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Top 10 Places to Visit Father Christmas in The West Midlands in 2022.
National Sea Life Centre – Santa’s Grotto Experience
From 19th November to the 24th of December sea explorers will be able to marvel at over 2000 amazing creatures including jaw-some sharks, cheeky gentoo penguins and the UK’s first and only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola before entering our glittering grotto where Santa and his cheeky elves will be waiting in their magical winter wonderland to say hello and find out what’s on the top of those Christmas lists this year!
Every child who visits Santa in his grotto will be given a present to take home and enjoy!*
Tickets to see Santa is an additional charge, priced from £7pp and all guests must also hold a valid ticket to the attraction for the same day.
*All children require a ticket to see Santa, including under 3’s. Babies in arms (under 12 months) do not require a ticket if they are accompanying another paying child unless you would like them to have the full Santa experience with a gift.
https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham
Cadbury’s World
ENJOY A DAY OUT THAT’S CHOC-FULL OF FESTIVE FUN THIS CHRISTMAS AT CADBURY WORLD!
Discover our chocolatey zones and whole host of seasonal activities for all the family, weekends from 19th November – 18th December + 19th – 23rd December! Tickets include entry to the pantomime and a visit to see Santa in his exclusive stage show!
https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/whats-on/christmas
The Snowdome, Staffordshire
Santa’s back at the SnowDome for Christmas 2022 with a family festive extravaganza! From 12th November, his magical winter wonderland in the snow returns and this year he’s all set to spread even more magic along the way… with real snow, real animals and the ALL NEW winter wonderland show. It’s the ultimate Christmas adventure for all the family!
https://www.snowdome.co.uk/santas-winter-wonderland/
Exotic Zoo, Telford
This one is a real local for us in Telford. Around 4 years ago, our local ‘Animal Man’ set up camp in an independent garden centre. Following acquisition of their Zoo License, the small Zoo has grown in size and stature over the past year and is now an excellent little day out. Father Christmas takes up residence in their Igloo and children encounter several real animals before meeting the man himself. With a chance to see some old favourites such as Little the Donkey and Dodger the horse along with some more exotic creatures such as Elsa and Rosie the snakes, the children get a fabulous experience and lots of opportunity for hands on too! There is a small café in the garden centre that serves excellent tea and cake and the children have a gift included in their Father Christmas visit too.

https://exoticzoo.co.uk/the-zoo/
Santa Safari at Hawkstone Park and Follies
2nd December 2022 ‐ 23rd December 2022
Arrive at Hawkstone Park Hotel and check in for your trip. After a warming festive drink you’ll be whisked off in one of our Land Rovers across the Park, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s spectacular network of caves.
Wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you finally arrive at your destination – the magical grotto itself! Where every child is greeted by Santa and gets a gift.
Pre-booking is essential and spaces fill up quickly so book yours as soon as you can!
(Once tickets are available, scroll to the bottom of the page to view tickets if you are using a mobile device)
Price for a vehicle up to 6 people:
Daylight: £145.00
Twilight: £155.00
https://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/events-tickets/follies-safari-2022
Santa Hunt at Black Country Living Museum
Visit this December for an Enchanted Christmas…
Santa Hunts are making a welcome return with a brand new storyline for 2022. This year, Santa has decided to have a little festive fun and has hidden somewhere in our canalside village – the elves need your help to solve the clues and find him!
Climb aboard our vintage bus to explore the village and seek out Santa Claus. Join in the yuletide spirit, take part in our festive tasks and help our jolly historic characters prepare for Christmas. Don’t forget to pop into our Edwardian school to write up your special secret wish too, all before meeting the big man himself!
Be ready for our Christmas VIP as Santa will ensure to meet each child individually for a chat and of course, they will receive a Christmas gift. Santa isn’t camera shy, so you are welcome to take a photo or ask our helpful elves to take one for you.
Plus, in true Christmas spirit we haven’t forgotten about the grown-ups, who will receive a voucher for a complimentary mulled wine or non-alcoholic drink and a mince pie.
Although we recognise that Christmas is a magical time for those of all ages, we recommend this event to those aged 3+.
Please be aware that due to our Merry Makers events, Santa Hunts will not be available on the 3rd or 4th December.
Tickets are selling fast; limited dates and timeslots available.
