Make your child’s Christmas even more magical, by getting them a letter from Santa.
1. Royal MailEvery year, the Royal Mail offers a free Letter From Santa Service – a direct line to the big man himself. Children are asked to write to Santa and include their full name and address on their letter, so that he can write back.
Letters should be posted to:
Santa/Father Christmas,
Santa’s Grotto,
Reindeerland,
XM4 5HQ
It’s really important to write Santa’s address carefully on a stamped envelope. Include your child’s full name and address in your letter, so Santa can write back!
Letters must be received by Monday 9th December 2024, so Santa has time to reply.
More details can be found on the Royal Mail website
The NSPCC run their annual letter from Santa service to help bring the magic home to children this Christmas.
Choose from 8 enchanting stories and new illustrations.
Every letter can be personalised with a child’s name, age and lots more!
A suggested £5 donation for every letter helps us cover the cost and means the NSPCC can be there to keep more children safe.
For more information visit the NSPCC Website
Father Christmas at Beningbrough
Storytime with Father Christmas – Shrunk in the Wash
7 – 22 December 2024, Saturdays and Sundays
Join Father Christmas for ‘Shrunk in the Wash’ – a brand new tale in the Victorian laundry. Book your place on a group experience with storytelling, a chat and gift from the man in red.
Father Christmas is visiting Beningbrough for one last time in the Victorian laundry before he moves to the hall next year. Hear him tell the new story of his latest laundry mishaps as he prepares for the big day ahead.
During each thirty minute session, every child will have a special moment to chat with Father Christmas and tell him the wonderful things they’ve been up to this year… and maybe share their gift ‘wish list’. Feel free to bring along a letter if you like!
There will be presents for the children at the end of the experience and the chance to take some festive snaps to remember the moment.
£12.50 per child, £6 per adult plus normal admission charges apply/free to National Trust members and under fives.
Beningbrough, Hall, Gallery and Gardens, Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
Photo credits: Santa by Sue Jordan; cosy children by Megan Taylor.
Father Christmas in the Castle
23rd November – 24th December 2024
Meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at Castle Howard this Christmas. Watch a joyful performance bursting with jingle bells and Christmas spirit, sing Christmas songs together, and enjoy a special, individual moment with Father Christmas himself. All children take home a Christmas gift.
Enjoy a full day out at Castle Howard with a Father Christmas in the Castle experience, which includes access to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland in the main House, and access to the Gardens.
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse
30th November – 24th December 2024
Share a laugh and photograph with Santa in Castle Howard’s Grotto this Christmas, which has moved locations to the Boathouse. Enjoy a short show by the much-loved Story Craft Theatre, bursting with energy and Christmas joy, before that all-important meeting with the man himself. All children take home a gift.
Make the most of a full day out at Castle Howard with a Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse ticket, which includes access to the Gardens and Skelf Island Adventure Playground, the perfect place for little ones to let off steam and explore.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Curiouser and curiouser! Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland like no other.
Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises.
Don’t be late for this very important date, as you immerse yourself in a psychedelic world that will leave your smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s.
Complete your experience with an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallow by the Christmas Tree, and stock up on delicious seasonal essentials from our Farm Shop and Garden Centre.
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Christmas Trees are available from Monday 25th November 2024 alongside Handmade Christmas Wreaths.
Santa’s coming to Cedarbarn on 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024. Tickets for the Cedarbarn Santa Experience cost £16.50 per child and include a visit to Santa, a ride on the Santa Express miniature railway and activities in the Dutch Barn. Follow the link HERE for more information. (Please don’t forget to include the name and age of each child when you book so he can buy an age appropriate gift).
A great selection of Christmas Treats in the Farm Shop, these include Christmas Cards & Tree Decorations, Handmade Local Gifts, Yorkshire Jigsaws, Candles, Local Gins & Beers, Hampers to order, Chocolate & Luxury Biscuit Gifts and not forgetting our delicious Cedarbarn Mince Pies & Homemade Christmas Puddings.
Our Christmas Order Forms is out now (CLICK HERE) and we will be taking orders until December 8th 2024. If you would prefer to have your order form sent via post or email please call us on 01751 475614.
Café Bookings for the Christmas Festivities – details online or telephone 01751 475614 (Café Extn) for more details.
Cedarbarn, Pickering. YO18 7JX
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December 2024, 10.30am to 4pm
FREE FATHER CHRISTMAS between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Snowman Trail until 12th January 2025 – each of the snowmen are missing something, can you solve the clues? Drop in, no need to book – £5 per trail.
