Santa's Grottos across Nottinghamshire for Christmas 2024

It might be two months until Christmas but Santa and his elves are bracing themselves for a busy festive season. Families can meet the jolly old man and share their Christmas wishes in magical grottos across the county.

With twinkling lights, maybe a reindeer of two, presents, and precious memories, get ready to embark on a fun adventure. We're rounded up a selection of grottos at locations including historical country estates and garden centres.

Rather than just turn up though, families have to book in advance to guarantee a meeting with Father Christmas, who is sure to know who is on the naughty list.

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National Ice Centre

Have a skate around the ice and then capture precious memories in Santa's magical world, where there's cosy corners for storytelling and delightful decorations. The grotto is open from December 21 to 24 from 9am to 5.30pm.

Pre-booking for the festive package, priced £18, is essential. It includes meeting Santa, a gift, ice skating, children's hot chocolate and festive colouring and writing a letter to Santa.

For children under the age of five, the accompanying adult can use the skating pass as youngsters of this age skate for free. For children aged five and over, any adult wishing to accompany their child on the ice will need to purchase a skating ticket for themselves. To book tickets click here

Location : Bolero Square, Belward Street, Nottingham NG1 1LA

Wheelgate Park

Step into the magic of the season at Wheelgate Park, the 30-acre family theme park with an Alien Galaxy, Robin Hood zone and the Land of the Pharaohs. Come December Santa and a sleigh-load of Christmas activities await. Stroll through the enchanting park, with thousands of twinkling lights and beautiful decorations.

Santa's Grotto will be open every day except Tuesdays from November 30 to Christmas Eve, after which Father Christmas will be delivering presents to children around the world. Look out for Rudy, the playful reindeer who will pose for a selfie with visitors.

Grotto tickets need to be purchased on top of the standard admission fee. Park admission prices start from adults £9.96, children over 108cms £9.76 and toddlers £5.51. Adults do not need to pay for the grotto but the price for babies and children is £8.49. Book tickets here

Location:Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HX

Woodborough Green Garden Centre

Santa’s band of elves will be there to welcome you into their workshop where you’ll be whisked away on a joyful journey, full of festive fun. You’ll then be taken into the grotto to meet Father Christmas himself, and you’ll have the chance to take some photos of this magical moment

Santa will be ready to greet you with a gift and a personal message – just make sure you include your child’s age and a few words about them when booking to help refresh his memory!

Tickets start at £19.95, and includes an up to 40 minute group grotto experience and a present for your child. Each child ticket includes two adult tickets free of charge. Reserve tickets here

Location: 101 Lowdham Lane, Woodborough, NG14 6DN

Brookfields Garden Centre

Enjoy a visit to the North Pole post office where you can write a letter to Father Christmas, before visiting Mrs Claus to craft some magical reindeer food. Then, it's off to see Father Christmas himself, where he'll tell you a story, ask what you'd like for Christmas and have a photo taken too. Afterwards, choose your own toy from the toy shop before viewing your photos (sold separately).

The grotto will be open from November 23 on weekends throughout December and December 23-24. Tickets are children £14 to £32 (off peak and peak prices) and adults £3. To book click here

Location: 431 Mapperley Plains, Nottingham, NG3 5RW.

Rufford Abbey

Magic and wonder awaits in Santa's Grotto at the historic country estate near Ollerton. Santa will make his grand entrance to Rufford along Lime Tree Avenue on November 16 and 17, with the chance to snap a photo with him by the courtyard Christmas Tree. The grotto will be open from Novemeber 23 to December 22 from 9.15am to 4pm.

The arrival weekend will set the tone for a month of festive fun which also includes an Elf Garden Christmas Trail starting on December 7. Grotto prices are £9.95 per child, which includes a gift from Santa and up to two adults can accompany each child for free. Book here

Visitors can make the most of their visit by arriving a little early - seating is available, and sausage and bacon cobs are on sale.

Location: Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DF

Four Seasons Shopping Centre

Santa's back in Mansfield and he's early with his grotto opening for weekends from November 2. From November 22 it will be open every day up until Christmas Eve..

As part of a sustainability drive, all of Santa's gifts are unwrapped. Up to four children can be included in a booking - any more requires a second booking. Tickets are priced £7.50 with optional extras including a mounted photo £8, a bauble £9.50 and snow globe £12. Book here.

Location: Quaker Way, Mansfield NG18 1SU

John Lewis

There won't be a grotto but the Nottingham department store will be hosting Santa’s Tea Party on December 6 and 7. Youngsters can join him for a Christmas story, complete with snacks, cocoa and a special gift. Prices are £17.50 per child plus a £1.75 booking fee and 6 per adult (includes a hot drink and a slice of cake) plus a 60p booking fee.

Times and tickets are available here

Location:Victoria Centre, Milton Street, Nottingham NG1 3QA