Santa's grottos in Surrey 2026
From a quick grotto visit to a full morning of elves, workshops and a personalised meeting with Father Christmas, Surrey has a wide range of Santa experiences. We have compared what each one includes, who it suits and what it costs, using the organisers' own published details.
Prices vary a lot because some experiences include a gift, activities and several hours of entertainment, while others are a short visit. Compare what is included as well as the headline price.
19 events we have checked
- DetailsFamily days outMeet Father Christmas
Christmas at Hatchlands Park 2026: The Christmasaurus
Hatchlands Park, East Clandon · 1 November to 31 December 2026
Hatchlands Park, a National Trust house near East Clandon, hosts a Christmas trail from 1 November to 31 December 2026. Visitors can see Christmas decorations inside the house and follow a family trail around the parkland inspired by the Christmasaurus books by Tom Fletcher. Booking is recommended, and details on times and prices are on the event page.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- See the event page for times
- Christmas lightsFamily days out
Farnham Christmas Lights Switch-On
Gostrey Meadow, Farnham · 14 November 2026
Farnham starts its festive season with an afternoon in Gostrey Meadow of performances from local schools, theatre groups and dance companies. There are food and gift stalls, children's rides, face painting and Santa in his grotto.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 14 November 2026, 1pm to 6pm. Lights switched on at 4.30pm.
- DetailsWorkshopsMeet Father Christmas
Scandinavian style wreath making
Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Compton · 14 November to 15 November 2026
A Scandinavian style wreath making workshop taking place over two days at Watts Gallery Artists' Village in Compton, near Guildford. Booking is required through the event page, and times are listed there. It suits adults and families looking for a seasonal craft activity before Christmas.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- See the event page for times
- DetailsWorkshopsMeet Father Christmas
Festive workshop: Embossed gold foil decorations
Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Compton · 18 November to 9 December 2026
A festive workshop at Watts Gallery Artists' Village in Compton, near Guildford, where participants make embossed gold foil decorations. Booking is required and member pre-sale is currently running. It suits adults and families looking for a seasonal craft activity in November and December.
- Price:
- Member pre-sale now
- Dates:
- See the event page for times
- DetailsWorkshopsMeet Father Christmas
Festive workshop: Scandinavian woven stars
Watts Contemporary Gallery, Compton · 19 November 2026
A festive paper craft workshop led by artist Kate Alger at Watts Contemporary Gallery in Compton, on Thursday 19 November 2026. Participants learn to weave, twist and fold paper into sculptural stars and take home a handmade decoration. No experience is needed, so it suits adults and families looking for a relaxed seasonal activity.
- Price:
- From £25
- Dates:
- Two sessions on Thursday 19 November 2026: 10.15 to 11.45am and 12.30 to 2pm
- Meet Father ChristmasAnimals and wildlife
A Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm
Bocketts Farm Park, Fetcham · 20 November to 24 December 2026
Children ride the Santa Express trailer to Father Christmas's grotto, get a golden coin and choose a gift from the Toy Shop. The rest of the day is spent on the farm, with gingerbread decorating, a giant snow globe and reindeer food making.
- Price:
- Child tickets include farm entry and the Father Christmas visit with a gift; adults buy farm entry only. Prices vary by date, with off-peak and after-school rates. £1 online booking fee. Check prices when booking.
- Dates:
- Friday 20 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. After-school rate on selected weekdays until 15 December; new Festive Evenings on 16 and 17 December from 2.30pm to 7pm; SEND visits on the afternoon of 22 November.
- Meet Father ChristmasAnimals and wildlife
Father Christmas at Godstone Farm
Godstone Farm, Godstone · 21 November to 24 December 2026
Families meet Father Christmas in his cabin, make a wish in the Wish Room and choose a gift from his workshop. Daytime tickets add Jingle and Jangle's Christmas show, cookie decorating and a full day on the farm and in its large soft play barn.
- Price:
- From £21.95
- Dates:
- The last two weekends of November, every weekend in December, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. Dusk visits run from 5.30pm to 7pm. SEND visits on 21 and 22 November and at dusk on 3 and 8 December.
- Meet Father ChristmasAnimals and wildlife
Santa's Grotto at Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham
Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham, Chelsham · 21 November to 22 November 2026
Knights' Chelsham garden centre hosts Santa for a weekend in November, with real reindeer on the Sunday and ponies to meet on the Saturday. Breakfast with Santa runs at Chelsham and Woldingham through December.
- Price:
- From £2.50
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November. Reindeer visit on Sunday 22 November, 11am to 3.30pm; pets and ponies on Saturday 21 November, 11am to 3pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Santa's Grotto at Pippbrook House
Pippbrook House, Dorking · 28 November to 29 November 2026
Dorking Halls runs a Santa's grotto over the last weekend of November in Pippbrook House, the Victorian house beside the halls in Dorking.
- Price:
- Check prices on the Dorking Halls box office site.
- Dates:
- Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026, from 10am. Sessions are booked through Dorking Halls.
- Meet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Santa's Grotto at The Children's Trust
The Children's Trust, Tadworth Court, Tadworth · 28 November 2026
The national children's charity opens the grounds of Tadworth Court for an afternoon of story time with Mrs Claus and the elves, letter writing and a craft before children meet Santa in his grotto.