At Danby Lodge: Enjoy a relaxed Christmas shopping experience at Danby Lodge! 10% off a £30 spend, tastings, music and more. Seasonal treats in the tea room. Free for all the family. Drop-in, no booking required. Sorry no dogs, wheelchair accessible. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO212NB
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st 22nd and 23rd December 2024. 12.30, 2, 3.30, and 5pm
Our St Nicholas mirrors the Father Christmas of the past: a wandering storyteller, miracle-worker and a protector of children, bringing light, generosity, abundance and celebration to the dark months of winter. He is one of the fairy folk: the Holly King, clothed all in green and crowned in evergreens and ivy.
Lady Winter, his female counterpart, is the introspective part of winter. In her grotto, experience the beauty in the barrenness of winter, which she tells us brings an opportunity to rest, to be still and to dream. She shows us the gift of silence and inner strength that can be found in the cold and solitude winter brings.
The event includes admission to the Fairy Gardens and Museum. Those coming to the event will see 3 grottoes, Lady Winter, Father Christmas, the museum grotto and 4, if you include the decorated café.
Dress warmly, and gather, in the Northwood kitchen courtyard 15 minutes before the start time to allow us to guide you to Lady Winter and onto St Nicholas Grotto, before being taken to the woodland grotto to make a wish with Lady Winter and then a short story with St Nicholas, a very experienced story teller, aimed at the whole family.
Please be aware, if you are looking for a red Santa Claus this isn’t it! This Christmas event will be an atmospheric Christmas of stories, lanterns and imagination.
Very Limited tickets!
Tickets adult £19.95, child (under 16) £13.95, family of 4 £59.95. 1 and 2 year olds free.
Buttercrambe Wood YO41 1AP
Join us for our annual festive show, a perfect start to the Christmas season for all the family!
Our very own friendly Elf needs to get all of the Christmas letters sorted in time – she means well but can get very muddled! Can your family help her?
The shows take place at The Milton Rooms, Malton
Saturday 7th December 2024: 12pm/2pm/3.30pm
Sunday 8th December 2024: 10.30am/12pm/2pm/3.30pm
Tickets are incredibly good value at £5 each. The interactive show lasts around 20 minutes, followed by your family’s visit to Santa and a gift for every child.
Advance booking is highly recommended.
BRAND NEW for 2024 – Humble Bee Farm have a Magical Christmas Experience with Esmeralda the Elf and a special visit from Santa!
Join us at Humble Bee farm for a truly magical start to your family’s Christmas! Follow the lights to our Christmas barn and meet one of Santa’s very own elves: Esmeralda the Elf will entertain the children and lead them on an adventure to bring Santa to the farm. The big man himself will b in our Christmas grotto and will create magic with each family, before dancing the night away with Esmeralda and all the children!
Children can feed our special farm animals and will all receive a take-home craft as well as a gift from Santa. This beautiful family setting is the perfect place to relax and have some festive fun. Food and drink will be available to purchase from the Hive Café Bar.
Open to the public on Sundays 1st and 15th December 2024, 2.30pm to 3.30pm OR 4pm to 5pm. £15 per child (adults £5 – 2 adults max per booking). Book here.
Fancy making it a staycation? Book a luxury cottage or cosy glamping accommodation on site and stay as a guest. There is a special event for families staying on site on Saturday 14th December 2024 at 6pm. Find out more here.
Visit the website here.
Flixton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3UJ
Christmas 2024 at Murton Park
This year, Santa’s making a grand return to Murton Park, and oh boy, has he got some surprises up his red velvet sleeves!
We’re not just hanging a stocking and leaving out milk and cookies for Santa. With two experiences to choose from, we’re about to increase your festive joy to new heights:
Christmas at Murton Park (Weekends in December)
Your little ones can meet Santa, take a train ride with some cheeky elves and enjoy some story time with Mother Christmas.
Tea with Santa (Evenings in December)
A Christmas experience in the Yorkshire Barn Café which includes a one-to-one with Santa and a meal with your family. You’ll also get to meet Mother Christmas and one of Santa’s elves.
