Santa's Woodland Grotto

We're snow excited to tell you that our new Elf’s Workshop will be open for the very first time. Our elf and safety helpers are busy decking the halls and stuffing sackfuls of festive crafts and activities. Yule be sure to have a ball here with our Christmas characters - just bring the sparkle!

Tis the season to be jolly - for magical memories you won’t forget, come back time and time again during the festivities and beyond with our Visit & Save Card return visit offer.*

Here’s a peek at the fa-la-la festive fun waiting for you:

Santa's Woodland Grotto**

Capture a moment of wild winter wonder as you wander along the woodland walk to meet Santa and his helper in his enchanting Woodland Grotto. You can visit Santa at any time during Grotto opening hours. 

Purchase a Santa gift and your child will receive a magic snowflake token from Santa to exchange for a gift of their choice at Santa's Toy Shop located in the Jungle Gift Shop. 

NEW! Meet & Greet Christmas Characters***

Our colourful collective of festive favourites are guaranteed to make dreams come true. Believers of all ages - share your smiles and selfies with us at #tropicalbutterflyhouse #christmasmagicmakers

Christmas Characters appearances will take place between 11am - 3pm, please feel free to take your own photos! (see signage for details).

NEW! Elf Workshop****

More magic awaits .. our Christmas elf will be at hand to help you decorate a gingerbread cookie, gather some scrumptious reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve and most importantly, write and post a letter in Santa's singing post box!

Everyone is welcome for selfies, storytelling and songs during our Christmas character appearances. Get all wrapped up in Christmas crafts and enter our festive colouring competition. Don't forget to add a wish to the Christmas Wishing Tree!

Elf Explorer Trail - Where will your ‘Elf Explorer’ passport take you? Embark on a festive journey through the wildlife park, discovering fascinating facts about animals and habitats from around the world! Complete fun challenges and collect stamps in your passports to unlock a sweet treat reward!

Don't miss these Christmas crackers around the park - join in a carol with the singing reindeer and capture a ‘elfie selfie’on our festive sleigh or in a flurry of snow at the giant Polar Bear - don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumpers to make spirits bright!

Jingle all the way on board the festive tractor-trailer ride, enjoy animal encounters and keeper talks and chuckle at the elf-tastic fun and frolics and tinsel tails in the Animal Antics show.

Find one of many special hidden ‘Christmas Puddings’ to win a merry prize and seek out the ten cheeky elves to see who tells the funniest joke!

Warm up at Lottie’s Coffee Lounge - Festive favourites are on the menu, from glorious Gingerbread Lattes to luxurious Irish Cream Hot Chocolates! Fun themed children’s picnic boxes are available to add on to your online booking (pre-booking essential).

** Woodland Grotto Open Times: 6 -7 December, 13 – 14 December, 20 – 24 December | 11am - 3pm (see signage for breaktimes).

Every child can see Santa as part of their admission to the park. You may visit the grotto at any time during grotto advertised opening hours. Age-related gifts can also be purchased in advance online with your admission tickets or on the day for just £8.50. When purchasing a gift, your child will receive a magic snowflake token from Santa to then exchange for a gift of their choice in Santa’s Toy Shop located in the Jungle Gift Shop.

***Meet & Greet Christmas Characters: The advertised Meet and Greet character(s) will make appearances at set times between 11am - 3pm. See signage on the day for full timings and locations.

****Elf’s Workshop: Some activities in this area may be charged for.

We recommend booking online in advance to avoid disappointment. Normal park admission prices apply. Magical Christmas Experience event days are included in Annual Membership and Visit and Save card advance bookings made online (subject to availability).