Where to See Santa in Nottingham: 19 Magical Grotto Experiences for 2026 (Coming soon for updated 2026)
As a mum and founder of Ey Up Nottingham, I understand the joy of creating magical memories with our kids, especially during the festive season. That’s why I’ve curated a diverse list of the top 19 places to see Santa in Nottingham this year. From enchanting grottos to North Pole workshops, Nottingham offers a Santa experience for every family’s taste and budget, promising a season filled with festive fun. Let’s explore these unique, family-friendly events to make your holiday season as memorable as possible.
Always remember to check with the venue before travelling, as most require pre-booking for general admission with a time slot and have terms and conditions. We do our best to keep listings up to date, but things do change, especially during the Christmas season, from opening times to ticket numbers, etc. Checking with the venue ensures you have the most accurate and current information, giving you peace of mind for your family’s Santa experience.
Have we missed your local event or free Santa event? Or is your favourite place to see the Santa event? If so, email us on abbie@ey-up.co.uk
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Woodthorpe Park Plant Shop – Santa’s Festive Wonderland
Embark on a festive adventure at Woodthorpe Park, where Mrs Claus will take children on a wintery walk to recover some of Santa’s misplaced treasures. Each child receives a baby spruce tree to grow, making it the perfect take-home souvenir from their visit to Santa’s grotto. Dates run from November 23rd to December 23rd, with tickets priced at £14 per child and adults attending free for this where to see Santa in Nottingham listing.
Location: Mapperley Plains, Nottingham NG5 4HA.
Twinlakes Theme Park – Magic of Christmas and Santa’s Grotto
Twinlakes transforms into a winter wonderland where young children can meet Santa, decorate gingerbread, and explore the elves’ toy shop. The theme park offers activities galore, from actual reindeer visits to Christmas crafts. Available from November 30th to December 24th, grotto tickets are £12.95 with a separate theme park entry. Location: Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4FF.
Planters Brookfields – North Pole Group Grotto Experience
Join Father Christmas at Planters Brookfields, where kids can post their Christmas wishes in the North Pole post office and make magical reindeer food with Mrs. Claus. Each child gets to pick a gift from Santa’s toy shop. Open from November 23rd, with tickets starting at £14 for Super Off Peak, £22 for Off Peak, and £32 for Peak. Location: Hucknall Rd, Nottingham, NG6 8RN.
Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield – Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa’s grotto at the Four Seasons Centre in Mansfield, where young children can bring their Christmas lists and receive a treat from Santa Claus. All proceeds go to local charities, making this a heartwarming experience. From November 22nd to December 24th, tickets are £2.50 Off Peak and £5 Peak. Location: Mansfield NG18 1SU.
National Ice Centre – Santa’s Grotto for Charity
Santa’s Grotto at the National Ice Centre is a magical experience supporting local charities with this worthwhile where to see Santa in Nottingham Listing. Each child receives a chocolate gift, and photos are available for purchase. This event is scheduled from December 21st to 24th and is priced at £18 per child. Don’t forget your skating ticket if you plan to hit the ice! Location: Bolero Square, Nottingham NG1 1LA.
Sundown Adventureland – Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Grotto
Sundown Adventureland offers a holiday adventure with Santa’s enchanted forest, festive Christmas lights, and real reindeer. Perfect for young children, the experience includes a visit to Santa’s grotto and Christmas market shopping. Running from December 16th to 24th, adult tickets are £20-£26, and child tickets are £24-£30. Location: Treswell Rd, Rampton, DN22 0HX.
Woodborough Green Garden Centre – Santa’s Workshop
At Santa’s Workshop in Woodborough Green, children are led by Santa’s elves to create festive crafts and meet Father Christmas himself in this where to see Santa in Nottingham Listing. Each child receives a gift and can even leave Santa a personal message. From November 23rd on selected dates, child tickets start at £19.95. Location: Timmermans Garden Centre, Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6DX.
Savoy Cinema Nottingham – Cinema with Santa
Join Santa Claus at Savoy Cinema for a Christmas movie screening of “Home Alone.” Each child will receive a goodie bag to enjoy during the film. This one-time event on December 14th is priced at £12 per person, making it an affordable option for festive family fun. Location: Derby Rd, Nottingham, NG7 1QN.
