Everybody wants to to meet the beardy man with the bag at this time of year – here’s some of the best place to meet the man himself in the Peak District and Derbyshire during Christmas. From canal cruises and Santa trains to stately homes and magical story telling…ho ho ho!
Some events may need to be pre-booked – please check ahead before travelling.
Matlock Farm Park Santa’s Grotto
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 30th November – 22nd December + 23rd & 24th December 2019, 10.30am – 3.30pm each day
Meet the Santa’s Elf and write your message to Santa and post it in their North Pole post box! Meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift. If you want to make it really special, there are pony rides available (for children 3 years and over) before their Santa visit, £2.50 per ride. No pre-booking is needed. On arrival, simply pay for your Santa’s grotto/grotto with pony ride experience with your farm park entry and you will be given a ticket showing a time slot for you to go for your experience.
Where: Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Matlock, DE4 5LH
Entry / Cost: £5 per child to visit Santa, pony rides £2.50 (additional charge to the visit to Santa)
matlockfarmpark.co.uk/whats-on
Meet Santa at Spring Shopping Centre, Buxton
When: 14th & 21st December 2019 (times, TBC)
Once again Santa will be visiting Buxton where you can meet him in his magical grotto!
Where: The Springs Shopping Centre, Buxton, SK17 6DF
Entry / Cost: TBC
thespringsshoppingcentre.co.uk
Santa on a Steam Train with Peak Rail
When: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2019
Ride with Santa on a festive steam train with Peak Rail! Enjoy the journey as Santa and his helpers stroll through the train bearing wonderful age suitable gifts together with a Christmas treat and activity pack for every boy and girl.
Mums, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas can relax and enjoy a mince pie and a glass of hot mulled wine in garland filled coaches, whilst a variety of professional entertainers will entertain you during the whole of your journey.
Gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan mince pie and non-alcoholic beverage are available upon pre-booked request.
All Santa Trains will depart from Rowsley South Station ONLY and will run to Matlock Platform 2 (return journey). The journey will last approx. 1 hour).
Where: Depart from Rowsley Station and run to Matlock Station
Entry / Cost: Adults / senior citizens £14, children 16 mths – 15 yrs £11.50, children 0 – 15 mths £7
peakrail.co.uk/steam-train-events-derbyshire/heritage-railway-days-out-peak-district/santaspecials
Au Audience with Father Christmas at Lyne Hall
When: Various dates in November and December 2019 – some dates now sold out, please check their website
*Now limited Monday and Friday dates remaining*
Explore all the tradition and magic of Christmas at Lyme, with ‘An Audience with Father Christmas.’ The Chapel will be transformed into a magical, festive space with cosy rugs and cushions to sit on, decorations, and twinkly lights on the tree to get you in the Christmas spirit. After listening to an enchanting Christmas story, children will be invited to receive a gift from Father Christmas himself.
Spaces remain on the Monday and Friday sessions – perfect for pre-school visitors.
Places are also still available on the ‘An Afternoon Audience with Father Christmas’- book here.
Where: Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR
Entry / Cost: £9.95 per child
Winter Wonderland at Conkers
When: 30th November – 24th December 2019, various timings for the Winter Wonderland programme, please check website
Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will lead you through the Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas Lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto. This is your chance to tell Santa that you have been good, and fingers crossed, he may share some pre-Chrismas presents!
Upon arrival, adults receive mulled wine each with a mince pie and children can choose from the yummy selection of Mrs Clauses freshly baked cookies! During your visit you can take a trip on Head Elf’s Twinkle Toes Train through the tunnel of discovery, meet the Balloon Modeller (1pm – 5pm) and watch our Christmas shows & films.
It’s sure to raise your Christmas spirits when you find the Live Reindeer for a family snap, Snow Cave for Storytime or Activities!
Where: Conkers, Rawdon Road (B586), Moira, Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derbyshire DE12 6GA
Entry / Cost: From Adult £11.95, child £13.95, family £50, member Adult – £9.95, member Child – £9.95
An Audience with Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle
When: 30th November – 22nd December 2019 (weekends only)
Join in the festive fun with the man himself at Bolsover Castle this Christmas. Meet Father Christmas as he tells tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations. Additional charge of £5 applies to see Father Christmas for all children, price includes a small present. Pre-booking essential. Please note max 2 adults per child in each session.
Where: Bolsover Castle, Castle Street, Bolsover, S44 6PR
Entry / Cost: Adults £11.80, Child 5 – 17ears £7.10, Concession £10.20, Family £30.70
Meet Santa in Chesterfield
When: November and December 2019: Various dates and times – please check their website
Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto at Chesterfield Market Hall from the 17th November. There is no need to book just turn up on the day for your child to have a chat with Santa and receive a gift.
Entry / Cost: £5 per child
Where: Santa’s Grotto, Chesterfield Market Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/meet-santa-in-chesterfield
Santa Special Cruises on Chesterfield Canal
When: Various dates throughout November and December
The popular trips on the Chesterfield Canal with Santa on board will be running again this Christmas. Booking and advance payment is essential. Child receive a special present and adults can enjoy a mince pie and a drink.
For more details on the various cruises available, visit their website.
Entry / Cost: £7 per person.
Where: Chesterfield / Retford / Worksop / Hollingwood Hub / Shireoaks
chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-special-cruises-2019
Santa Trains with Midland Railway, Butterley
When: November and December 2019
The children will meet Santa and there’s a treat for the adults, entertainment for the whole family and all without queues. Car Parking is free. This special Santa train ride features: Santa’s Grotto on your train, a quality gift for every child, miniature bottle of spirits and a mince pie for every adult, delivered to your seat, Pinxton Puppets Pantomime in a heated and decorated marquee after your train journey, animatronics tableau.
Entry / Cost: £7 per person.
Where: Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ
midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/santa-specials
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