The Best Santas Grottos in Birmingham this Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that can only mean one thing, it's only a matter of time until the littleuns descend into a  state of festive frenzy. Yet, as we're sure you'll agree, one of the most magical memories you can have as a child around Christmas is going to see Santa in one of his Grottos that he tours all around the country. 

When looking for Santas Grottos in Birmingham we've got you more than covered. The streets of Brum are no stranger to the big man and are some of the busiest spots in the midlands for him when it comes to meet and greets. From traditional grottos nestled in festively lit parks; to Lego Santa (yeah you read that right); to even taking a train journey themed around the iconic Polar Express, where you can journey to meet Santa; the opportunities for your littleun' to see the man in red are plentiful. 

So scroll down and check them out! Plus, if you're after more ways to make your festive season in Birmingham extra special check out some of the Birmingham Christmas Eve and Boxing Day events, also on sale on Skiddle!

Drayton Manor's Christmas Wonderland

Image: Drayton Manor on Facebook

When: Selected dates between 24th November - 31st December 2023

Where: Drayton Manor in Birmingham

Step into the enchanting world of Drayton Manor's Christmas Wonderland, and experience a magical winter wonderland promising cherished festive memories that will last your littleuns lifetime. Of whats instore is one of the best Santa's Grotto Birmingham has to offer, where children share wishes, and follow the Wishmas Express light trail for a dazzling adventure.

Elsewhere in the park Thomas Land's festive glow and Mrs. Claus's Christmas Singalong Spectacular will entice and excite, with a must-see finale you’ll have to see to believe, make Drayton Manor the ultimate Midlands destination for Christmas family fun.

Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre

Image: Dobbies on Facebook

When: Thursday 23rd November - Friday 22nd December 2023

Where: Dobbies in Birmingham

A top-rated Christmas experience at Dobbies; their Santas Grottos offer a magical journey for children and families complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself!

Take in the atmosphere as you walk through their enchanting forest, where an elf will guide you to find their Little Seedlings characters along the way before arriving in their wildlife forest clearing where the little ones will meet Santa and make a special item to take home

there's also a Quiet Grotto for the extra little kids, as well as a Santa Paws Grotto for the dog lovers among you.

A word of warning though, tickets for this are selling out rapidly. Check out the Dobbies website for more information and tickets. 

Santas Safari

Image: West Midlands Safari Park on Facebook

When: Friday 24th November – Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: West Midlands Safari Park in Kidderminster  

As you enter the grounds of West Midlands Safari Park this festive season, the lucky few who get to meet the big man will be greeted in the Discovery Trail by some of his accommodating Elves who will show you to a sleigh that will magically transport you and your little uns to the North Pole & into Santa’s Grotto! The wonderfully decorated log cabin will be fitted with its own Christmas tree, festive fireplace and of course Santa himself! Inside the kids can tell him what’s on the top of their Christmas wish list and the Elves will also take a picture of you together!

Once you've met Santa, you will go to the Elves’ Workshop where children can pick their presents. With a wide selection of gifts to choose from, the children will be spoiled for choice! Afterwards, you'll also have the whole safari park to enjoy, including the Sea Lion Theatre where you can watch a show!

Santas Grotto at Legoland Discovery Centre 

Image: Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham on Facebook 

When: Saturday 25th November – Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Legoland Discovery Centre in Birmingham 

Experience a winter wonderland of whimsy and bricks at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham's Santa's Grotto, a festive haven that welcomes brick enthusiasts to meet Santa and his cheeky elves will be waiting to say hello and find out what’s on the top of those Christmas lists this year!

Every child visiting Santa in his magical Grotto will receive a special present to unwrap at home (in a box that when shaken may give you a clue as to what's inside). Let you and the family build the ultimate Christmas memories this year, and give your Lego-loving kids an extra special treat! Head to their website for tickets!

Santa's Grotto Experience at Sea Life

Image: Sea Life Birmingham on Facebook

When: Saturday 25th November - Sunday 24th of December 2023

Where: Sea Life Centre in Birmingham

Whilst the man in red usually prefers water of the frozen variety, given his association with the North Pole and all, that isn't stopping him from heading down and getting involved with all the amazing aquatic creatures at the Sealife Centre in Birmingham. 

Brummy 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 their glittering grotto where Santa and his Elves will be waiting in a magical winter wonderland to say hello and find out what’s on your little uns Christmas lists this year. Who knows, if they've been nice they may even leave with an early prezzie!

The Polar Express Train Ride

Image: Vintage Trains on Facebook 

When: 5 Trains a day, every day until Christmas Eve

Where: Birmingham Moor Street Station in Birmingham 

All aboard! The incredible team at Vintage Trains have completely decked out their trains this winter to theatrically re-create the Christmas classic that is the Polar Express, so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this definitive locomotive tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season, and eventually, as in the movie, end up at the North Pole and see Santa!

You only have to believe this one. So get your seat secured, receive your golden ticket, and indulge in some Christmassy wonder this year. It'll be an unmissable experience that the family will talk about for years to come!

Christmas at Cadbury World

When: Saturday 18th November - Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Cadbury World in Birmingham

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Cadbury World, where Father Christmas takes time out of his busy schedule to visit Cadbury World, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland with a giant chocolate Christmas tree and festive decorations. 

Amidst the chocolate-scented air, Father Christmas will be putting on a tree-mendous performance, filled with festive fun and toe-tapping Christmas jingles, alongside a sleigh filled with chocolatey gifts for all little helpers at the show. This immersive experience is a highlight when looking at where to see Santa in Birmingham, jam-packed with holiday spirit and memories aplenty. Head to their site for tickets!

Santa Trains with Severn Valley Railways

Image: Severn Valley Railways on Facebook

When: Saturday 25th November – Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster Town Station in Birmingham

Embark on a whimsical adventure aboard the enchanting Santa Trains courtesy of Severn Valley Railway, a festive spectacle that's a must-visit for families wondering where to see Santa in Birmingham. This festive steam train ride will transport you to Arley, where a delightful panto show, with Santa and the mischievous duo Jingle and Jangle, awaits.

As a special treat, each child will receive a carefully wrapped present and a complimentary 2024 return ticket, ensuring the magic of the season lingers well into the future. There are few more festive forays in the whole of the midlands this year!

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.