Looking for the best places to meet Santa in York this Christmas? From magical grottos and festive farms to enchanted woodland trails and river cruises, there are plenty of unforgettable Santa experiences across York and beyond. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a festive treat, or simply want to know where Father Christmas is appearing this year, we’ve rounded up the top places to see Santa in York in 2025.
Take a look at our pick of the best places to meet Santa in York below. And if you’re looking for more things to do in York this festive season, click here to take a look at our guide to Christmas in York. You’ll find York’s best shows and pantos, festive days out and info on York Christmas market.
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Where to meet Santa in York
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse at Castle Howard
Story Craft Theatre are back at Castle Howard this Christmas with a magical festive show in Santa’s cosy Boathouse Grotto. Santa himself will make a special appearance, bringing a gift for every child with a ticket. Please note – this experience is an add-on to your Christmas at Castle Howard visit. You’ll need either The Wonderful Wizard of Oz tickets or Gardens tickets, as it cannot be booked on its own.
📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
🗓 Selected dates in November and December 2025
ℹ️ Visit the Castle Howard website
Santa Express on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
All aboard the Santa Express at Pickering Station! Families will step into a festive world with decorations, games and live singing before joining Santa’s Elves on a magical steam train ride. Expect songs, jokes and plenty of Christmas cheer, plus a visit from Santa himself. Every child will receive a special keepsake, making this an unforgettable festive adventure.
📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
🗓 29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 to 24 December 2025
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk
Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Step into the magic of Santa’s Christmas Tour and discover York’s rich chocolate heritage. Journey through time, enjoy festive chocolate samples and stories of the city’s legendary chocolate-making families. The highlight is Santa’s workshop, where children will meet Santa, receive a festive gift and make their very own Christmas-themed chocolate lolly to take home. A delicious and unforgettable festive adventure for the whole family!
📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 Selected dates, 23 November – 24 December 2025
ℹ️ Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website
Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into the magic of Christmas at Mother Shipton’s. Wander through the winter woodland, visit the Christmas Village and meet Santa in his cosy grotto with the help of Chief Elf Chestnut. Children with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive festive activities and a magical pass to explore. Enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, mince pies and marshmallow toasting, then discover the Petrifying Well, Cave and Wishing Well for a truly enchanting festive day out. It’s one of the best Santa experiences near York – highly recommended.
📍 Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
🗓 29th November to 23rd December 2025
ℹ️ Visit the Mother Shipton’s website
Meet Santa on the river with City Cruises York
Set sail on a magical Santa Cruise with City Cruises York this Christmas. Step into Santa’s North Pole Grotto before boarding a festively decorated boat on the River Ouse. With Santa’s elves on hand, you’ll enjoy festive fun, Christmas cheer and a special gift from Santa himself. This unforgettable York experience is pre-bookable only – presents are prepared in advance, so walk-ups aren’t possible. It’s a really lovely Christmas experience, with the added excitement of being on a boat!
📍 City Cruises York, King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
🗓 Selected dates, late November to 24 December 2025
ℹ️ Visit the City Cruises website
Meet Santa at Piglets Adventure Farm’s Magical Sleigh Ride
All aboard Santa’s sleigh for a magical Christmas adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm! Begin your journey by checking in at Elf Airlines, then catch the sleigh and travel through snowy trees and twinkling lights to Santa’s Woodland Village. Children will receive a magic key to unlock Santa’s Toy Shop, where they can choose their very own gift from a huge selection. It’s an unforgettable festive experience for the whole family – we love it.
📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
🗓 Selected dates, 23 November – 24 December 2025
👉 pigletsadventurefarm.com
Get your skates on and meet Santa at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Make Father Christmas part of your trip to York Designer Outlet this festive season! At Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, follow the enchanted woodland path to Santa’s cosy log cabin, where every child will receive a special gift. It’s the perfect addition to a festive day out, with plenty of Christmas shopping, skating, rides and tasty winter treats to enjoy too. Parking’s free
📍 Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
🗓 Selected dates in November, then daily in December until 24 December 2025
ℹ️ yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
Meet Santa at Beetle Bank Farm
Santa Claus is on his way to Beetle Bank Farm this December! Enjoy a magical Santa experience to remember, filled with festive fun, farmyard friends and memories to last a lifetime. Children can write their Christmas list, decorate an ornament to take home, cuddle small animals, feed the farmyard favourites and play in the undercover toy area, sandpit and playhouse. The café will be open with festive treats, too.
📍 Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
🗓 Sunday 7, Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December 2025 (10am – 3pm)
ℹ️ beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk
