Santa Experiences in Essex 2023

See our Santa Experiences 2024 blog.

No Christmas is complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto! Luckily, the big man is making an appearance at a range of attractions and venues across Essex, checking who’s been naughty, who’s been nice, and making sure the elves know what you’re hoping to find in your stocking this year. Christmas in Essex is always magical, with lots of great events taking place across the county. Read on for our list of Santa’s Grotto experiences in Essex this year.

Audley End Miniature Railway

Board the Polar Express and travel through the Enchanted Forest on your way to Santa’s workshop at Audley End Miniature Railway! Their magical Christmas Special event is available to book from 18^th of November to 14^th of December.

Audley End House and Gardens

Father Christmas will be stopping by Audley End House and Gardens on Saturday 2^nd, Sunday 3^rd, Saturday 9^th, Sunday 10^th, Saturday 16^th, Sunday 17^th and Saturday 23^rd of December! He’ll be telling magical, festive stories, giving out gifts, and spreading Christmas cheer – book now.

Santa Specials at Epping/Ongar Railway

Hop on board a vintage London bus service at Epping or Ongar and meet Santa and his friends this from 25^th of November to 14^th of December. The Epping and Ongar railway Santa specials are a must-do Christmas activity in Essex – children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and his friends, receive a present, and then return on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald. Don’t miss out!

Santa Sundays at Stoke by Nayland Resort

Enjoy a two-course Santa Sunday lunch at Stoke by Nayland resort! Taking place every Sunday from the 3^rd to the 17^th of December, this is a fantastic festive experience for the whole family, with fun activities and a surprise present for the little ones. Learn more here.

Little Monsters House of Fun Santa’s Grotto

Find out if you are on the naughty or nice list with a unique, personalised visit to Santa’s Grotto, found in the Little Monsters House of Fun garden area this December. Tickets include entry to the soft play area, a visit with Santa, a gift from Santa, and a Santa hat! Be quick – purchase your tickets today.

The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Farm

Meet Santa and his elves from the 3^rd to the 24^th of December at Lee Valley Farm this Christmas! This 90-minute tour consists of magical shows and some cheeky entertainment from the elves, as well as the opportunity to visit Mrs Claus’s kitchen and decorate your own gingerbread person to enjoy. This experience is available through pre-booking only.

The Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm

Taking place at Marsh Farm from the 18^th of November to the 24^th of December, this two-and-a-half-hour magical experience is sure to get you in the festive spirit! Enter the North Pole – the elves in Passport Control will make sure you’re all set to go – stop by the Elf Academy, visit Mother Christmas, find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list, and make your own furry friend to take home at the Teddy Bear Market. Hurry and book your tickets here!  

The Santa Experience at Colchester Zoo

Available to book from the 25^th of November to the 24^th of December, The Santa Experience at Colchester Zoo has been wonderful Christmas activity that families both in and out of Essex have enjoyed for many years. Wander through the festive scenery, interact with cheeky elves, and receive a gift from the big man himself! Tickets are available to book now.

Santa's Grotto at Colne Valley Railway

Say hello to Santa at Colne Valley Railway this year! Visit Santa in his grotto before hopping on a diesel train to travel to collect your gift from his workshop. Even the dog can join in on the fun – book here.

A Christmas Journey at Old MacDonalds Farm

Make friends with giant polar bears, explore the interactive Gingerbread Trail, meet Santa himself, and much more at Old Macdonalds Farm! Their Christmas Journey event is taking place from the 24^th of November to the 24^th December – the perfect day out for the whole family to enjoy this winter. Learn more and book your tickets here.

Christmas Market & Grotto at Thames Chase

Browse trinkets and treats at the Christmas Market taking place at Thames Close on the 18^th and 19^th of November – ideal for looking for a special gift for friends and loved ones. What’s more, Santa’s Grotto will be open on certain dates from the 25^th of November to the 22^nd of December – learn more over on their website.

Brunch and Afternoon Tea with Santa at Down Hall

Sit down with Father Christmas and enjoy a delicious brunch or afternoon tea whilst you tell him all about how good you’ve been this year! As well as a mouth-watering menu, a present may await you too… Learn more about the events and book your space for a date in December here.

Santa’s Magical Grotto at Romford Shopping Hall

Throughout December, Santa’s Magical Grotto will be open at Romford Shopping Hall. Book in a visit to deliver your letter to Santa in person, take some pictures, and receive a great gift to keep you going until the 25^th! Don’t miss out.

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield

Santa will be at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood every weekend from the 2nd - 23rd of December! Write letters to the big man himself to let him know what's on your Christmas wishlist, visit him in his Grotto where he'll be waiting with a gift for each child, explore the Christmas trail, and enjoy some free minced pies and mulled wine... Book now. 

Whether you live locally or you’re planning on visiting Essex over the festive period, no Christmas is complete without a visit to see Santa! Check out other Christmas events taking place across Essex here.