To book, visit https://www.murtonpark.co.uk/events/christmas-at-murton-park/
Murton Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
Santa’s Grotto & Workshop on Saturdays 7th, 14th, 21st of December 2024, visit Santa & Mrs Claus along with their Elves to have festive fun and create lasting memories. The Christmas workshop and grotto experience consists of an hour spent decorating gingerbread Christmas Trees, making a Christmas decoration and writing a letter to Santa, all with the help of one of wonderful Santa’s Elves. Grotto and Workshop is £22.50 per child.
Santa’s Grotto on Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2024. Grotto is £12.50 per child,
Breakfast with Santa only on Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2024, seated by 9.30am. £12.50 per person – must be booked in advance.
A Slice of Christmas – Choose from either Archery, Axe Throwing, Puzzle Rooms, or Escape Room, and then head to the café for our pizza topped with Turkey, Pigs in Blankets, Cranberry Sauce and Red Onions all for £23 per person.
Elf Walk – Enjoy our walk around the lake and try to find Santa’s Elves. Count the sneaky Elves who have nipped out from Santa’s Workshop, and give you answer to the cafe staff with the correct answers going into the prize draw.
Sunday 8th December 10.30am – 1pm – Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind “Mental Elf Run”. For more info Mental Elf Run
Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU
Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane YO32 9ST
Saturday 14th December, Friday 20th December, Saturday 21st December & 22nd December 2024
5pm, 5:20pm. 5:40pm, 6pm, 6:20pm, 6:40pm
(Please note these times are when you are scheduled to see Santa but the farm and alpacas can be enjoyed before or after with the alpaca deers to meet and feed, craft and also the saloon for hot drinks and snacks.)
Come and enjoy a festive alpaca experience in the tranquil surroundings of Goodness Farm.
You’ll meet our alpacadeer in the stable, make some magic food for them at the feeding station, and learn about their super soft fleeces.
Then explore the twinkle-lit trail through the farm to find Santa in his cosy Christmas Grotto and receive a high quality gift (alpaca focussed) from Santa made using the yarn from our own alpacas! (children under 16).
Experience includes:
When booking, please let us know the name and ages of children attending who will receive a gift from Santa. Please arrive promptly for your booking time. The Santa meet and greet will be with other families.
Goodness Farm. Sheriff Hutton Road. Strensall. YO32 5TP
Sledmere’s 2024 Magical Santa Experience: The First Snowflake! Festive fun for all the family!
Join us in a magical far-off land of silver bells and icy mists this Christmas on a journey through frozen landscapes and deep forests to find Santa’s hidden kingdom!! Help wake the First Snowflake from her winter slumber to head north on frosty skies and meet a series of magical characters all ready to help you on your way!
Visit the Elf’s toyshop before hopping on a tractor and trailer ride to see Sledmere’s herd of Red Deer in person. With plenty of festive cheer and excitement within the Christmas Village at the Sledmere Barns too – there’s fun for all the family!
Weekend Tickets – pre-booked timeslots – open from 9.15am – 5.30pm
Weekday Tickets – pre-booked timeslots – open from 10am – 5.40pm
Friday 6th, Friday 13th, Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Monday 23rd December
‘Relaxed Sessions’, for anyone with sensory issues are available for the first 2 sessions of the Saturdays (9.15am and 9.40am timeslots).
We recommend that you allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for the Magical Santa Experience (this includes: the walk through experience, meeting Santa, the Elf Toy Shop and the Deer Ride.)
All children, including Under 1’s, receive a toy from the Elf Toyshop as part of the experience.
Tickets include full access to the beautiful Walled Garden, Parkland, Rare Breed Farm Park and Adventure Play Area all day!
Please make sure to take extra care when you book your tickets as they are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Sledmere House, Driffield, YO25 3XG. 01377 236637.
16th November 2024- 6th January 2025
Come and experience our magical Christmas Adventure where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Step into a magical wonderland when you meet Santa in his cosy grotto, take a spin on our ice rink, play in the playgrounds around our Enchanted Forest and explore our giant Snowflake Maze. The Toys will be visiting the Stockeld Theatre too, for our exclusive Christmas Show A Toy’s Story, where young and old can join our elf Tinsel, and become honorary Christmas Elves.
The magic really comes to life at dusk when our Enchanted Forest is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, full of colours, lights, and magical projections. With so much happening throughout the park there really is something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas at Stockeld Park.
Santa’s Arrival weekend: 16-17 November
Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park: 16 Nov- 24 Dec
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, LS22 4AN.
Christmas 2024
This Christmas, step into a world of festive cheer and holiday excitement at The Web Adventure Park!
