley DE5 8NX

Embark on a festive journey filled with delightful experiences at Pottery Village, the only problem you will have, is which one to choose and that’s why it starts off our where to see Santa in Derbyshire:

Afternoon Tea with Santa

Enjoy a jolly Afternoon Tea at Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro, complete with Storytime with Santa, merry games with his cheerful Elves, and a special Christmas Craft gift bag for each child. Available daily from Saturday 16th to Saturday 23rd December Time: 15:00pm – 17:00pmBook Now

Santa Experience

Join us for a magical family adventure at Pottery Village! Meet Santa, hand-pick a special gift from his Workshop, and revel in fun and festive games in the Denby gardens. Starting Friday 24th November, running until Sunday 24th December Book Now

Breakfast with Mrs Claus – SOLD OUT

Our fun-filled Christmas Eve Breakfast with Mrs Claus at Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro promises Storytime with Mrs Claus, joyful games with Santa’s Helpers, and a cherished Christmas Craft gift bag for every child. Sunday 24th December 2023 Time: Between 9.00am-11.00am(SOLD OUT)

Festive Afternoon Tea

Embrace the holiday spirit with a special Festive Afternoon Tea at Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro, perfect for celebrating with loved ones. Served on Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th, and Thursday 7th December Times: 12:00pm & 14:00pmBook Now

Christmas Crafts Workshop

Join Mrs Claus for a creative Christmas Craft Workshop. Your child will hand-paint their own Christmas-themed design onto a Denby Tea Plate, creating a cherished keepsake to treasure always. Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November Time: 14:00pm in the Craft Studio Book Now

Christmas Lunch

Celebrate the season with a delectable Christmas Lunch, featuring locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Choose from our festive menu and select your favorite dish straight from our hot plate on the day of your visit. Served daily at 12pm, Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th December. Book Now

Breakfast with Santa at Matlock Farm Park

Dates: 26th November and 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th December
Ticket: £25 per person
Address: Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Near Two Dales, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5LH
Book Online

Your day will start with a group welcome from Santa and a delicious breakfast in the Garden Room Cafe. Santa will visit your family during breakfast and discuss the children and their Christmas wishes. Santa will provide a gift specially labelled for your young loved one. Following breakfast, there will be a particular story time in a separate room with Santa’s sister, Mary Christmas! A top choice for where to see Santa in Derbyshire.

Festive Village Santa Experience at Matlock Farm Park

Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd December
Adult: £20, Child (2-4): £30
Address: Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Near Two Dales, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5LH
Book Online

Peak Rail Santa and Steam Special

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays in December (except Sunday 24 December) and Friday 22 December
Address: Peak Rail, Rowsley South Station, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2LF
Book Online

Santa and his Railway Helpers invite you to get Christmas off to a magical start by riding Santa’s festive steam train through the delightful Derbyshire countryside, your own Polar Express. Join them on their special train at Peak Rail from Rowsley South Station.

As you sit back and enjoy the journey, various professional entertainers will perform for you. Santa and his helpers will go through the train and meet everyone at their seats. Santa will have a wonderful age-suitable gift for all the children. Children will receive a bottle of water and a small packet of sweets each, while adults can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie for a Christmas treat. A perfect addition to our where to see Santa in Derbyshire list.

Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth

​Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from 2nd to 23rd December 2023
Session Times: 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm & 4.15pm
Price: £16 per child | £12 per adult
Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
Book Here

Father Christmas will captivate little ears with the story of the first Christmas. Children will then be able to help our elves make some reindeer food and receive a small gift to take home and enjoy. Includes entrance to the farmyard and playground, Father Christmas Storytime, a craft activity with our elves, a gift to take home for children, and a hot drink for adults. Gifts are suitable for ages up to 11. Read more about Christmas at Chatsworth. A classic where to see Santa in Derbyshire addition.

Meet Santa at Thornbridge Hall & Gardens

If you have read our review of Thornbridge Gardens, you will know we are huge fans. So, I have got some fantastic news to kickstart your festive season! The Christmas Market & Underground Santa’s Grotto is happening on the 17th-19th and 24th-26th of November. This year, it will be even bigger and better, spanning two weekends! Get ready to discover an array of local makers and businesses at the Carriage House. It’s the perfect opportunity to support our local heroes, get some Christmas shopping done, and, of course, treat yourself to a cheeky mulled wine and a mince pie or two! 

But wait, there’s more! Our underground bar and nightclub will be wholly transformed into a magical Christmas grotto, and guess who’s dropping by? None other than Santa Claus himself on this where to see Santa in Derbyshire listing! 

Here are Santa’s visiting times:

• Friday 17th & 24th: 11am – 1pm
• Saturday 18th & 25th: 10.30am – 12pm & 1pm – 2.30pm

Sunday 19th & 26th: 10.30am – 12pm & 1pm – 2.30pm

And if you need more than that, your garden entry ticket gives you access to the Market, Grotto, and a sprawling 10 acres of formal gardens! 

But wait, there’s more festive fun coming your way! On 10 December, get ready to double up on laughter with The Babbling Vagabonds and their hilarious Christmas Show – “The Christmas Toyshop Mystery.” After their incredibly successful Waggon of Wonder show in the summer, this is not one to be missed! 

So, mark those dates on your calendar, gather the family, and make this holiday season one for the books! 

Breakfast with Santa at Ilam Park

Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ​

I’ve just stumbled upon the most enchanting place to make unforgettable Christmas memories with your little ones – Ilam Park’s Breakfast with Father Christmas event! Booking in advance is an absolute must for this magical experience. Picture this: you and your family nestled in the cozy tea room, about to meet the one and only Father Christmas himself! 

