See Santa

Christmas would not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus - and we've heard a rumour that the man in red will be calling in at some of Nottinghamshire's best-loved attractions.

At this magical time of year youngsters will be able to see Santa in his grotto and tell him what they would like for Christmas. And, as an extra special treat, they may even receive a small present to take home with them.  

So, take a look at some of the places you can see Santa in Nottinghamshire this year. 

See Santa in Nottingham

Gather the gang for a scrumptious afternoon tea in Bramleys Restaurant at The Orchard Hotel on Sunday 7 and 14 December. Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea and the chance to meet the man himself. All children will receive a Christmas gift and will be able to take a picture beside their magnificent Christmas tree.

The popular Santa's Grotto at the National Ice Centre returns from 21st - 23th December. Meet the jolly old man himself, share your Christmas wishes, and capture precious memories. Surrounded by twinkling lights and the spirit of the season, your little ones will be captivated by the enchantment of Santa’s magical world.

It's time to get merry again at the legendary Green's Mill Christmas event on Saturday 13 December! A Yuletide treat for all the family, complete with a lantern-lit mill yard, visit from Santa Claus, mince pies and mulled wine of course.

Children will have the chance to meet Santa at the Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle. On Saturdays and Sundays in December leading up to Christmas, children can step into a winter wonderland and find Santa's Grotto at Brewhouse Yard. Visitors can explore a wide range of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and local delicacies. With live music, craft workshops, and a chance for children to meet Santa, there’s something for everyone.

Eager to get a chance to meet Santa or his trusty helpers? Why not tag along on Santa's Frozen Adventure at Wollaton Hall on weekends from 29 November - 21 December. This magical self-led walk will give children the opportunity to find Santa or his magical friends at Santa's Workshop and leave with a gift.

Join Broadway on Saturday 13 December for a special screening of the Polar Express, followed with an appearance by Santa himself! He will be greeting children, giving gifts, and sharing the joy of the season. Your ticket also includes a golden train ticket via post ahead of the event, a hot chocolate upon arrival, entry to the film and special gifts!

See Santa in Nottinghamshire

Step into the magic of the season at Belvoir Castle this December, where Santa’s Grotto awaits! Get ready for festive fun and magic as you meet Santa and take a picture with the jolly man in a Christmassy setting! Santa's also brought his trusty reindeer along at Belvoir Retail Village, can you tell Donner and Blitzen apart? Or could it be Dasher and Prancer waiting to meet you? While you're there, why not check out their festive adventure trail or explore the adventure playground and beautifully decorated castle to build the perfect Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle!

Pay a festive visit to East Midlands Designer Outlet and meet Santa. From Monday 17 November - Wednesday 24 December you can join Santa and his elves in his Christmas Grotto for Storytime with Santa or make magical reindeer food with Mrs. Claus . Maybe you're jumping at the chance to have Breakfast or Supper with Santa? Book breakfast or supper at 200 degrees, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 - 24 December, and your little ones will be left with a magical memory and ofcourse... a gift!

Why not experience the magic of Christmas at The Anchor's Breakfast with Santa and have a morning your family will never forget. This much love event with a magical meet & greet and festive activities take place on weekends from 13 - 23 December and on 24 December.

It might not be the big man himself, but you can head to Thoresby Park this December and tuck into a delicious breakfast with some of you favourite characters. Have Breakfast with Belle, Cinderella, Prince Charming & Santa Stitch on Sunday 7 December, join Elsa, Anna, Kristoff & Olaf for a fantastically Frozen themed breakfast on Sunday 14 December or have a duck-tastic Breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Santa's Elf on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December.

Who would have thought Santa's Winter Hideaway would be hidden in the caves of Creswell Crags! On Saturdays from 6 to 20 December, venture through the gorge with Santa's helpers, be engorged by their festive tales and stories of the Ice Age and create your own festive souvenir in Santa's Workshop. Will you find his Ice Age hideaway and meet the man himself? A magical gift might just be waiting for you! Hiding away in the cold wintery caves, you might also come across the Abominable Snowman, don't worry he might be a little mysterious but he is very friendly!

Santa is making his highly anticipated return to Rufford Abbey Country Park this festive season, bringing magic and joy to children and families alike. On weekends from 29 November to 21 December, Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December their enchanting Santa's Grotto promises to be a highlight, creating lasting memories. Step into a world of holiday wonder, where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift to take home.

Father Christmas is waiting for you at Manor Farm Park's Christmas Woodland Wonderland. Packed full of festive suprises, there's no doubt it will be a fantastic family day out. From meeting Santa, feeding his reindeer and decoraring gingerbread with Mrs. Clause to ice skating, riding the carousel and Christmas pantomime, there's endless amounts of fun to be had!

On 6 December, Santa will have travelled to The Framework Knitters Museum to bring some christmas spirit to their Cottages & Festive Craft Market. Step into the Victorian workers’ cottages to visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, explore the Festive Craft Market where you'll find handmade gifts and seasonal crafts from local makers, perfect for Christmas shopping, and warm up with a delicious hot drink, seasonal treat or tasty lunch at Parker’s Yard café.

Experience the magic of an Indoor Christmas Market in Clipstone's iconic power house on 6 December, nestled beneath the world’s tallest headstocks. Enjoy good food, festive drinks, and live music as you browse a wonderful selection of unusual gifts perfect for the season. With a chance to say hello to Santa and a maybe even a small treasure to receive, this could be a magical day.

Wrap up warm and get ready for Christmas at Clumber Park starting Saturday 22 November! The little ones can join Father Christmas for a cosy storytime in his living room or if you're feeling brave, this might just be your chance to tell Santa that you have been good. Take part in fun festive workshops, follow a magical trail to discover the Elfs hiding out in the park and yes your four legged friend will also be able to get a visit from Santa Paws!

Festivities have arrived at Tropical Butterfly House's Magical Christmas Experience, spreading magic, joy and Christmas cheer every weekend in December and right up to Christmas Eve! Santa will be joined in his Woodland Grotto by a whole host of much-loved familiar faces who will be stopping by the wildlife park as the young adventurers embark on a festive trail, discovering fascinating facts about animals and habitats from around the world as they go! Complete fun challenges and collect stamps in their passports to unlock a seasonal sweet treat reward! Don't miss the chance to write a letter to Santa, gather your very own reindeer food and add a wish to the Christmas Wishing Tree. Enjoy Christmas colouring and crafts, join in a carol with the singing reindeer and capture a festive 'elfie selfie' in a flurry of snow at the giant Polar Bear, so don't forget your Christmas jumpers.

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Click here for more Christmas events in and around Nottinghamshire!