The Web Christmas Festival 2024
Toddle Into Christmas
Perfect for little ones — a magical experience designed for younger children, available on selected midweek dates throughout December – BOOK HERE. Includes:
SEND Christmas Event – Tuesday 17th December 2024
A relaxed Christmas session tailored for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). More details and booking HERE.
The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
Experience the true spirit of Christmas at William’s Den’s – a storybook Christmas inspired by the festivities of years gone by.
Every Saturday & Sunday from 30th November plus 23rd and 24th December (30th Nov-1st Dec, 7-8th, 14-15th and 21st-24th December 2024). Don’t miss out for 2024, book your tickets now! Book online here.
Also at Williams Den for Christmas, designed especially for under 4s – Toddle into Christmas! Fridays 13th and 20th December 2024. Ticket includes: A Visit to Father Christmas, William’s Magical Christmas Show, Choose a Christmas Gift from our specially created Toy Shop*, Discover our Christmas Tree Trail, PLUS, you can play until 2.30pm in our amazing indoor adventure Den. Book online here.
William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS
Sunday December 1st 2024
The Yorkshire Grinch will begrudgingly welcome you into his pop-up Grotto, offering a moment of story time, a photo to cherish forever, as well as a special gift from his very own stash! You might even have the chance to bring the Grinch a present – he has a soft spot for onions, so we highly recommend bringing one along if you want to see his nicer side and all of the funny and crazy things he does with them.
Family Ticket (upto 5 people) £50 Single Ticket – £12 Your ticket includes: – Meet & Greet – Professional Photograph – Live Performance – Impressions – Festive Fun & Frolics – Every Child Gets A Present The Derwent Arms Sunday December 1, 1pm- 3pm or 3pm- 5pm
Tickets are now available for this event behind the bar or you can call 01653 915324
Friday 15th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025
York’s favourite festive event is back! Presented by HARIBO, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine cafe, opens at York Designer Outlet on Friday 15th November 2024, offering a fun-filled winter experience for all ages until Sunday 5th January 2025.
With a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree topped with HARIBO’s Goldbear as its centrepiece, the ice rink is the largest in the North of England, and is surrounded by illuminated trees, the rink-side cafe and a viewing platform, creating the perfect festive setting.
The funfair has something for everyone – a Waltzer and Twister for the thrill-seekers, vintage Dodgems for all the family, as well as children’s rides and game stalls offering a prize every time.
The Chalet café offers winter-warming food and a licensed bar, while the terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a hot chocolate and witness all the thrills and spills of skating! Try our new outdoor German Grill – it’s sure to tickle the taste buds!
Enjoy a snowy woodland walk and a glittering light tunnel to find Santa in his Grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift awaits.
For a festive retail experience our boutique Christmas market has 12 cabins offering gifts with a difference, while York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle your Christmas shopping!
Visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com for further details. Santa’s grotto bookings can be made here.
Santa is back in his cosy Grotto. Dates are 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 20th, 21st. 22nd December 2024. Times may vary, each family has a ten minute time slot with the big man himself, and each child can choose their own good quality present. The barn will be open for cuddles with Rabbits and Guinea Pigs and the cafe will be open for lunch with homemade cakes and Christmas treats!
£22 for the first child and each consecutive child £16. Each under 2s not receiving a present are free of charge and accompanying adults £2.50 each (Members free of charge). Please book in advance.
Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
01904 488796
9th to 24th December 2024
Burtree Christmas Traditional Winter Wonderland
With guaranteed snow and festive activities, our event promises an enchanting Family Christmas experience. Set across our grounds and inside the winter tipi and licenced festive folly bar, this is the perfect Christmas activity for the whole family.
Burtree House, Hutton Sessay Thirsk. Y07 3AY
Father Christmas will be out in Driffield on his sleigh to see everyone this year. This year it will be run by the Driffield Showground team and raising money for local causes as usual
2024 details TBC
Christmas at Flamingo Land begins on 30th November 2024 and runs every weekend, plus the 23rd and Christmas Eve!
Events will need to be booked online to guarantee a place.
Flamingo Land, Malton YO17 6UX, 0800 40 888 40
Immersive Christmas experience with Santa himself, Mrs Claus and Wilf the naughty elf at Highfield House. Have a magical time with them on the Monday 16th December and Tuesday 17th December 2024.
