The Best Santas Grottos in Nottingham this Christmas

Christmas, thankfully, only comes around once a year. Which is good because you'll probably already be preparing for the festive onslaught the kids are about to wreak on your household. They'll be jumping at the chance to decorate the house, begging for one of the many pointless but surprisingly appealing toys from TikTok, and frantically trying to do things for you at the sheer mention of the naughty list.

But, as it only comes once a year, it's the time for magical memories - and that's exactly what these Santa's grottos in Nottingham are all about. We've done the hard work for you and gathered all the best places to to see Santa here. Have a look and get ready to make precious memories! 

Santa's Grotto and more

Photo: National Ice Centre / Facebook.com 

When: Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: National Ice Centre in Nottingham 

National Ice is back again with its much-loved grotto. Littluns will meet the jolly old man and share their Christmas wishes in his grotto surrounded by twinkling lights and that magical festive spirit. 

The venue will feature cosy corners for storytelling and immersive decorations, creating the perfect environment for capturing precious family memories. 

The National Ice Centre actually has a few more brilliant Christmas events this year. As well as the grotto, they have the Winter Family Fun Day with free activities, the Great Santa Skate to raise money for children in poverty, and Elf-tastic Ice Skating with twinkling lights and Christmas tunes. Check out their website for more. 

Santa's Tea Party   

Photo: nottinghamvenues.com 

When: Sunday 8th December 2024

Where: The Orchard Hotel in Nottingham

If you’ve been wondering where to see Santa in Nottingham, why not meet the big man at his tea party? Bringing plenty of Christmas cheer to Notts’ Orchard Hotel and Restaurant once again, Santa’s Tea Party welcomes attendees to indulge in an afternoon treat, relish a meet and greet with Santa, and take a special present home from the North Pole. 

You can check out the menu - which includes children’s and vegan options - on their website, and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities, particularly with the restaurant’s stunning Christmas tree as a festive backdrop. 

Meet Father Christmas

Photo: East Midlands Designer Outlet / Facebook.com 

When: Friday 22nd November - Tuesday 24th December 2024 

Where: East Midlands Designer Outlet in South Normanton, Derbyshire

Just a 40-minute drive from Nottingham, the Designer Outlet opens its grotto earlier this year, allowing the littluns to meet the big man from Friday 22nd November right up to Christmas Eve. 

Younguns are encouraged to bring their wish list along to meet Father Christmas and get a peek at what he and his elves have been making in his workshop. Each child will leave with a chocolate gift, and you’ll have the opportunity to buy a photo of the experience. 

A fantastic choice for those on a budget, tickets for this grotto experience range from £2.50 to £5 per child, with 100% of the proceeds going to a local charity partnership. 

Father Christmas at Planters Brookfields 

Photo: plantersbrookfields.co.uk

When: multiple dates between Saturday 23rd November - Tuesday 24th December 2024 

Where: Planters Brookfields in Nottingham 

This Santa’s grotto in Nottingham is a fantastic way to get into the spirit of Christmas! Planters Brookfields returns with multiple sessions on selected dates, mostly on weekends, to spread the Christmas cheer. 

This group gotta experience will see youngsters visiting the legendary North Pole post office to write a letter to Santa. Then it’ll be time to help Mrs Claus make some magical reindeer food to fuel Rudolf and co for their Xmas adventures. Then it’ll be time to visit Santa. Here, he’ll tell a story and ask what your littluns want for the big day. Finally, they’ll choose a toy from the toy shop and be on their merry way. 

Christmas at Woodthorpe  

Photo: Woodthorpe Park Plant Nursery / Facebook.com

When: multiple dates between Saturday 23rd November - Sunday 15th December 2024

Where: Woodthorpe Park Plant Shop in Nottingham

At this experience, Mrs Claus will greet you, providing a list of festive items she’s hidden for you to find in the icy Narnia-inspired wonderland on the way to Santa’s Grotto. When you all arrive at the Grotto, Saint Nick will be there for a little chat, some photos, and, of course, to listen to what your younguns want for Christmas. Even better still, Mr and Mrs Claus will gift you your own baby spruce tree for you to plant at home, keeping the magic of Christmas with you all year round. Adults don’t need a ticket, and those under 2 who don’t want a present can go free, or you can grab them a ticket to get them involved too. 

Eastwood Christmas Light Switch On

Photo: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

When: Tuesday 26th November 2024 

Where: Eastwood Square and Victoria Street in Nottingham 

Broxtowe Borough Council’s annual Christmas Light Switch On event is back this year with a Santa’s grotto and more. Since you’re here for grottos, let's start with that! From 5:30pm until 7:30pm, Santa will be at his grotto in the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum Courtyard. Littluns can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes for free but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis, so be quick! As well as the grotto, there’s the Christmas market, festive food, community stalls, fairground rides, a nativity trail, carol singing, live music, and more. 

And that’s where to see Santa in Nottingham this year!

If you’re here, you’re probably hoping to make some extra special memories this Christmas. Click or tap here to find loads more Christmas events in Nottingham this year. 

Or, if you want to meet Santa elsewhere, keep an eye out for blogs on the best grottos in Birmingham, Newcastle, York, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

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.

Header: National Ice Centre / Facebook.com