Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.    Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Gloucestershire in 2024.  For more great ideas, check out our guides for Oxfordshire and Berkshire too.

If you’re after other Christmas experiences, check out the Red Kite Days guide to Christmas light trails. 

SPOTLIGHT – THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Ranked no.2 in the Times of the 7 Best Festive Days Out in the UK, The Flight Before Christmas returns for 2024.  Perfect for the whole family, The Flight Before Christmas takes place on board a British Airways jumbo jet.  It’s a unique theatrical experience with interactive elements throughout, workshops and a visit to Father Christmas for a story time session. It’s been fully revamped for 2024 including new characters, activites and completely new sections to immerse yourself in for a magical Christmas family experience.

Santa’s Grottos and Experiences in Gloucestershire 2024

Fat Squirrel Outdoor Santa Campfire – Saturday 7th December

Come and meet the Father Christmas around a campfire, and let the children tell him their Christmas wishes. This popular Fat Squirrel campfire event brings Christmas cheer in sack loads.  The Santa experience includes a story around the campfire with Father Christmas there to chat and a visit to meet him in his woodland grotto

Santa’s Workshop at Hocus Pocus Play

A magical experience  where guests will be greeted cheery Christmas elves at Hocus Pocus Play, before entering into an enchanted fairytale village with hidden surprises at every turn. Each family will be given a personal appointment to visit Santa himself, whose hidden workshop you must find through a secret door and enchanting tunnel! (Fairford)

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway  Santa Specials

Get ready for an enchanting adventure as you’re transported you to the North Pole and back. The beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Tickets on sale from 3rd September

Dean Forest Railway Santa Steam Specials

Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and visit with Santa and his elves! With presents for the children and a miniature for the adults (plus mince pies for everyone!)

Cotswold Farm Park Father Christmas Experience at Cotswold Farm Park

Christmas on the farm is a truly unique experience. Enjoy the marvels of this magical festivity, surrounded by donkey foals, lambs and greedy goats. The Christmas experience at Cotswold Farm Park  details are still to be announced Tickets not yet released

Perrygrove Railway Christmas Twlight Trains

Watch the musical arrival of the steam train at Perrygrove Station then take your pre-booked seats aboard the Twilight Express. Spot the illuminations along the line to Oakiron Station where you will meet Father Christmas and his helpers.

Christmas at Cattle Country Park

Join Cattle Country Park  for the ultimate festive family day out on the farm!

Santa’s Cheltenham Christmas Grotto at Webbs

The Christmass Grotto at Webbs Cheltenham returns for 2024. Step into a winter wonderland, make some reindeer food and visit Santa in his cosy living room.

Afternoon Tea with Santa at Ellenborough Park 14th & 19th Dec

Get ready to indulge in scrumptious treats, sip on warm beverages, and spend quality time with Santa himself! This event is perfect for families and children of all ages who want to experience the magic of Christmas.

Father Christmas at Dean Heritage Centre

Meet Father Christmas, choose between a Traditional Father Christmas Visit or a new Father Christmas Expierience Package. Full details & tickets not yet released

Trioscape Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto

Breakfast with Santa details not yet released

Batsford Arboretum

The Santa grotto at Batsford Arboretum details to be confirmed. Tickets not yet released

Christmas at the Brewery Quarter Cheltenham

Details not yet released

Breakfast With  Santa at the Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Last year there was a Breakfast with Santa including a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you could meet Santa and receive a gift in the wetland grotto. No details yet for 2024

Christmas at Clearwell Caves

This is an unusual and brilliant underground Christmas adventure for all the family. This year the story is the wonderful tale of The Very Hungry Polar Bear. See Father Christmas,  then wander through our magical displays telling this very seasonal story. Tickets not yet released