Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.    Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Gloucestershire in 2024.  For more great ideas, check out our guides for Oxfordshire and Berkshire too.

If you’re after other Christmas experiences, check out the Red Kite Days guide to Christmas light trails. 

SPOTLIGHT – THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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.

Tickets go on sale from 29th Feb 2024

Santa’s Grottos and Experiences in Gloucestershire 2024

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway  Santa Specials

Travel by Steam Loco-hauled train from Cheltenham to the North Pole (at Winchcombe) to meet Santa and then back to Cheltenham. Walk through a Christmas wonderland and visit Santa in his grotto. Tickets not yet released

Dean Forest Railway Santa Steam Specials

Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and visit with Santa and his elves! With presents for the children and a miniature for the adults (plus mince pies for everyone!) Tickets not yet released

Cotswold Farm Park Father Christmas Experience at Cotswold Farm Park

Christmas on the farm is a truly unique experience. Enjoy the marvels of this magical festivity, surrounded by donkey foals, lambs and greedy goats. The Christmas experience at Cotswold Farm Park  includes a personalised visit to meet Father Christmas in his winter grotto,  gingerbread decorating and a make a bear activity. Tickets not yet released

Perrygrove Railway Christmas Twlight Trains

Watch the musical arrival of the steam train at Perrygrove Station then take your pre-booked seats aboard the Twilight Express. Spot the illuminations along the line to Oakiron Station where you will meet Father Christmas and his helpers. Tickets not yet released

Fat Squirrel Outdoor (Notgrove)

Come and meet the Jolly Fellow around a campfire, and let the children tell him their Christmas wishes.  7th December

Batsford Arboretum

The Santa grotto at Batsford Arboretum details to be confirmed. Tickets not yet released

Christmas at Cattle Country Park

Join Cattle Country Park  for the ultimate festive family day out on our farm! Tickets not yet released

Santa’s Cheltenham Christmas Grotto at Webbs

The Christmass Grotto at Webbs Cheltenham details not yet confirmd  Help the elves mix up some strength-boosting reindeer food, then it is on to see Santa in his cosy living room to take some pictures and remember the occasion. Finish off with decorating some Christmas treats! Tickets not yet released

Afternoon Tea with Santa at Ellenborough Park

Get ready to indulge in scrumptious treats, sip on warm beverages, and spend quality time with Santa himself! This event is perfect for families and children of all ages who want to experience the magic of Christmas. Tickets not yet released

Christmas at the Brewery Quarter Cheltenham

Father Christmas will be making an appearance at Brewery Quarter Christmas launch party dates tbc, along with a host of family friendly entertainment

Breakfast With  Santa at the Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Breakfast with Santa  includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Santa and receive a gift in our wetland grotto. You will also receive a full English breakfast in our Kingfisher Kitchen, which will be decked out for the holidays Tickets not yet released

Christmas at Clearwell Caves

This is an unusual and brilliant underground Christmas adventure for all the family. This year the story is the wonderful tale of The Very Hungry Polar Bear. See Father Christmas,  then wander through our magical displays telling this very seasonal story. Tickets not yet released

Father Christmas at Dean Heritage Centre

Not confirmed yet for 2024

Trioscape Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto

Details to be announced