At Staycation Holidays we know that nothing's more magical at Christmas than taking your kids to meet Santa. This is such a special part of your countdown to Christmas! So we’ve searched high and low and rounded up 10 memorable Santa experiences near our holiday cottages this Christmas.

Perfect for creating lasting memories, your kids will absolutely love visiting Santa in these very cool places and telling him all about their wish list.

We’ve listed the events in order of appearance – there are no favourites here! Many of our suggestions are very popular and book up early. Please check the individual websites as booking is essential for some events.

With Reindeer

Image courtesy of The Reindeer Centre

Event: Santa at the Reindeer Centre
Where: The Reindeer Centre, Bethersden, Kent
When: 10 November - 24 December 2018
Details: For the most authentic and unique Santa experience, it has to be the outstanding Reindeer Centre. Their magical 150ft grotto leads you through seven different animated scenes with friendly staff making the experience special. Father Christmas always has lots of time for kids, making sure that every ‘good child’ receives a quality wrapped age appropriate present. Visit the undercover animal barn too, where your children can feed the reindeer and meet the goats, pigs, donkeys, llamas, guinea pigs and cheeky meerkats. The onsite play barn is also brilliant to lose a few hours. There is no need to prebook - advanced booking is required for Christmas Eve only.
Find out more: www.reindeercentre.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: Larkin Farmhouse, Larkin Cart and Larkin Oast are located just next door!

With Loveable Donkeys

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

Event: Christmas Fair at The Donkey Sanctuary
Where: The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, East Devon
When: 24-25 November 2018; 10am – 4pm
Details: Make a friend for life by supporting The Donkey Sanctuary‘s fabulously festive fair, raising money for its incredible work worldwide. Kick-start your Christmas shopping or simply treat yourself with a wide range of crafts, gifts and delicious edible treats on sale. This great day out for all the family has the added bonus of meeting some very cute donkeys! Santa and his reindeer (donkeys!) will be on hand to meet your little ones who’ll receive a lovely gift. Tickets will be available to purchase each day on a first come, first serve basis.
Find out more: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Make a weekend of it: Our gorgeous East Devon holiday cottages are all within a 15 - 30 minute drive.

In a Tent

Image © The Eden Project

Event: Meet Father Christmas at the Eden Project
Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall
When: 24-25, 30 November, 1-2, 7-9, 14-24 December; various times (see website)
Details: So much more than a visit to Santa! Go behind-the-scenes at the camp Father Christmas and his elves make their home in the countdown to Christmas. The man in red is keen to meet your children so they can help him prepare for the big day. Snoop at the elves' bunkbeds, see the pigeonholes full of children’s letters and all the stockings laid out. After settling down for a fireside story, each child can enjoy a special moment with Father Christmas and receive a special gift. Prebooking is essential.
Find out more: www.edenproject.com
Make a weekend of it: Book a stay at one of our five Killigorrick Farm Cottages or Trencreek Farmhouse, all just 30 minutes’ drive away.

On a Fantasy Journey

Event: Santa’s Magical Journey
Where: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Norfolk
When: 24-25 November; 1-2, 8-9, 15-23 December 2018
Details: Both kids and adults will be mesmerised on a journey through this fantasy wonderland. You’ll pass penguins and polar bears and see giant-sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh. The busy elves are hard at work in the toy factory with a wonderful wrapping machine. You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters including the snowman family – just make sure you dodge the snowballs! Then you make your way through the enchanted forest to reach Santa’s House where you meet the man himself with gifts for all the children that visit. There is also a full relaxed day for children with additional needs on 25 November. Prebooking is essential.
Find out more: www.thursford.com
Make a weekend of it: To make this magical Christmas experience complete, book a short break at one of our Norfolk cottages.

On a Tram

Image © Seaton Tramway

Event: The Polar Express Tram Ride
Where: Seaton Tramway, East Devon
When: 30 November - 2 December; 7, 17-21 December 2018
Details: “All aboooooard!” the Polar Express Tram Ride on the Seaton Tramway for a memorable immersive experience. Just like everyone’s favourite Christmas movie, you are welcome to turn up for your trip to the ‘North Pole’ in your jim jams! During the journey in one of the specially decorated single deck tramcars, sing along with all the songs and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies served by the dancing chefs and waiters. Santa and his happy elves are there to dish out a special gift for each child. Prebooking is essential.
Find out more: www.tram.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: Our East Devon holiday cottages are all within 30 minutes’ drive.

On a Safari

Image © Hawkstone Park Follies

Event: Santa Safari at Hawkstone Park Follies
Where: Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire
When: 30 November - 23 December 2018; various times (see website)
Details: Young children – and big kids – love the Santa Safari! Check in for a magical adventure by Land Rover across this historic woodland fantasy. Ride through the illuminated Grand Valley, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s spectacular network of caves. Here Santa’s elves will keep you entertained as you wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you finally arrive at Santa’s magical grotto. Every child receives a present and has the opportunity to meet Santa’s reindeer in the Woodland Dell. Prebooking is essential.
Find out more: www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: Stay at our Shropshire holiday cottages, 35-40 minutes’ drive away.

In a Cave

Image © The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Event: Dan yr Ogof Cave Christmas Experience
Where: National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercrave, near Swansea
When: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-24 December; 10am-3pm
Details: Treat them to an experience they won't forget with a trip to Santa's Grotto deep inside a mountain at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales. Set off underground to find Santa, following the beautifully decorated twisting passageways and past underground lakes, waterfalls and vast colourful hanging rock formations before meeting Santa in his magical subterranean world. Children get a chance to speak to Santa, and you can get your picture taken with him and receive a gift to take home. Adults receive a hot drink and mince pie. Booking is essential. There are also dinos to be found and you can visit the farm animals.
Find out more: www.showcaves.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: This magical experience is 20 minutes’ drive from our holiday cottages near Pontardawe.

On a Farm

Image © The Rare Breeds Centre

Event: A Truly Magical Christmas
Where: The Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, Kent
When: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 18-23 December 2018; 10.30am, 11.15am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.15pm 3pm
Details: Ho Ho Ho !!!…The famously festive Christmas grotto is a much-loved tradition here, complete with a few of the centre’s friendly farm animals to meet and stroke along the way. Meet Santa’s Elves and sing-along with ‘The Naughty Snowman’ before a one-to-one chat (and special gift) with the ‘Big Man’ himself. Booking is essential. Your kids will love interacting with ‘Wiley Wolf Productions’ Aladdin Christmas Panto too - performances are at 12 noon and 2 pm…Oh yes they are!!
Find out more: www.rarebreeds.org.uk
Make a weekend of it: Our nearest cottages are Larkin Farmhouse, Larkin Cart and Larkin Oast, less than 20 minutes’ drive away.

In a Byegone Era

Image © Blists Hill

Event: A Victorian Christmas
Where: Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, Shropshire
When: 8-9, 15-16 December; 10am-4pm
Details: This Christmas, join the costumed townsfolk and experience the atmosphere of a bygone era 1800s-style over two December weekends. Walk the decorated streets under falling snow, get cosy by the fires in the cottages, browse the shops for that unusual stocking filler and join in the back to back entertainment including a festive sing-a-long, panto and, of course, visit Father Christmas in his grotto and say hello to his reindeer.
Find out more: www.ironbridge.org.uk
Make a weekend of it: Stay at our wonderful Shropshire holiday cottages within 25-35 minutes’ drive away.

On a Time Travelling Adventure

Image © The Canterbury Tales

Event: Magical Medieval Christmas at the Canterbury Tales
Where: Canterbury Tales visitor attraction, Canterbury, Kent
When: 15-16 December; 10am-4pm
Details: Young adventurers must save Santa in time for Christmas by travelling back in time to the medieval streets of the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction. The Master of Revels will guide you on your quest with songs, games and dressing up, among other festive activities. Your 45 minute journey ends with a visit to Father Christmas’s grotto and, as a special thank you, a present from the man himself. Prebooking is essential.
Find out more: canterburytales.org.uk
Make a weekend of it: Stay at one of our fabulous nearby Kent boltholes, all 30-40 minutes’ drive away.