Have they been naughty, or have they been nice?
For children, one of the highlights of the festive season has to be a visit to see Father Christmas himself, a.k.a. Santa Claus, in his grotto IRL, ho-ho-hoing and dishing out gifts.
And, as all the little ones have been extra nice this year, we’re putting together this growing list of where to meet Santa in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this Christmas.
Make sure you’re not caught short. There’s only so much Santa to go around, so it’s more important than ever to book your kids a slot with ol’ Saint Nick in advance to avoid tears and tantrums.
Santa’s Grotto will be coming to Millets Farm Centre this winter, and their team of elves have been working extra hard this year to put together a new magical experience for everyone to enjoy.
Begin the festive season with a visit to Yarnton Garden Christmas Grotto! Pick up your Christmas Passport, take a journey under twinkling lights before meeting Father Christmas, and a little magic awakens.
Santa has stepped away from his busy workshop to meet you at Oxford Castle & Prison! Make some magical reindeer food, create your own Christmas decoration, and meet the big man himself. And there’s a little something for the grown-ups too!
This year, Westgate is hosting ‘Believe – Santa’s Magical Reindeer Grotto’ – children will be entertained by a very special reindeer Norbert, they’ll make reindeer food in readiness for Christmas Eve, and they’ll have a one to one with Santa! All children will receive a wrapped gift of an age-appropriate book to take home.
There’s been a disaster. Santa’s reindeer have all escaped and are lost. And Santa needs your help. You know that he needs the reindeer to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. Can you help him find them? Explore the 21-acre site to find each of Santa’s lost reindeer, culminating in a visit to the grotto to meet Santa.
As part of Henley’s Christmas Festival on 26 November, Tom Ryan and Paula Price-Davies have arranged for a very special guest at the Hotel Du Vin – Santa Claus himself. Thanks to local support, this Santa’s Grotto is free to all, with a gift for every child.
Come and meet Father Christmas at Cogges Manor Farm on Sundays 28 November and 05, 12 and 19 December between 10.00am and 4.00pm. The session will include a craft activity, a story with Father Christmas and a small gift for every child.
This is a relaxed and personal visit to the Grotto, with time for your entire family to meet and greet Santa. Santa is just how you would expect him to be – magical, very friendly and wanting to spend time chatting with your little ones before giving each of them a wrapped present.
Looking for more festive things to do? See our full guide to Christmas in Oxfordshire.