Family / Christmas
14 places to meet Father Christmas in Bristol and further afield in 2019
Santa and his elves are busy this festive season – here are 14 places where children can meet the big red man and his friends in 2019.
Sail with Santa!, Bristol Ferry, Bristol City Centre Landing, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Climb aboard and enjoy the festivities from the water. Children will get a personalised gift and grown-ups can enjoy a mince pie and glass of sherry. A £14 ticket also includes a 45-minute cruise of the harbour.
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 23 & 24, various times
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Santa’s Grotto at Bristol Zoo!, Bristol Zoo Gardens, College Road, Bristol, BS8 3HA
Let the elves guide you to the grotto to meet Santa and receive a special gift. There’s also the chance to colour in a letter for Santa and post it to the North Pole, take part in activities and enjoy tasty treats in the Hide Café.
Saturday, November 30-Monday, December 23, various times
Santa at Slimbridge, WWT Slimbridge, Newgrounds Lane, Gloucester, GL2 7BT
Families can meet Santa in his grotto, decorate gingerbread men, toast marshmallows and take part in some Christmas-themed crafts too. Children will get to visit the festive post office, write their letter and send it to the North Pole
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22, various times
Santa’s Grotto, Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Bristol, BS34 4PG
Each ticket includes time with Santa, a gift and a hot chocolate – grown-ups can enjoy a warm mulled wine while their child meets the big red man.
Sunday, December 1-Friday, December 20, 1pm-5pm
www.olddownestate.co.uk/country-park
Breakfast with Santa, Farrington’s Farm Shop & Café, Main Street, Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6UB
Visit Santa in in the Playbarn while enjoying pancakes or an English breakfast and receive a gift as well.
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22, 8am-10am
Brunch with Santa, The Ashton, Ashton Road, Bristol, BS41 9LX
The pub will transform into a grotto for a family-friendly festive morning. Children and adults will both receive breakfast and juice and grown-ups will also get a cup of coffee. Each child will receive a present and a non-refundable deposit of £5 is required.
December 7, 14 & 21, 10am-2pm
01275 392245
Santa’s Grotto, Hartcliffe Roundhouse Molesworth Gardens, Crosscombe Drive, Bristol, BS13 0BA
Father Christmas will be visiting the residents of Hartcliffe, where children will not only receive gift, but also get a chance to decorate a biscuit.
Saturday, December 7, 1pm-3pm
0117 964 7228
Santa Specials, Cranmore Railway Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QP
Get ready for a 90-minute journey through the countryside. During the trip, Father Christmas will welcome each child into his grotto and give them a gift while entertainers and activities keep little people busy. Biscuits and mince pies included!
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 & 24, various times
Photo by David St John Photography
Santa’s Grotto, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1AL
Step through the enchanted wardrobe and journey through a snow-topped Winter Wonderland until you reach Santa’s grotto, where the magical man awaits with a special Christmas gift. Be warned, Mr Grinch will take over the grotto on December 14 and 15.
November 30-December 24, 11am-3pm
Icescape @ The Tropicana, The Tropicana, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1BE
Santa’s Grotto is an enchanting experience where children can wander through the magical grotto before meeting Santa and his elves. Enjoy a magical Christmas experience and make lasting memories.
November 30-December 24, various times
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QF
Father Christmas and his elves are working hard at their workshop inside the caves invite families behind the scenes to marvel at the magic that is Christmas at Cheddar.
November 16-December 24, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1pm & 2.45pm
Christmas at Avon Valley, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Keynsham, BS31 1TP
A 60-minute immersive theatrical experience will take children on a journey to meet Father Christmas. There’s even a chance to send a letter, visit the Elves’ Parlour, meet reindeer, visit the Yuletide Square, as well as much more.
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24, 9am-6pm
www.christmas.avonvalley.co.uk
Meet Father Christmas at Tyntesfield, Tyntesfield, Clevedon Road, Somerset, BS48 1NX
Father Christmas is stopping in at Tyntesfield, before he heads off for a busy season on his sleigh. For those that have been nice, there’ll be crafts, treats and a chat with the big man of Christmas himself.
December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19, 10am-4.30pm
Father Christmas Experience, Ashton Court Mansion House, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol, BS41 9JN
This year, Ashton Court will host a 20-minute interactive experience, as well as activities, trails, a present and a drink and mince pie for grown-ups.
December 5-23, 10am-6pm
www.father-christmas-ashton-court.ticketsignite.com
Main photo thanks to the Grand Pier
Read more: 14 Christmas markets happening in and around Bristol
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