Where To See Santa in Nottingham – To make the most of your visit, remember that most venues require pre-booking with a time slot, and some have specific requirements for child tickets, adult tickets, and general admission fees. Always check each location’s privacy policy, opening times, and car parking arrangements to ensure a smooth experience.
Check out our Where To See Santa Across The UK This Christmas

Abbie Coleman, editor of MMB Magazine and the mind behind Ey-Up Nottingham, is passionate about helping parents save time and money by curating the best family activities. As a mum and local expert, Abbie searches high and low to bring you top Christmas events and family-friendly experiences across Nottinghamshire, so you don’t miss out on the magic of the season. Follow along as Abbie explores Nottingham’s best Christmas events and Santa experiences to ensure your family has a joyful journey and magical Christmas experience with this list of where to see Santa in Nottingham.
Where to See Santa in Nottingham 2025 – 19 Magical Grottoes & Family Christmas Experience
Table of Contents
Christmas always starts early in our house. The minute the first festive advert flickers on TV, Eliza is already asking when she can see Santa, and Kimi pretends he’s “too grown up”, but still ends up fully invested the second he can smell a hot chocolate. One of my favourite moments last year was watching Eliza march into a grotto gripping her Christmas list like it was confidential government paperwork. Meanwhile, Kimi took his role as “elf spotter” very seriously—even though he’d never admit it.
It’s these little moments that make Christmas with kids feel so special. And because I know how overwhelming it can be trying to sift through websites, ticket pages and half-updated Facebook posts, I’ve pulled everything together into one huge guide. These are the best places to see Santa in Nottingham for 2025—checked, refreshed, and written with busy families in mind.
Always book early—some of the big ones go in October.
Where to Meet Santa in Nottingham
1. Woodthorpe Park Plant Shop – Santa’s Festive Wonderland
A lovely, gentle Santa experience perfect for younger children. Expect a wintery walk with Mrs Claus, festive trails, little missions, a cosy visit with Santa and usually a small tree or gift to take home.
- Dates: Late Nov–mid December (check site for exact sessions)
- Price: Around £14 per child
- Address: Woodthorpe Drive, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 4HA
- Website: woodthorpeparkplantnursery.co.uk
2. Twinlakes Theme Park – Magic of Christmas & Santa’s Grotto
A full-on Christmas day out with rides, a huge Winter Wonderland, gingerbread workshops, reindeer, lights and Santa’s grotto as an add-on.
- Dates: Selected dates late Nov–24 Dec
- Price: Grotto add-on + park admission
- Address: Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray LE14 4FF
- Website: twinlakespark.co.uk
3. Planters Brookfields – North Pole Group Grotto Experience
A brilliant, immersive grotto with themed rooms, Mrs Claus, reindeer food making and Santa in his cosy North Pole living room. One of the most popular every year.
- Dates: From 22 Nov into Dec
- Price: £14–£32 depending on session
- Address: Hucknall Rd, Nottingham NG6 8RN
- Website: plantersgc.com (Brookfields)
4. Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield – Santa’s Grotto & Magical Elevator
Take Santa’s “Magical Elevator” up to his grotto—a lovely, low-cost option that supports local charities.
- Dates: Early Nov–24 Dec
- Price: £2.50–£5
- Address: Quaker Way, Mansfield NG18 1SU
- Website: fourseasonsshopping.co.uk
5. National Ice Centre – Santa’s Grotto
Meet Santa at the rink, pause for a festive photo and (if you fancy it) combine your visit with a family skate session.
- Dates: 21–23 Dec
- Price: Around £18–£21 per child
- Address: Bolero Square, Nottingham NG1 1LA
- Website: national-ice-centre.com
6. Sundown Adventureland – Christmas Spectacular & Santa’s Grotto
Perfect for under-10s. You board the “Night Before Christmas Ride” and arrive straight at Santa’s grotto. Loads of festive touches across the park.
- Dates: 15 Nov–24 Dec
- Price: Christmas Spectacular ticket covers everything
- Address: Treswell Rd, Rampton DN22 0HX
- Website: sundownadventureland.co.uk
7. Woodborough Green Garden Centre – Santa’s Workshop
A popular Nottingham grotto with different session types including Baby & Toddler, Main Grotto and Quiet Grotto for children who prefer a calmer space.
