The best Santa’s Grottos in York this Christmas

The clock is ticking, the door to door carol singers are defrosting, and December is right around the corner, which means Christmas is almost here! Amidst the excitement and chaos of putting up the decorations, finding presents and making sure you’re on the nice list, it’s important to soak up the festive sprit. And what better way to do that than with a visit to Santa’s Grotto?

Santa’s Grottos are always a highlight for kids and even the whole family, as every year features numerous pop-up paradises where Santa and his elves reside, eager to uncover what the little ones want for Christmas. If you’re lucky enough to be in or around the lovely city of York, you’re in the right place as we’ve compiled the best places to see Santa this Christmas. Scroll down and get looking at the best Santa’s Grottos in York. 

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland 

Image: Yorkshire Winter Wonderland / Facebook.com

When: Friday 15th November - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: York Designer Outlet in York 

Kicking things off with a favourite we have Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. An awe-inspiring experience for all ages, this wintery paradise revamps York Designer Outlet with a glistening outdoor ice rink, funfair, grotto and The Chalet, its cosy designer cafe. En route to Santa’s magical grotto is an extended snowy woodland walk and glittering light tunnel winding up to the main man’s cabin, where a warm welcome and special gifts await. 

If Santa’s Grotto wasn’t enough, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland boasts Northern England’s largest outdoor skate rink, topped with a Haribo Goldbear at its centre. So get those skates on and embark on the wintery passage for a visit to Santa you won’t forget. 

Father Christmas at Castle Howard 

Image: Castle Howard / Facebook.com

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

Where: Castle Howard in Henderskelfe

Over at Castle Howard, you can meet the full gang this Christmas. Father Christmas, Mrs Claus, and WonderPhil are waiting to put on a show bursting with festive cheer, classic Christmas songs, and jostling jingle bells. 

The full day out at Castle Howard includes an experience with Father Christmas in the Castle, nestled high up in the Castle’s South Tower, alongside access to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and the Castle’s luscious gardens. Kids get to take home a special gift as well, what’s not to love? 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials

Image: North Yorkshire Moors Railway / Facebook.com

When: Saturday 30th November - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: North Yorkshire Moors Railway in York

Make sure you don’t miss this next stop, as the wondrous North Yorkshire Moors Railway this Christmas is one of the best places to see Santa. Starting off at the stunning Pickering Station, adorned in festive decorations, indulge in the bright lights, Christmas trees and carols filling the air. After that, you can meet the main man on board a merry steam train and receive a traditional railway ticket to commemorate your journey. Alongside the mementos to cherish, there are charming Christmas tea rooms and gift shops for kids and families alike to enjoy. 

Christmas at Murton Park

Image: Murton Park / Facebook.com

When: Saturday 30th November - Monday 23rd December 2024

Where: Murton Park in York

The big man himself will be paying a visit to Murton Park starting from the tail end of November. Located on the outskirts of the city, Murton Park is a picturesque place to be at this time of year, and the whole park has been decked out for Christmas and as far as locations go it’s one of the best places to see Santa. 

Make sure to get on down to Murton Park while it’s on to negotiate your place on the naughty or nice list, spend some of Santa’s special money in the festive toy shop and tuck into the plethora of activities to behold. From wish-list writing to train rides on the Derwent Valley Light Railey, you’ll regret missing out on this. 

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s 

Image: Mother Shipton's Cave / Facebook.com

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

Where: Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough

The oldest tourist attraction in England also boasts one of the cosiest worlds of magic and merriment this Christmas including its cosy Santa’s Grotto. Christmas at Mother Shipton’s has everything you could ask for when it comes to a winter getaway. You can pose for a photo in his sleigh, gather around a storyteller waxing lyrical on tales of merriment and festive cheer, and delve deeper into the atmospheric landscape in Knaresborough. 

Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park

Image: Stockeld Park / Facebook.com

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

Where: Stockeld Park in Wetherby

A perfect halfway mark between York and Leeds, the Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park is a highlight for both cities this festive season. Stroll through the awe-inspiring world of wonder, including Mrs Claus’ kitchen and the ever-so-charming North Pole Street where St Nick sits in his workshop. Fresh from Lapland, he’s ready for one of the best and most authentic Santa’s Meet & Greet events in North Yorkshire.  

And there you have it? For anyone based in or near York, there you have some of the best Santa’s Grottos at your fingertips. For all things Christmas in York, have a look at all the festive events we’ve got going on in the city here on Skiddle. 

If you’re itching to find more Santa’s Grottos up and down the country, check out all the other Santa's Grottos we've got on Skiddle - HERE. 

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.