Christmas is just around the corner, there's no time to wait! Santa is loading his sleigh and he shan't be late! To celebrate this Christmas in style, we've compiled the top places in Kent to catch Santa on his travels!
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like taking your children to see Father Christmas in his twinkling Santa’s grotto.
You don’t have to visit Lapland to visit Father Christmas, there are plenty of magical experiences much nearer home.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Santa’s grottos in Kent that (at the time of writing) still have availability. Make sure you book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment!
Santa Safari Christmas Event
3 November - 24 December
Every December the Fenn Bell Conservation Project hosts their sell out Christmas Event. Come along and enjoy the festive season, meeting all the Elves in their magical winter wonderland! Santa may have a gift for you, but the question is have you been naughty or nice?
Fenwick Canterbury
19th November - 24th December
Santa couldn't make a round trip of Kent without stopping off in Canterbury where in November he'll be setting up his workshop. Between visits to the Cathedral and The Goods Shed, Santa will be at Fenwick, so come along and say hello! Tell him what you would like for Christmas, and join in on crafts with the elves and decorate a ceramic plate, ready to top with snacks for Santa on the big night!
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
19 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
This Christmas, Hever Castle will take you on a magical journey through an unforgettable wonderland. Meet the elves in their workshops and wander along the paths until you meet Santa himself!
Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham
26 - 27 November 2022
Discover how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War. Immerse yourself in the festivities and get a vintage makeover, watch live demonstrations or browse the market for festive handicrafts and last minute treats. You could even learn to Lindy Hop before a trip to meet Sapper Santa in his grotto and workshop.
Breakfast and Lunch with Santa at Quex Park
26 November - 22 December 2022
Meet Santa Claus this year over a bite to eat at breakfast or lunch! Enjoy a traditional breakfast, a hearty lunch, or some snacks and a drink with the man himself as you share your Christmas wishes. Join in on the fun and get colouring in the magical Santa's grotto this Christmas at Quex Park.
Mission Christmas at the Dockyard
26 November - 24 December
Visitors can join a magical, interactive journey into Santa's substation, hidden deep in The Historic Dockyard Chatham. For the first time, the Dockyard will be sharing its Christmas magic - so bring your festive spirit, and come along!
Scotney Castle
Booking opens 1st November
Not only are Scotney Castle putting on the ritz this Christmas with their 20s themed do, and making sure all of their events are accessible to everyone, they will also be hosting a visit from Santa! Come along and hear Santa read a story, warm yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate, and receive a gift at the end of your visit (if you've been nice!) Plus, on his last visit, he'll be joined by very special guest Emma the Elf, who'll be interpreting Santa's story in BSL!
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
26 November - 24 December 2022
Travel by train to Santa’s grotto and enjoy some seasonal treats. For something extra special enjoy breakfast, lunch or even afternoon tea with the big man!
Kent Life, Maidstone
27 November - 24 December
Take a ride on the Jingle Express to Santa’s grotto, hear the Christmas tales, meet his elves, create a gingerbread masterpiece and see the big man himself. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the many farmyard friends at Kent Life and explore the fun activities for children of all ages at this heritage farm park. Please book by 31st October 2022.
Reuthe's
3 - 23 December
Santa Claus is coming to Reuthe's! Children will have the option to visit Santa in his grotto or join Santa for a special Breakfast with Santa. Reuthe's Christmas Markets will be running alongside our grotto and for the first time ever we have an early evening grotto so you can enjoy the magic of Reuthe's Christmas Lights after the sun has set.
Santa's Lodge at Ashford Designer Outlet
3 - 24 December
From storytelling with elves, to meeting Santa himself, Ashford Designer Outlet is the place to be this Christmas. Just £5 per child, your little ones can meet Mr Claus every weekend throughout December, as well as every day of Christmas week! With dedicated SEN sessions, this really is one for everyone to enjoy. Keep your eye peeled for more info and booking details!
Storytelling with Victorian Father Christmas
3 - 24 December
Come along to Eastgate House this Christmas and settle down as Father Christmas, dressed in green robes, reads you a festive tale. Then, explore the house and find scenes from the stories you've heard.
Calverley Park & Santa at home!
3 - 24 December 2022
Father Christmas and his friendly elves will again be welcoming families visiting the Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds. The picturesque natural amphitheater of Calverley Grounds is the perfect place to meet Santa and his elves, and even take home a gift!
You can even enjoy a visit from Santa to your home, where you'll meet the man himself in person, one of his friendly elves, and even receive a gift right to your door!
The Elf Express at Quex Park
3 - 24 December 2022
All aboard the Elf Express - journey on a magical ride this holiday season! Depart on a train ride through the Magical Elf Forest, stop off at the Elf Tower for an interactive theatrical spectacular, ride through Candy Lane, all the way to the Magical Elf Kingdom, where Santa and his reindeer await! Finish off at Santa's Toyshop, where (if you've been good enough) you can choose your very own gift!
Santa's Grotto at RAF Manston History Museum
10 - 24 December 2022
Share the Christmas joy this year in Santa's grotto at the RAF Manston History Museum!
More information to come soon.
Salomon’s Estate
11 December
What could be better than a visit to Santa? Maybe a visit to Santa alongside a delicious three course meal! Come on down to Salomon’s Estate this December and get exactly that as you and the kids share in the festive delights. Gather round and fill up on a fantastic meal as Santa himself comes around, telling stories and gifting presents!
Howletts Wild Animal Park
17 - 23 December
Fancy a roar-some Christmas this year? Santa Claus will be visiting Howletts Wild Animal Park alongside his helper elves. Get your picture taken with the man himself, and receive a gift at the end of your visit! And, of course, be sure to have a wander around the park to make that festive day out all the more exciting!
Bewl Water
17, 18, 23, 24 December
The magic of Christmas is coming to Bewl Water this year, and we hope to see you there! Travel along the magical elf trail in the woods before meeting the man himself. Not only can you listen to Santa’s stories and take home a gift (if you’ve been nice!), but you can do all of this while enjoying a buffet-style English breakfast. Plus, with soft play for the kids, this is a day of wonder and joy not to miss out on. Now that’s a Christmas wish come true!