Dates available:
- Sat 26 Nov
- Sun 27 Nov
- Mon 19 Dec
- Tue 20 Dec
- Wed 21 Dec
- Thu 22 Dec
- Fri 23 Dec
- Sat 24 Dec
https://www.bclm.co.uk/whats-on.htm
Meet Father Christmas at the Shakespeare Family Homes
No dates for 2022 yet
Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon
https://www.shakespeare.org.uk
Attingham Park
September 2022 – update
We are currently planning to open the Mansion for Christmas (ground floor and basement) with themed festive decorations for a Christmas Hosted By Attingham.
There wil be festive decorations outdoors at Attingham, and a fun family trail.
Father Christmas visits will take place at Sunnycroft again this year.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park/whats-on
Breakfast or Tea with Santa at Dobbies, Shrewsbury
Join us for a fun festive event where you will enjoy breakfast for the whole family and fun activities, plus a special visit from Santa with a gift for every child.
This event is suited to families with children aged 3-10 years old. Children under 3 can still take part in some activities with the support of an adult. To relax and fully enjoy the experience, families will be seated and served at their own table.
Once you have selected your preferred location and date you will be able to choose from the following meal options, subject to availability:
Children’s Menu (£13.99):
- Children’s Breakfast – Sausage, hash brown, scrambled egg and baked beans, served with apple juice, orange juice or water (588kcals)
- Children’s Vegetarian Breakfast – Quorn sausage, hash brown, scrambled egg and baked beans, served with apple juice, orange juice or water (490kcals)
- Children’s Lighter Choice – Pancakes served with fresh strawberries and a squeezy frube yogurt served with apple juice, orange juice or water (396kcals)
Child ticket includes food, activities and a gift from Santa.
Adult’s Menu (from £7.30):
- Adult Traditional Breakfast – Sausage, bacon, black pudding, egg, hash brown or potato scone, baked beans and grilled tomato, served with toast and pot of tea or regular coffee (983kcals)
- Adult Traditional Vegetarian Breakfast – 2 Quorn sausages, flat mushroom, egg, hash brown or potato scone, baked beans and grilled tomato, served with toast and pot of tea or regular coffee (710kcals)
- 3 Item Breakfast Roll, served with a pot of tea or small coffee (kcal shown during selection process)
- Adult Lighter Breakfast – Smoked salmon and scrambled egg on a toasted bagel, served with a pot of tea or regular coffee (726kcals)
Please note that adult options do not include a gift from Santa
To give you peace of mind when booking, we have a Book with Confidence policy. Find out more here
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies, Shrewsbury
Let your little ones experience our Santa’s Grotto, including a special gift from Santa himself.
Santa’s Grotto is one of our most exciting festive experiences at Dobbies and this year we’ve made it even more interactive!
Enter the snowy forest where our elf will guide you past the reindeer and rabbits as you walk towards Santa’s toyshop. Along the way you can help the elves with various tasks including helping to pack the toys in the sleigh for Santa.
Then you’ll meet Santa himself where you can tell him all about your adventures before receiving a special gift.
Should you wish, you’ll also have the chance to leave with a lasting memory of your visit to Santa’s Grotto with our special photo option. £7 when pre-booked with your Grotto or £8 on the day.
Please select your preferred time and date from the times below. Santa has selected a range of toys, suitable for different ages. You can pre-select an age-appropriate gift for your child however the exact toy may vary on the day.
To give you peace of mind when booking, we have a Book with Confidence policy. Find out more here
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4176&v=0&r=v
The Polar Express
Our experience took place at Telford Steam Railway and without a doubt, this has to be the BEST Father Christmas experience we have had over the last few years! Booking tends to get filled up around 6 months before hand at The Telford Steam Railway but I did notice that other stations are coming on board (for example Moor Street in Birmingham who at the time of writing this, still had tickets available!). It all begins with the obligatory dressing in pyjamas and dressing gowns (with extra layers if it is cold!) and arrival at the station where you see part of the story played out by actors…As in the story, the train arrives with the Conductor who calls for anyone who wants to get aboard. If you have your ticket, you can get on the train! With hot chocolate and cookies served by dancing waiters and waitresses, the journey is exciting and festive and with a visit from Father Christmas who presents that all important bell, it was an experience that I think will stay with us forever!
http://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/polar-experience.html
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