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 2023.  For more great ideas, check out our guides for Berkshire , Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire.

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I’ve taken my youngest to Fairytale Farm to meet Father Christmas and we had a wonderful time with all the fun activities.  Full of excitement, my son had a wobbly just as we went into the grotto but Santa was amazing.  We weren’t rushed at all and by the end of our visit my son was beaming and chatting away.

Where to Visit Santa in Oxfordshire 2023

Cogges Manor Farm – Meet Father Christmas and his elves in Santa’s Grotto, and children will love the festively decorated Panto-themed Manor House. (Witney)

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 – Take a train trip with Santa at the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway this Christmas. (Wallingford)

Didcot Railway Centre – steam into Christmas and meet Santa at the Didcot Railway Centre.  (Didcot) 

Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park (formerly called Green Dragon Eco Farm) – wander through the festive forest, past the magical Wishing Tree and through the snow pits, to find Father Christmas on the big red tractor. Share your wish-list, before stopping for a tasty treat and collecting a special present.

Beale Wildlife Park – Step into the enchanting wonderland this winter Christmas at Beale Wildlife Park is a heartwarming and family-friendly event that brings people closer to nature while celebrating the holiday season. Meet the Father Christmas himself, and with a little help from Santa’s elves, children can choose a special toy.

Breakfast with Santa at Oxfordshire Covered Market – On Saturday 18th Nov either go to a trader in the market and grab something, or bring something in yourself, and join Santa at the central seating area where he will greet and chat with Children. FREE

Oxford Castle & Prison – get ready to meet Santa this Christmas in Oxford.

Oxford Bus Museum – Father Christmas day with heritage bus rides will take place on Sunday 10th & 17th December 2023 (Long Hanborough)

Fat Squirrel Outdoor  – this simple but memorable event begins with a lovely Christmas story read around the campfire while you wait for Santa to arrive (North Leigh, near Witney)

Roves Farm – Meet Santa in his new Grotto, 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, do some paper crafts to take home and visit our living Nativity Scene with donkeys, sheep & alpacas   (Sevenhampton)

Hocus Pocus Play  – a magical 2-hour experience where children will solve clues and collect missing pieces to help save the day and of course meet Father Christmas (near Fairford)

Yarnton Home & Garden – no need to book, just turn up with your little ones, chat with Santa and get a photograph with the big guy himself to take home as a treasured memory.

Blue Diamond Garden Centre in Bicester – enjoy breakfast or tea with Santa or just visit him in Santa’s Grotto.

The Flight Before Christmas – over into Gloucestershire but worth the trip, this is a magical experience onboard a British Airways jumbo jet.

Henley Christmas Festival – There will be a Santa’s Grotto at the King’s Arm Barn including a ‘sensory hour’ for children with special needs. 24th Nov

Details not yet released for 2023 but here’s an idea of where had Father Christmas experiences last year

Westgate Centre – details for 2023 not yet released (Oxford)

The Polar Express –  THE POLAR EXPRESS™  will not be running at at Cholsey and Wallingford Railway this year.

Find more Christms experiences in Oxfordshire 2023