Nothing gets the Christmas magic flowing quite like meeting Santa himself, and he’s going to be popping up all over York this festive season. Whether you’d like to meet him on a boat with City Cruises York, in the Christmas Village at Mother Shipton’s or in the woods at Northwood Trail, find out where to meet Santa in York this year. Most of them do need pre-booking, so do plan ahead unless you want to find yourself on the naughty list…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 2024. You’ll find York’s best shows and pantos, festive days out and info on York Christmas market.
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Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse at Castle Howard
Share a laugh and photograph with Santa in Castle Howard’s Grotto this Christmas. Enjoy a short show by the much-loved Story Craft Theatre, bursting with energy and Christmas joy, before that all-important meeting with the man himself. Enjoy a full day out at Castle Howard with a Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse ticket, which includes access to the gardens.
Selected dates in December 2024 – Visit the Castle Howard website to book tickets
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials
Experience the magic of Christmas with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Santa Specials, running on selected dates from 30th November to 24th December. Meet Santa on board a steam train, where each child will receive a unique Edmondson railway ticket, a limited-edition soft toy and more as keepsakes. This lovely new Santa Specials experience offers a unique blend of nostalgia, tradition and festive fun for the whole family, ensuring you’ll leave with memories to treasure forever.
Selected dates in November and December 2024 – Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website for details on the Santa Specials
Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Get ready for a festive adventure on Santa’s Christmas Chocolate Tour! This guided journey takes you through the ages of chocolate, revealing York’s rich heritage with each stop. Along the way, enjoy delicious chocolate samples and meet Santa in his workshop, where you’ll create your own Christmas-themed chocolate treats.
30th November to 23rd December 2024 – Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website
Meet Father Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into a world of magic at Mother Shipton’s Christmas experience for 2024. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, receive a luxurious soft toy, and pose in his magic sleigh. Enjoy enchanting stories from Holly Berry in a tipi adorned with shimmering lights and collect a bag of reindeer food to guide Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. Visit the Snowy Owl Sorting Office to send your letter to Santa, and hang your wish on the Christmas Wishing Trees. Choose between the Magical Christmas Experience for families or the Winter Woodland Walk for a quieter exploration for older kids/adults.
Selected dates in November and December 2024 – mother-shiptons.co.uk
Meet Santa on the river with City Cruises York
Get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard City Cruises, where you’ll be joining Santa himself for a magical cruise along the stunning River Ouse! Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by Santa’s elves. This is your chance to bask in the unparalleled joy of Christmas on a truly exceptional Santa cruise experience that stands out as one of the finest in York. Pre-booking only. Presents are prepared well in advance so they can’t take walk-ups – book early to guarantee the best price! Selected dates in November and December 2024 – Visit the City Cruises York website.
Meet Santa at Murton Park
This year, Santa’s making a grand return to Murton Park, and oh boy, has he got some surprises up his red velvet sleeves! Christmas at Murton Park (Weekends in December) – Your little ones can meet Santa, take a train ride with some cheeky elves and enjoy some story time with Mother Christmas. Tea with Santa (Selected evenings in December) – A Christmas experience in the Yorkshire Barn Café which includes a one-to-one with Santa and a meal with your family. You’ll also meet Mother Christmas and one of Santa’s elves. Selected dates in December – Visit the Murton Park website
Meet Santa at Piglets Adventure Farm’s Magical Sleigh Ride
All aboard Santa’s sleigh for an unforgettable Christmas adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm! Check-in at Elf Airlines before setting off for Santa’s Woodland Village. You’ll be guided through snowy trees and twinkling lights to arrive at Santa’s village where elves’ll greet you. Meet Santa himself before collecting a magic key which you can use to unlock Santa’s toy shop and choose your favourite gift from a huge selection. Read our review of last year’s event here. Selected dates in November and December – Visit the Piglets website
Get your skates on and meet Santa at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Why not visit Father Christmas as part of your trip to York Designer Outlet this Christmas? Head to Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland and follow the path through the snowy enchanted woodland to find his cosy log cabin and collect a special gift. Selected dates in November, and daily in December until 24th December 2024. Visit the Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland website.
Meet Santa at Holgate Windmill
Santa will be visiting Holgate Windmill again this year on Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December between 2pm and 4pm. There’s no need to book, just turn up. It’s £7 per child, which includes a gift from Santa. Visit the Holgate Windmill website.
