Where to visit Santa in Northamptonshire this Christmas

Posted 12th December 2023

Are your kids on the good list this year? If they are, get in the festive spirit by booking your visit to Santa.

With everything from encounters with Santa at historic locations, through to festivities at local garden centres and shopping centres, there’s something for everyone! It’s a perfect day out for all the family and something that the little ones will love.

Here’s where to visit Santa in Northampton this Christmas…

Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Families will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton every weekend in December prior to Christmas, as well weekdays from Monday 18th December to Friday 22nd December. The grotto will be open from 10.30am – 4pm and is located in the upper mall, next to The Lewis Foundation Outlet Store.

Families will be able take their photo with Santa, as well as receiving a gift. Tickets are £1 and all proceeds will go to charity. Book here.

Delapré Abbey

Meet Santa and his elves in the historic grounds of Delapré Abbey from the 1st to the 15th of December. Children can capture the magic with a photo alongside Santa and receive a specially wrapped gift from his elves! Admission is £10 per child, and adults enter for free. Book here.

Chester House Estate

Experience the magic at Chester House as Father Christmas graces the estate from the 25th of November to the 24th of December. Engage in festive activities such as card making, melted snowman cookie making, and reindeer food crafting. Of course, there’s a meet and greet with Santa, photo opportunities, and overall festive fun! Pre-booking is essential at £20 per child, including entry for 2 adults and a gift. Book here.

Dobbie’s Garden Centre

A favourite amongst locals, Dobbie’s Santa grotto on Newport Pagnell Road, promises an enchanting experience for the little ones, featuring a visit to the grotto and a special gift for £11.99. Guests can choose their preferred gift option when booking a slot, with photo opportunities available. Book here.

Weston Favell Shopping Centre

From the 18th of November until the 24th of December, the cosy cabin at Weston Favell Shopping Centre welcomes visitors to meet Father Christmas. Pre-booked tickets are priced at £6, rising to £7 on the day, and include a gift. Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment. Find out more here.

Stanwick Lakes

Experience the festive joy at Stanwick Lakes this Christmas as children create their own natural Christmas decorations before visiting Santa and his elves. Prices start from £9.50, and Santa is available for visits from the 25th of November to the 23rd of December. Find out more here.

Bell Plantation

Santa will be visiting Bell Plantation in Towcester on 17th December between 11am and 3pm. You can just turn up and there’s no need to book. He’ll be having a chat with all the family and is looking forward to meeting the little ones!

Doddington Nurseries

This Christmas, the little ones are in for a delightful surprise as Santa’s Grotto graces Doddington Nurseries in Wellingborough. Each child will enjoy a 5-minute encounter with Santa and receive a present during their visit. Additionally, you can dine in the new Doddington Nurseries café, and receive a 10% discount on a Christmas tree by presenting your Santa’s Grotto booking. Find out more here.

Whilton Locks Garden Centre

For £17.99 per child and £3.50 per accompanying adult, indulge in the joy of meeting Santa at Whilton Locks Garden Centre, complete with a premium gift. This year, even babies celebrating their first Christmas can partake in the festivities and meet Santa. A truly memorable experience for families! Find out more here.

Santa’s Grotto in Kettering Bosworth’s Garden Centre

Embark on the magical journey to Santa’s Grotto at Burton Latimer garden centre throughout December. Children can meet Santa, choose their own toy, and purchase photos. Adults do not require a ticket, and the admission fee is £12 per child, inclusive of a gift. Find out more here.

Rushden, Higham, and Wellingborough Railway

On the 2nd, 3rd, 16th & 17th of December, head to the railway depot for a delightful ride on the diesel Santa special. This journey is followed by a visit to Mr. & Mrs. Claus in their grotto, complete with complimentary juice and biscuits for children and refreshments for adults. Tickets are £7 for adults, £12.50 for children, and babies enter for free or £5 with a gift. Find out more here.