They serve up a delicious traditional English breakfast that’s sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. And guess what? Santa personally hands out special gifts to the kids! How amazing is that with this where to see Santa in Derbyshire event. 

After breakfast, you can all unwind and enjoy a heartwarming storytime session led by Father Christmas. And the best part? You can join the fun or soak in the holiday magic.

Here’s the lowdown on tickets:

• Adults: £20 (Includes tea, coffee, and a full English breakfast)
• Kids (Over 2 years old): £15 (Includes a full English breakfast, juice, and a present from Santa)
• Little tots (Under 2 years old): £5 (Includes a present from Santa and some beans or egg on toast)

Plus, every penny raised from this heartwarming Christmas event goes towards conserving the beauty of the Peak District – so you’re not just creating special memories but also giving back! 

So, if you’re searching for that perfect spot to create cherished holiday memories with your little ones, Ilam Park is the place to be! Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Sending you all the festive cheer and Christmas magic with this where to see Santa in Derbyshire pick.

And remember to snag your preferred time slot. Trust me, you want to take advantage of this! 

• Current Available Time Slots:
• 9 December: 09:00 – 10:00
• 10 December: 09:00 – 10:00
• 16 December: 09:00 – 10:00
• 17 December: 09:00 – 10:00
• 18 December: 09:00 – 10:00
  

Bolsover Castle Meet Santa

Castle Street, Bolsover, S44 6PR

Step into the magical realm of Bolsover Castle, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of holiday cheer and the halls echo with joyous laughter. This enchanting destination is where children’s dreams come true, as they have the chance to meet none other than Father Christmas himself! Picture it: the grandeur of the castle, adorned in traditional holiday splendor, sets the perfect stage for this wondrous encounter.

As you wander through the castle’s historic chambers, anticipation builds with every step. The excitement reaches its peak as you approach the Star Chamber, a place steeped in history and now transformed into a haven of enchanting tales. Father Christmas, with his twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh, awaits to regale you with festive stories that will warm your heart.

Tickets for this extraordinary experience are priced at £9.50 per child, a small investment for a memory that will last a lifetime. Each child receives not only the gift of storytelling but also a precious keepsake to treasure forever.

For those seeking a more serene and relaxed session, special slots on Sun 17 and Sat 23 Dec at 9am offer a quieter atmosphere, perfect for neurodivergent and disabled guests. It’s a thoughtful touch that ensures everyone can revel in the magic of the season.

Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked slot, and if accessibility is a concern, fear not. The final session of the day, excluding 2 Dec, takes place in the exhibition space, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities.

So, gather your little ones, don your coziest holiday attire, and embark on a journey to Bolsover Castle, where the magic of Christmas comes to life in the most extraordinary way. Book now. A great choice for our where to see Santa in Derbyshire list.

Santa’s Grotto at Poole’s Cavern

Address: Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9DH

Check for Ticket Updates

Parents have raved about their experience of Santa’s Grotto at Poole’s Cavern in past years. This ancient natural limestone cavern is transformed into a magical grotto complete with elves and bright twinkling lights. Kids will receive a gift, and there are lots of photo opportunities.

See Santa just outside of Derbyshire at the places below:

Santa’s Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park

Dates: Saturday 25th November and Sunday 26th November, Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd of December, Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th of December, Thursday 21st until Friday 24th December

Prices: From £12.95 per child (20% OFF if you book before 10 October).

Address: Winkhill, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands, ST13 7QR

More Information and Booking

This Christmas, bring the whole family to Peak Wildlife Park to meet Santa in his magical Grotto! The elves have some Christmas crafts planned for all to enjoy and are on hand to help you write your letter to Santa before visiting the man himself for an early festive treat with this where to see Santa in Derbyshire addition.

Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers

Dates: Last weekend in November, first three weekends in December, then 18th to 23rd December

From £85 per person

Book Here

Book into the Alton Towers Santa Sleepover to meet Santa in his Grotto and experience an overnight stay at one of Alton Tower’s fabulously themed hotels with dinner and breakfast included. As this is Alton Towers, there is so much more on offer, providing a magical Christmas experience!

Breakfast with Santa at Longshaw

Dates: Sat 2, Sun 3, Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16, Sun 17 December, 9.00am – 10.00am
Address: Longshaw, Burbage, Sheffield, S11 7TZ

Meet Father Christmas over a cooked breakfast. Longshaw Cafe is one of Father Christmas’s regular cafes in the Peak District, often popping by with presents for the children he meets here. Ticket price includes cooked breakfast, a story, meeting Santa with gifts for the children, and parking. These breakfasts often sell out, so booking early is advised.

Father Christmas is taking time off to welcome you to his secret workshop at Torr Vale Mill. Children and families can discover magical secrets and the true spirit of Christmas. All children will take home a special gift, and adults can enjoy a free hot drink at the onsite bar – Torr Vale Tap!

As the holiday season draws near, I can’t help but get excited about all the enchanting festivities that await us. From the heartwarming visits with Mrs. Claus to the awe-inspiring sight of real reindeer, every moment at these special events promises pure magic with the children. The bustling marketplaces, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, offer a wide range of treasures, making it the perfect place to find that special present.

And let’s remember the ultimate Christmas experience of meeting Father Christmas himself, a memory that will surely be treasured forever. The Chatsworth Christmas Market, a favourite spot of mine, exudes a festive atmosphere like no other, and the bag of magical reindeer food is the perfect touch. It’s a complete yearly sell-out, so securing your ticket in time is crucial. With limited slots available, this is one event you will want to attend. Thornbridge Gardens is also a favourite, and we hope for the first time to get ourselves booked on the Santa Express.

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