For more info and bookings call 01377 256231
Highfield, Windmill Hill, Driffield, YO25 5YP
Breakfast with Santa – 1st to 24th December 2024
Come join us for a magical morning to create wonderful memories with the whole family!
Give your little ones a morning they’ll never forget filled with fun, food, and a surprise visit from a very special someone…
Breakfast with Mrs Claus & Baby/Toddler – 11th to 20th December 2024
This delightful event is brand new for Christmas 2024 and is exclusively for babies and toddlers up to 2 years of age.
Both you and your child can enjoy breakfast, followed by festive songs and games led by Mrs Claus herself. She might even have a little present for those on the nice list!
Ideal for mums and dads on parental leave, this event takes place on weekday mornings so it’s nice and quiet for little ones.
Afternoon Tea with Santa – 14th to 23rd December 2024
Tuck into a tower of tasty treats with your little one as they witness a visit from a very special someone…
Langlands Garden Centre, on the A1079 at Shiptonthorpe.
Selected days from 30th November to 23rd December 2024 (selected times are sensory friendly sessions)
Join us for the BEST Christmas Adventure in Yorkshire this year. A magical day for the whole family. Start your day off at Passport Control where Chestnut the elf will check you in and issue your passports, keep these safe as you need these to collect your stickers around the North Pole.
Green Lane, Bagby, Thirsk
01845 421124
Meet our charming railway Christmas characters and immerse yourself in our brand-new Christmas experience, starting at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station. Enjoy a Christmas like no other at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Book your early bird tickets for 2024 today.
All Aboard the Santa Specials! Tel. 01751 472508
Saturday 23rd November 2024, 2pm – 6pm. There will be stalls, food, games, entertainment, fairground rides. Santa will be arriving at 4pm and lights on at 5.30pm
Every weekend in December until Christmas!
£6 per child
Garden centre and cafe open daily
Blakey Lane, Thirsk, 01845 523032
Scampston’s Annual Christmas Charity Fair – Sat 23 Nov 2024 – Sun 24 Nov 2024 10am – 4pm – FREE ENTRY. A wide range of stalls selling high quality produce, gifts and crafts in the Conservatory and Café. Special visits from Father Christmas, 11am-12:30 pm and 1:30pm-3pm (there will be a small fee for this, gift included). Please note there will be a limited number of Santa tickets available so do remember to book as you arrive at the fair to avoid disappointment.
Christmas Trees at Scampston Hall – 2024 dates TBC – Pick up your real Christmas Tree from Scampston! Come and buy your Christmas tree from Scampston Walled Garden this year.
Scampston Hall, Scampston, Malton 01944 759111
Sunday 8th December 2024, 10am-3pm
Makaton-friendly Santa’s Grotto – £5 per child with gift.
Burnholme Sports Centre, YO31 0HA
The Whole Hogg will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with farm style Christmas decorations, crafts and plenty of festive treats to enjoy in the tea room which will serve delicious seasonal snacks and warm beverages while immersing yourself in the joyous atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick-start the holiday season!
The event sold out on most days last year so be sure to book early as tickets are limited. Tickets are £15 for a child and £5 for an adult.
Booking is required, to book all you need to do is call the farm shop on 01653 669469
Howe Bridge Farm, Low Marishes, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6RQ
Saturday 7th December 2024 4.30pm – 7pm. Santa arrives at 5pm, Switch on at 6pm, plus an evening filled with music, food, tombole, mulled wine, hog roast and more.
From 30th November to 23rd December 2024, there will be Chocolate making with Santa, Christmas Family Workshops, Christmas Chocolate Masterclass, and Christmas Truffle Rolling. All require advance booking online: £23.95pp, under 4s £5.
York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
Father Christmas returns to Fimber Halt! 30th November, 7th and 14 December 2024, 10am-3pm. For only £5, children under 10 can get to meet him in his grotto on platform 1.
In addition, we will be giving winter brake van rides priced at £5 per person, or £12.50 for a family of 5. Due to their popularity, we recommend that you book your brake van ride online on our website, www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk. We will also be selling our beautiful, locally grown Nordmann Fir trees.
Parking and access to our visitor centre is free.
Thanks for supporting the YWR. East Yorkshire’s Heritage Railway – run entirely by volunteers. Last train departs at 14.40. All trains run subject to availability.
For more information call 01377 338053
Fimber Halt, Beverley Road, Fimber, YO25 3HG.
