Whether you want to enjoy hot chocolate by the fireside with Santa in a cozy log cabin, ride a merry train through a holiday wonderland, or take a festive tractor ride! The Holy Grotto in Staffordshire has it all.
Here are some great places where you can see Santa this year. Additionally, having a boy with autism myself, I try to add some venues that cater for additional needs as we know some of these activities can be extremely stressful.
amerton farm
date – Every Saturday and Sunday in December, including Christmas Eve.
Accessibility – The accessible compartment can accommodate a wheelchair and has a bench that can comfortably accommodate 3 adults, or 6 people if you book this compartment without a wheelchair, but please book another compartment first.
Board the steam train at Amerton Station and head to Toy Town to meet Santa and receive hand-picked gifts! You’ll also receive a festive gift bag to enjoy surrounded by the beautiful Staffordshire countryside on a cold winter’s day as the train winds its way through the fields.
Each carriage will receive a goodie bag containing snacks, Amerton Railway coloring pages, puzzles and colored pencils. Children will receive hand-picked Christmas gifts from Santa, while adults will receive warm mince pies and sherry.
Book your tickets!
Churnet Valley – Polar Express Train Ride
date – From November 18th
Accessibility – Unfortunately due to the design of our conventional coaches we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs. If the wheelchair user is able to climb the steps and walk a short distance, we can assist with boarding. The wheelchair will be held by our station staff until your return.
Disabled toilets at Froghall Station.
Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where you’ll be invited to board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train journey, taking you on a magical journey to the North Pole.
The adventure begins once you board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, where hot chocolate and cookies are served to you at your seat by a singing chef.
Tramps will travel with you too! He will show you the meaning of Christmas.
Children can enjoy the beautiful lights outside during the journey, and Santa will be patiently waiting for the arrival of the Polar Express!
The journey on the Polar Express 2023 train journey lasts approximately 1 hour. The entire experience takes 1.5 hours.
Book your tickets!
National Forest Adventure Farm – Arctic Adventure
date – From November 25th
Accessibility – A maximum of 2 standard size wheelchairs may be used per session. Sorry, due to standard doorway dimensions, mobility scooters or large power wheelchairs are not available.
A truly magical journey. Experience the wonder of Christmas on an Arctic adventure.
Your child will receive a personalized ticket from Santa. Collect your Elf Coins and Passport upon arrival, then travel through the magical portal to the North Pole.
- Explore Victorian high streets and sweet shops
- Help the elves sort packages at the post office
- Keep the elves on time by ringing the bell!
- Meet talking polar bears under the Northern Lights
- Fix the toy machines and save Christmas!
- Sing holiday songs with Silvermist the reindeer
- Decorating gingerbread cookies with Santa Claus
- Choose a gift from Santa Claus!
National Forest Adventure Farm – Autism Friendly Activities
The Magical Christmas Tour is suitable for smaller group sizes and with sound and light changes.
Once you select a date and time, you can add your free Babes-in-Arms (0-11 months) tickets.
Tickets only include admission to Adventure Farm Soft Theater from 3:30pm to 5:45pm
You will be asked to provide information about your child to personalize their experience.
Sorry, strollers are not available on Arctic Adventures.
Book your tickets!
Book your tickets for Arctic Adventure Autism Friendly Courses!
Gailey’s Holy Grotto Dobby
date – From November 25th
Accessibility – All stores have wheelchair access, disabled parking, ramps and toilet facilities. Please note any special requests you have during the online booking process.
Take a stroll through our enchanting forests and soak up the atmosphere.Elves will guide you along the way to find our little seedling characters and then to our wildlife forest glade where little ones will make special items to take home
Your experience will then continue with the opportunity to meet Santa – children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gifts
To preserve the memory of your child’s meeting with Santa, you can choose to book one of our special photo options in advance, saving an average of 15% compared to same-day prices.
Santa has selected a range of toys suitable for different ages. You can pre-select age-appropriate gifts for your child, but specific toys may vary depending on the day.
Dobbys – Santa’s Quiet Grotto
Santa’s Quiet Grotto is one of Dobby’s favorite festive experiences and they are offering tours for children with additional needs from 2.30pm on Friday 8th December.
The sessions are available by pre-booking only, with no queues on the day and a reduced number of families attending each session.
Book your tickets to Santa’s Quiet Grotto!
Lower Drayton Farm – Jingle Ville
date – From December 2nd.
Accessibility – Most venues are wheelchair accessible. However, some attractions, such as the Lower Farm Lookout, which requires climbing a steep dirt path, may not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
It says they have family friendly toilets and baby changing facilities, but no mention of disabled toilets.
Tickets start at £16 per adult and £32.50 per child.
Immerse yourself in a world of charm and wonder as we invite you and your loved ones to experience the most magical Christmas feast ever – Jingle Ville! Nestled in the heart of our winter wonderland, Jingle Village promises to transport you and your family into a realm of festive joy, where holiday dreams come true and treasured memories are made.
The event includes a ride to Jingle City on a whimsical tractor-trailer surrounded by beautiful twinkling lights. Explore JIngle Village with the elves, photos with Santa, Christmas crafts, gifts from Santa, and more!
As a sign of the holiday spirit, each adult will receive a free cup of hot chocolate and the kids will receive a delicious festive milkshake.
Trentham
Trentham has not released their Santa event yet, so I will update this once information is available.
What are your plans for this year?
