Seeing Santa in his grotto is one of the most magical moments of Christmas  for children (and getting a toy obviously adds to the joy).

If you’re not sure where your kids can see Father Christmas this year, we’ve pulled together places throughout the UK where he will be visiting.

Keep checking back on this article as we’ll be adding new venues, grottos and Christmas events throughout the festive season.

Where: At all Wyevale Garden Centres across the UK, including Oxford, Huddersfield, Somerset, Wakefield, Devon, Buckinghamshire.

The event gives kids the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and his helpers and receive a special present, as well as the chance to plant and grow their own very mini Christmas tree to decorate and take home.

When: 18 November – 24 December.

Tickets: A child’s ticket costs £10 and adults go free. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. 

Where: Newport, South Wales.

The experience begins with a video message from Santa’s Chief Elf, then activities include gingerbread decoration, Santa letter writing and you will be able to meet real-life reindeer.

When: 23 November – 24 December.

Tickets: From £13 per child, which includes one gift per child.

Where: Center Parcs (Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest).

Kids can visit Santa’s Woodland Workshop to meet Nutmeg the reindeer and his family. There are seasonal activities for the family, such as creating your own Christmas decorations in the Pottery Painting Studio. Kids will also receive a special present after visiting Santa.

When: 6 November – 17 December.

Tickets: From £459 for a Winter Wonderland break. Price depends on dates, location and accommodation.

Santa opens his grotto every day from 10am to 6pm and it is run on a first-come, first-served basis (so allow plenty of time to queue at peak times). All kids receive a free gift after their visit with Santa. Kids can also visit Santa’s Toy Factory fun house where Santa and his elves are making gifts.

Tickets: Santa Claus is free to visit, but attractions at the Winter Wonderland cost additional money.  

Where: York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York.

Guests will join the elves on Santa’s mission to save Christmas. The themed tour is filled with Christmas games and festive fun – ending with a meeting with Santa. Price includes the activity, meeting with Santa, a photo and a festive chocolate making activity.

When: 2 December – 24 December.

Tickets: £9.95 per child,  accompanying siblings an additional £7.95.

Children’s festive journey will begin with a welcome from Mr Crumb the Christmas Chef at the entrance of the enchanting log cabin. The children will magically transform into elves and help Mr Crumb make a gingerbread man, then they’ll enjoy creating a tree decoration with Mrs Claus in her craft room, meet Santa and receive a toy to take home.

Santa will be waiting to greet children in his Arndale Christmas grotto. Booking must be done online prior to visiting Santa. Each child receives a festive teddy bear at the end of the visit.

Tickets: £5.50 per child – two adults go free during each booking and any additional adults are £1 each. 

The experience lasts around 45 minutes: kids enter the ‘magical wonderland’, sing with the elves and make some reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas eve. They then meet Santa and hear a story told by the big man himself. 

Tickets: £14.99 for children and £4.99 for adults.

There are more than 30 rides, a Christmas market and kids can build a festive Lego scene. Children can meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto, where every child will receive a Lego gift.