- Dates: From 29 Nov
- Price: From £19.99
- Address: Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6DX
- Website: britishgardencentres.com
8. Savoy Cinema – Christmas Film & Santa
A cosy Christmas screening with Santa popping in. Often run as a fun pyjama party event.
- Date: Mid December
- Price: £12 per person
- Address: 233 Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 1QN
- Website: savoycinemas.co.uk
9. Rufford Abbey – Santa’s Grotto
A beautiful outdoor walk through Rufford’s grounds before heading inside to see Santa. A quieter, more relaxed choice.
- Dates: Weekends late Nov–23 Dec
- Price: Includes small gift
- Address: Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DF
- Website: ruffordabbey.co.uk
10. Clumber Park (National Trust) – Santa’s Toy Shop
A wonderfully magical experience where children receive a special coin to “buy” a toy in Santa’s shop after their visit.
- Dates: 22 Nov–24 Dec
- Price: £15 per child + NT admission
- Address: Worksop S80 3AZ
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
11. Blue Diamond Garden Centre, East Bridgford – Winter Wonderland
A well-loved grotto with reindeer food making, Santa’s living room and a present-picking room.
- Dates: 22 Nov–24 Dec
- Price: Per-child ticket including gift
- Address: Fosse Way, East Bridgford NG13 8LA
- Website: bluediamond.gg
12. McArthur Glen Designer Outlet – Santa’s Grotto & Santa Breakfast/Supper
Meet Santa in the outlet’s grotto, or book one of their breakfast/supper experiences for something a little different.
- Dates: Mid Nov–24 Dec
- Price: Varies by experience
- Address: Mansfield Rd, South Normanton NG17 2JN
- Website: mcarthurglen.com/east-midlands
13. Creswell Crags – Santa’s Crafting Grotto & Winter Hideaway
Hands-on festive crafts before visiting Santa in his cosy hideaway near the caves.
- Dates: Saturdays late Nov–20 Dec
- Price: Child ticket with crafts and meet
- Address: Crags Rd, Welbeck S80 3LH
- Website: creswell-crags.org.uk
14. Belvoir Castle – Santa’s Grotto
Festive magic in a stunning setting. Grotto sessions run alongside their big castle Christmas experience for this where to see Santa in Nottingham listing.
Website: belvoircastle.com
Dates: Late Nov–31 Dec
Price: Add-on to Christmas castle admission
Address: Grantham NG32 1PE
15. Cherry Lane Garden Centre (Bradmore) – Santa’s Cosy Grotto
A friendly, straightforward visit with a small gift—ideal for younger children or a quick festive trip.
- Dates: Late Nov–Dec
- Price: £9.99 per child
- Address: Pendock Lane, Bradmore NG11 6PQ
- Website: cherry-lane.co.uk
16. White Post Farm – Christmas at the Farm
A full farm day out plus Santa’s group experience, storytime and toy shop. Often paired with their magical evening Light Post Farm event.
- Dates: 30 Nov–24 Dec
- Price: Farm admission + Santa ticket
- Address: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield NG22 8HL
- Website: whitepostfarm.co.uk
17. Wheelgate Park – Santa’s Magical Breakfast
A Christmas breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus, plus grotto entry and a full park day.
- Date: Early December
- Price: Adult and child set pricing
- Address: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield NG22 8HX
- Website: wheelgatepark.com
18. National Ice Centre – Skating With Santa
A fun option for families who want something active. Skate sessions themed with Santa and festive music.
- Dates: Before Christmas, mid–late December
- Price: Included in special session tickets
- Address: Bolero Square, Nottingham NG1 1LA
- Website: national-ice-centre.com
Just Outside Nottingham
19. Derbion, Derby – Santa’s Magic Cabin
A cosy, beautifully decorated Santa cabin inside Derbion. Their theme changes each year—recent versions included The Snowman for this where to see Santa in Nottingham.
- Dates: Early Nov–23 Dec
- Price: Around £10 per child
- Address: London Rd, Derby DE1 2PL
- Website: derbion.com
Have we missed anywhere in our where to see Santa in Nottingham guide? If so contact us on abbie@mmbmagazine.co.uk.
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