Enjoy a magical storytelling event in the historic Courtyard of Castle Howard. Meet Santa's helpers as they guide you through into the festive library, where children will get to meet Santa and settle down to hear a brand new, enchanting winter's tale 'The Snowflake' by popular children's author Benji Davies.

Each child will receive a book to take home, along with a Christmas activity pack. The special post box to the North Pole will be ready to receive children's letters, so do bring them along too. Santa's Grotto is produced in partnership with Castle Howard, Engine House Theatre and Story Craft Theatre; two of the region's well-loved children's theatre companies.

Please Note. Only 2 bubble groups will be permitted to visit Father Christmas in his grotto time slot. Each booking should only consist of one family bubble/support group. You should not book for families from 2 different households to attend the grotto in the same booking. If you are wanting to attend the grotto with individuals from another household, they should book separately but for the same time slot (subject to availability). All children must have a valid ticket.

A max of two accompanying adult tickets will be offered per booking. If you require an additional adult ticket for another in your household bubble/support group then please book the 2 tickets and then use the contact us link in your confirmation email to request the additional adult ticket. Santa's Grotto tickets do not include grounds admission.

£15.00 per child (plus booking fee), £13 per child for members, accompanying adults are free of charge.

Each Grotto session will last approximately 15 minutes.

Available Dates

Friday 4th December (slots from 3pm - 7pm)
Saturday 5th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Sunday 6th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Friday 11th December (slots from 3pm - 7pm)
Saturday 12th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Sunday 13th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Friday 18th December (slots from 3pm - 7pm)
Saturday 19th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Sunday 20th December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Monday 21st December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Tuesday 22nd December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)
Wednesday 23rd December (slots from 1pm - 7pm)