Rufford Abbey Country Park – Santa’s Grotto
At Rufford Abbey, families can enjoy a wintery walk before heading to Santa’s grotto, where children can share their Christmas wishes. The experience includes a gift from Santa and a charming photo opportunity. Available on select dates in December, tickets are £9.95 per child, with up to two adults free per child. Location: Ollerton, NG22 9DF.
Clumber Park (National Trust) – Santa’s Toy Shop
Santa’s Grotto at Clumber Park offers children a coin to spend in the elves’ toy shop, making it a magical stop in your Christmas adventures. From November 16th to December 24th, tickets are £15 per child, with National Trust admission applying for non-members. Location: Worksop, S80 3AZ.
Blue Diamond Garden Centre – Winter Wonderland
Blue Diamond’s winter wonderland creates a magical setting where kids can meet Santa, enjoy Christmas lights, and leave with a festive gift. From November 23rd to December 23rd, tickets are £10 per child, with adults attending free. Location: East Bridgford, Nottingham, NG13 8LA.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet – Charity Santa’s Grotto
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet hosts a charity-focused Santa’s grotto, where each child receives a chocolate treat and photos are available for purchase. The grotto is open from November 22nd to December 24th, and off-Peak tickets are £2.50, and Peak tickets are £5. The location is Mansfield Rd, South Normanton, NG20 0QY.
Creswell Crags – Santa’s Crafting Grotto
A unique experience for this where to see Santa in Nottingham Listing at Creswell Crags, where children can engage in Christmas crafts before visiting Santa Claus in his magical grotto. Running on weekends from November 30th to December 15th, child tickets are priced at £8.50, and adults attend free. Location: Crags Rd, Welbeck, Nottinghamshire S80 3LH.
Belvoir Castle Retail Village – Santa’s Grotto
Step into Santa’s grotto at Belvoir Castle’s retail village for a memorable family outing on where to see Santa in Nottingham. Each child receives a gift, making this a cosy and classic Christmas experience. Open from November 23rd to December 24th, child tickets are £15, and adults attend free. Location: Belvoir Castle, NG32 1PE.
Cherry Lane Garden Centre (Bradmore) – Santa’s Cozy Grotto
Cherry Lane Garden Centre offers a charming visit to Santa’s Grotto, where each child receives a small gift and photo opportunities. Open from November 30th to December 24th, tickets are £9.99 per child, with adults free to attend. Location: Pendock Ln, Bradmore, NG11 6PQ.
White Post Farm – Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Meet Santa and his reindeer at White Post Farm, where young children can pick a gift from Santa’s toy shop. This festive experience is available on weekends in December and December 23rd-24th, with child tickets at £27.95-£29.95 and adults at £20.95-£22.95. Location: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, NG22 8HL.
Wheelgate Park – Santa’s Magical Breakfast
Start your day with a festive breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves at Wheelgate Park. Each child receives a gift and can visit Santa’s grotto and toy shop afterwards. This where to see Santa in Nottingham is a firm favourite with our readers. The event will take place on December 7th, and adult tickets are £23.99, and child tickets are £29.99. Location: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, NG22 8HX.
National Ice Centre – Skating with Santa
Bring the kids to see Santa on ice at the National Ice Centre! This unique experience lets children meet Santa in a festive skating environment while enjoying hot chocolate and seasonal cheer, for this popular where to see Santa in Nottingham Listing . Running from December 21st to 24th, tickets are £18 per child. Bolero Square, Belward St, Nottingham NG1 1LA
Outside Of Nottingham
Derbion – Santa’s Magic Cabin
Step into Santa’s Magic Cabin at Derbion, where little ones can make a wish at Santa’s magical well and meet the big man himself. From November 2nd to December 23rd, tickets are £8.50 per child, including a small gift. This grotto is perfect for capturing precious memories in a cosy Christmas setting. Location: London Rd, Derby, DE1 2PL.
Top Tips for the Christmas Season in Nottinghamshire
This busy festive season, Nottinghamshire is filled with Santa’s grottos, enchanted forests, and joyful holiday events for all ages. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s best to book tickets in advance, check each venue’s privacy policy and confirm admission prices for children and adults to make the most of your visit.
For more Christmas fun and updates on the best Christmas events in Nottinghamshire, keep an eye on Ey-up Nottinghamshire. May your holiday season be filled with joyful journeys, festive workshops, and a magical Christmas experience for you and your family!
We hope this where to see Santa in Nottingham listing was worthwhile for you and why not check out our where to see Santa in Derbyshire if your looking a little further afield.