What's on in the UK
Where to visit Santa in Oxfordshire 2024
11 November - 24 December
Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones. There are lots of Christmas experiences, Santa Grottos and special events on all around Oxfordshire. Prices and activities vary greatly so I’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Oxfordshire in 2024. For more great ideas, check out our guides for Berkshire , Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire.
SPOTLIGHT FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE – FAIRYTALE FARM
Step into the enchanting world of our Christmas Fairytale 2024, where the magic of the season comes alive with every twinkling light and festive experience. immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with the bustling streets of Victorian London. Delight in all your favourite experiences from previous years, such as the cosy Santa’s Grotto, the enchanting Fairytale Castle walk-through, and dazzling Christmas illuminations.
Where to Visit Santa in Oxfordshire 2024
Ranked no.2 in the Times of the 7 Best Festive Days Out in the UK, The Flight Before Christmas returns for 2024. Perfect for the whole family, The Flight Before Christmas takes place on board a British Airways jumbo jet. It’s a unique theatrical experience with interactive elements throughout, workshops and a visit to Father Christmas for a story time session. It’s been fully revamped for 2024 including new characters, activites and completely new sections to immerse yourself in for a magical Christmas family experience.
Meet Father Christmas and his elves in Santa’s Grotto, and children will love the festively decorated Manor House. (Witney) running at weekends and selected dates 7-23 December. tickets not yet released.
Santa’s Workshop at Hocus Pocus Play
A magical experience where guests will be greeted cheery Christmas elves, before entering into an enchanted fairytale village with hidden surprises at every turn. Each family will be given a personal appointment to visit Santa himself, whose hidden workshop you must find through a secret door and enchanting tunnel! (Fairford)
Get ready to meet Santa this Christmas in Oxford and enjoy some fun festive activities at Oxford Castle & Prison.
Steam into Christmas and help Santa find his missing reindeer at Didcot Railway Centre
Kids, there’s been a disaster! Santa’s reindeer have all escaped and are lost at Didcot Railway Centre – you know that he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. Can you help him find them? Explore the unique collection of Great Western Railway steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings and small artefacts at the 21 acre museum set around the original 1932 engine shed whilst you locate all of the reindeer stations.
Roves Farm Christmas Experience
Meet Santa in his Grotto at Roves Farm, choose a gift in the Toy Shop & mix up a treat for Rudolph at the Reindeer Food Station. Enjoy the party atmosphere at the live Elf Show and get stuck into some paper crafts to take home (Sevenhampton)
Meet Father Christmas at Cranford School FREE Stay & Play 2nd Dec
Come and join in for a very special Christmas workshop aimed at Early Years families. Cranford School are throwing open the doors of the Reception Classroom and invite you and your child/children to come along, enjoy some Christmas activities, including having a go in a giant snow globe!
Meet Father Christmas at East Challow Village Hall Craft Market 16th Nov
The Christmas event will run from 2-5pm and will include a free soft play corner for up to 5s, the opportunity to take your family photos with Santa for £3 per child and a wide range of stalls.
Story With Santa (East Challow Village Hall) 21st Dec
A fun afternoon full of festive activities and crafts at East Challow Village Hall. Including hot chocolate cone making, biscuit decorating, card and gift tag designing, candle crafting and a story with Santa.
Meet Santa at The Kenton theatre in Henley 30th November
Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. Afterwards the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
Millets Farm – Santa’s Grotto at Millets Farm is one of the major visit Santa experiences in the county, this event books up quickly especially for weekends close to Christmas. (Frilford near Abingdon)
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway Santa Express – Take a train trip with Santa at the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway this Christmas. (Wallingford)
Oxford Bus Museum – Father Christmas day with heritage bus rides will take place on Sunday 15th & 22nd December 2024 (Long Hanborough)
Father Christmas is visiting Hogshaw Farm again this year! He’ll be flying in to spend time with you and your family, hear your Christmas wishes and check on his reserve team of reindeer.
Henley Christmas Festival – Taking place on 29th Nov 2024, there will be a Santa’s Grotto at the King’s Arm Barn from 4.30pm. Free entry – please join the queue. Last queue entry at 7.30pm (Henley-on-Thames)
Dorchester Abbey Santa’s Grotto – Taking place at the Dorchester Abbey Christmas market on 30th Nov, it’s pay what you can afford on the day. Lovely recycled age-appropriate presents either unwanted from last year or good 2nd hand books. Home made iced gingerbread person and reindeer food for every child and they even have dancing elves!
Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre – Santa Claus is coming to the nature reserve! Bring your 3-11 year olds to get your wildlife friendly Christmas off to a flying start. (Sutton Courtney, not too far from Didcot) 30th Nov – 1st Dec
East Challow Christmas Market – there will be the opportunity to take your family photos with Santa for £3 per child on Saturday 16th Nov 2024.
East Challow Festive Craft Event – a fun afternoon full of festive activities and crafts! Including hot chocolate cone making, biscuit decorating, card and gift tag designing, candle crafting and a story with Santa.
Beale Wildlife Park – details tbc
Breakfast with Santa at the Covered Market – details tbc
Yarnton Home & Garden – details tbc
Blue Diamond Garden Centre in Bicester – enjoy breakfast or tea with Santa or just visit him in Santa’s Grotto. details tbc
Find more Christms experiences in Oxfordshire 2024
