Best places to see Father Christmas in Surrey. Is it really that time already? I can’t believe that Christmas is fast approaching and it certainly has been a difficult year! The Covid virus has effected us all, and everyone including our children have had to adapt to a new way of living. Christmas maybe different this year, but, it doesn’t mean we can’t have some Christmas Magic and take our little ones for their visit to see Father Christmas. So, where are the best places to see Father Christmas in Surrey.
CHESSINGTON GARDEN CENTRE
Now taking bookings! Book here
November 21st – December 24th
One of the best places to see Father Christmas in Surrey is at Chessington Garden Centre. This was my all time favourite place to take the kids to see Father Christmas when they were little. This was taken quite a few years ago as my children are now 13 and 14! This year.
Chessington Garden centre in Surrey is going to be transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland full of festive cheer. Your visit will start with a personal message from Santa himself as he lets you know what changes we’ve made to keep you and your family safe whilst visiting this year. As you journey through the five-fantasy realms you will encounter Santa’s elves who will be ensuring everyone remains at a safe distance whilst inside the wonderland experience. Your visit will conclude with a personal visit with Santa himself and a very special sneak peek into his toy workshop where you will be able to choose your very own Christmas gift.
This year they have halved the number of available tickets.
Due to social distancing regulations and to ensure that everyone can enjoy our wonderland experience they are limiting bookings of 4 adults per child. If you are booking for multiple groups, you must book in separate transactions.
Prices
– My First Christmas (Under 1s): £7.25
– Child: Off Peak £14.50/ Peak £16.50
– Adult: £4.50
CROCKFORD BRIDGE FARM, ADDLESTONE
This is a lovely place to take your children to visit Father Christmas as it offers something different, unique, and a small cosy experience. How special would it be for your little ones to go and visit Father Christmas by walking through the Winter Wonder Wood, a real Christmas Tree Forest. This would make for some lovely photographs. After your children have written their Christmas wishes and been entertained by a cast of characters along the way, they will then meet Father Christmas in his Log Cabin. There is a gift for every child and a chance to share your Christmas wishes. These walking performances lasts for approximately 30 minutes. The performance element of the visit is generally aimed at children over 4 years.
One thing to be made aware of, is that buggies and pushchairs are not allowed into the Wonder Wood performances due to space restrictions.
For further information about seeing Father Christmas at Crockford Bridge Farm, check out their website.
SANTAS SITTING ROOM, Leatherhead Institute, Surrey
18th – 24th December
To book visit : https://thelittleboxoffice.com/santasittingroom/book/event/113116
Tickets can be booked now!
Santa’s Sitting Room is the cheapest of all my suggestions as 2 adults go free per child booking. It is a unique grotto/theatrical experience recommended for children aged 9 months to 14 years. Purposely orientated for children to embrace the true and magical atmosphere of Christmas past, spending quality time with Sant. It is also fully accessible for wheelchair users.
A beautiful antique set, charmingly studded with twinkling fairy lights adorns the parlour where the children will meet Santa, decorated in a Victorian style, globes, lanterns, clocks, writing desks and of course Christmas toys and decorations.
Unlike some of my other suggestions, which have a magical tour leading up to when you see Father Christmas, there is not much to look at in the waiting room, but, when you do go in and see him, its stunning and very traditional.
Sign his big red visitors’ book whilst discovering the magic of Christmas. Every child will receive a boy/girl hand wrapped gift appropriate to their age.
Why not take a look at this video, which shows a child visiting Father Christmas at Santas Sitting Room :/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULBTu2_SVvc
Prices:
£12.50 per child (age 9 months upwards) – 2 free adults per child booking.
LAPLAND UK , ASCOT
November 14th to December 24th.
To book visit : Here
LaplandUK although not theoretically in Surrey, is so close and such an amazing experience, I had to include it. Lapland UK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities.
The four-hour experience is a special treat and tickets include a personalised individual letter to every child from Father Christmas by post, all activities and performances including ice skating, a gift from Father Christmas and a toy from the Toy Factory.
It was awarded ‘The UK’s Best Family Day Out’ in 2015 & 2016, by the Little London Awards
Prices vary depending on the day, but expect to pay around £80 pp.
BOCKETTS FARM, FETCHAM
Santas Grotto will be coming to Bocketts Farm this year, however, details had not been released whilst writing this article.
I will be updating this, when details are announced.
So, I hope these suggestions for the best places to see Father Christmas in Surrey have helped. However, there are many other fantastic venues to visit they have not made my short list. Christmas is such a magical time and with all spaces limited at each venue, make sure you book to avoid disappointment. All the places suggested, are following social distancing and have precautions and procedures in place for your safety.
Whilst we are on the subject of Christmas, I have published dates for my Christmas Minis, which are on the 5th, 6th and 7th November. Details can be found here
For further information about Natalie Moss Photography in Surrey, who is a specialist maternity, newborn, baby and family photographer, why not follow my instagram feed.