There are many traditions that you can start with your family at Christmas, but there is one seasonal event that your little one might be a little bit more excited for and that's heading out to meet Santa.
You might be looking for a place to start your family traditions of visiting Santa every year, or you might be looking to change up where you normally go, so you'll be pleased to know that there are hundreds of locations for you to meet Santa in the UK this year.
These days there's a lot more to just meeting Santa, and there's often an immersive experience for you and your family to enjoy. These can range from Elf workshops where your child can enjoy making their own teddies, to even strolling through Grotto Grounds enjoying festive scenery.
From classic grotto's at the local garden centre to even meeting him on a train, Mother&Baby have found the best places for your little one to meet Santa this Christmas.
Best places to meet Santa 2024
1. Lapland UK
With your chosen date and time, Lapland UK offers a 4.5 hour experience of performances and activities that also includes a toy making session in Santa's workshop! You'll also receive a small teddy and even a complimentary thank you letter and photo for visiting Lapland and Santa.
Before the big day of meeting Santa, you'll receive a personal invitation from Santa himself, to add to the excitement for your little ones. Tickets start from roughly £49 per person!
Find out more about Lapland UK tickets here.
2. The Eden Project
Father Christmas and his team of Elves have set up camp at the Eden Project and are making their final preparations for Christmas! This immersive 40-minute experience is full of wonder, games, and fun for the whole family.
Your little one will be able to have a photo and receive a gift to take home too! Prices for tickets start from £12 (not including entry to the Eden Project itself).
Find out more about meeting Father Christmas at the Eden Project here.
3. Shrek Christmas Experience
Swap the North Pole for the Swamp and meet Shrek-Santa! Guests who visit Shrek's Adventure in London will be able to enjoy the 'Shrek the Halls' experience from the 30th of November.
Ticket prices start from £21 as a standard ticket, which includes a 70-minute walk through experience.
Find out more about Shreks Christmas Experience here.
4. Santa in the Sky
With prices starting from as little as £13.15, your little one can meet Santa and his Elves for a photo opportunity at the Brighton i360! Tickets include a 25 minute festive pod journey and the opportunity to receive a gift from Santa himself.
Find out more about Santa in the Sky here.
5. Santa's Stories in Edinburgh
Santa and some helpful elves will be tucked away in St Andrew's Square ready to welcome children and families and provide a magical Christmas experience. The 20-minute experience will see Santa read an immersive story to a group of 22 children, who will each get a photo opportunity and receive an age appropriate gift.
Find out more about Santas Stories here.
FAQs
When is the best age to take your little one to meet Santa?
There isn't a specific age where it's best to take Santa. Most parents want to start a family tradition so they take their baby to meet them for their first Christmas, however as they're so little, it's not important if you don't visit Santa.
Children around the ages of one to three years old might feel apprehensive about meeting Santa too, so if you do book to visit try not to be too disappointed if they won't sit near him!
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.