- Price:
- Tickets are limited and sold online; check prices when booking. Money raised supports children with brain injury and neurodisability.
- Dates:
- Saturday 28 November 2026, 1pm to 6pm, with timed grotto slots.
- Meet Father ChristmasAnimals and wildlife
Santa's Secret Village at Hobbledown Epsom
Hobbledown Epsom, Epsom · 28 November to 24 December 2026
An immersive walk through Santa's Post Office, the Toy Distribution Centre and an Enchanted Forest ends with a private meeting with Santa. Tickets include a full day at Hobbledown with its play villages, indoor play barn and animals.
- Price:
- From £13.50
- Dates:
- Saturday 28 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Hobbledown closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
- Meet Father ChristmasArts and culture
Father Christmas at Watts Gallery
Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Compton · 5 December to 13 December 2026
Families follow a fairy-lit woodland trail to the Elves' Workshop, then knock at the door of Limnerslease, the Watts' former home, to meet a Victorian Father Christmas dressed in green. Every child receives a picture book.
- Price:
- Check prices on the Watts Gallery booking page. Each child ticket includes up to two adults, and parking is included. No refunds.
- Ages:
- Suitable for all ages; children must be with an adult.
- Dates:
- Saturdays and Sundays 5, 6, 12 and 13 December 2026, with sessions at 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3pm.
- Pantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
Santa's Best Ever Christmas at Epsom Playhouse
Epsom Playhouse, Epsom · 5 December to 24 December 2026
A short, interactive Christmas musical from Honalee Media in which Santa's friends try to guess his big Christmas plan. Every child receives a wrapped present from Santa at the end.
- Price:
- From £12.50
- Ages:
- Best suited to children aged 2 to 8.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 to Thursday 24 December 2026. See the Playhouse booking calendar for show times.
- Meet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Santa's Christmas Pudding Grotto at Ashtead Park Garden Centre
Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Ashtead · 5 December to 12 December 2026
Santa sits inside a giant Christmas pudding at Ashtead Park Garden Centre, with time for a chat, photos and an early present. Children also get an elf hunt sheet to complete for a small prize.
- Price:
- From £17
- Dates:
- Saturday 5, Sunday 6 and Saturday 12 December 2026.
- Christmas marketsMeet Father Christmas
Haslemere Christmas Market
Haslemere town centre, Haslemere · 6 December 2026
Haslemere's 25th Christmas Market spreads more than 100 stalls along West Street, the High Street and into the Haslemere Educational Museum. Father Christmas arrives at the museum, and the South West Surrey Farmers' Market joins in.
- Price:
- Stalls are pay as you go; check the Haslemere Events page for details.
- Dates:
- Sunday 6 December 2026, 10am to 4pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasHeritage railways
Santa Specials at the Rural Life Living Museum
Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford · 12 December to 20 December 2026
A steam-hauled train takes families from Reeds Road Station through the trees to the North Pole Station, a short walk from Santa's woodland grotto. Children get a named gift, and the museum's historic buildings are dressed with period decorations.
- Price:
- A separate ticketed event, not included in general admission or annual passes. Check prices when booking. Under 1s do not need a ticket.
- Ages:
- Gifts are chosen for children up to 12.
- Dates:
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, 10am to 5.30pm; Friday 18 December, 12pm to 4pm; Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, 10am to 5.30pm. Pre-booked tickets only.
- Meet Father ChristmasHeritage railways
Santa Event at Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway
Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, Frimley Lodge Park, Frimley Green · 13 December 2026
The volunteer-run miniature railway in Frimley Lodge Park holds its popular one-day Santa event in December. Tickets are only sold at the railway itself, on two set dates in the autumn.
- Price:
- From £5
- Dates:
- Sunday 13 December 2026. Tickets are sold in person at the railway in advance only.
- Pantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
The Ho Ho Ho Mrs Christmas Show at G Live
G Live, Guildford · 16 December to 24 December 2026
A short festive show in G Live's studio where Mrs Christmas and the elves rush to get the North Pole Yuletide Party ready before Father Christmas arrives. Children leave with a gift and there is a meet and greet.
- Price:
- From £17
- Dates:
- Wednesday 16 to Thursday 24 December 2026 in the Bellerby Studio, with several shows a day (for example 10am, 12pm and 2.30pm on 16 December).
- Pantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
Santa's Best Ever Christmas at Cranleigh Arts
Cranleigh Arts Centre, Cranleigh · 20 December 2026
The touring Santa Show visits Cranleigh Arts Centre for one afternoon, with Dotty the Elf, Pompom the Penguin and Dasher the Reindeer. Each child receives a specially wrapped present from Santa after the show.
- Price:
- From £16.50
- Ages:
- Best suited to children aged 2 to 8.
- Dates:
- Sunday 20 December 2026 at 2pm.
See them on the map
19 of these events, plotted. Tap a pin for dates, prices and directions.
Questions people ask
What age is a Santa experience best for?
Each experience sets its own recommended ages, and many are aimed at primary school children and younger. We show the organiser's recommended age range on each listing where it is published.
Do adults need a ticket?
Often yes. Many experiences charge separately for adults and children, and some include a gift only with a child ticket. Check the booking page for the exact ticket types.