Santa's Grotto Experiences

Our Santa's Grotto's are back and more magical than ever before. Whether it’s your first grotto visit or a much loved family tradition, it’s time to believe…

Unfortunately, due to the space required for our exciting new Grass Hoppers play experience, we will not be hosting a Santa Grotto at Otley Garden Centre this year.

The good news is that we have some fantastic new festive family experiences planned for Otley this Christmas, alongside the opening of our brand-new Grass Hoppers play area. We're currently finalising the details and can't wait to share what's in store.

More information will be released soon, so please check back regularly and keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

  • Santa's Grotto - The Magical Pocket Watch

    Tong Garden Centre

    25-30 Minute Experience

    £22.95 per child
    £16.95 under 12 Months*

    Step into a magical Christmas story at Tong Garden Centre. Join Santa's elves on a festive journey through enchanting scenes as you help solve the mystery of the missing pieces of Santa's magical pocket watch. Complete your adventure with a special visit to Santa and a quality gift for every child.

    Book Online

  • Santa's Grotto

    Tingley, York & Pennine

    10-15 Minute Experience

    £13.95 per child
    £11.95 under 12 months*

    Enjoy a magical festive visit with Santa at Tingley, York & Pennine. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, pose for a festive photo and receive a special toy gift to take home.

    Book Online

A Christmas Gift for Each Paid Child Ticket

At each of our Grotto experiences choose one of our thoughtfully selected gifts which are sure to bring smiles to the faces of the little ones, making their visit all the more special.

Have your little ones’ dreams come true as they meet Santa and share their magical Christmas wish.

*If visitors wish to bring a baby (Under 12 Months) without purchasing a dedicated Under 12 Months ticket, they will need to have at least one paying child ticket and contact us in advance so we can add the baby to their booking, as capacity needs to be managed.

Each grotto experience is a group meeting with Santa

Tong:- 3 children max per group
Tingley:- 6 children max per group
Pennine & York:- 5 children max per group

These group sizes and capacities have been carefully set to ensure every family enjoys the best possible experience and has quality time with Santa.

Santa's Grotto Frequently Asked Questions

Is Otley Garden Centre hosting a Santa's Grotto this year?

Unfortunately, due to the space required for our exciting new Grass Hoppers play experience, we will not be hosting a Santa Grotto at Otley Garden Centre this year.

The good news is that we have some fantastic new festive family experiences planned for Otley this Christmas, alongside the opening of our brand-new Grass Hoppers play area. We're currently finalising the details and can't wait to share what's in store.

More information will be released soon, so please check back regularly and keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

What's the difference between the Santa Grotto at Tong and the Santa experience at Tingley, York & Pennine?

Our Santa experiences are designed differently at each location to offer a range of festive experiences for families.

Tong Garden Centre features The Magical Pocket Watch, an immersive 25–30 minute interactive Christmas adventure. Children join Santa's elves on a magical journey, help solve the mystery of Santa's missing pocket watch, meet Santa, and receive a gift. Prices start from £22.95 per child.

Tingley, York & Pennine offer a traditional Santa visit lasting approximately 10–15 minutes. Children will meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, pose for a festive photo, and receive a special toy gift to take home. Prices start from £13.95 per child.

Both experiences create magical Christmas memories, but Tong offers a longer, story-led immersive adventure, while Tingley, York and Pennine provide a classic Santa meet-and-greet experience.

Which centres have a Santa's Grotto

A Santa's Grotto Experience is available at Tong, Tingley, York & Pennine.

Can I purchase a ticket on the day?

Booking for Santa’s grotto is only available online and, as dates sell out quickly, we strongly advise booking online in advance to avoid disappointment.

How long is my experience?

Grotto Experience at Tingley, York & Pennine lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Grotto Experience at Tong Garden Centre lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Please read:

Your session will start at the specified time shown on your ticket (this will be specified online when booking and on your ticket when booked).

Please arrive at the Grotto waiting area approximately 10 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. The centre can very busy so do allow adequate time to park and make your way through the centre.

Please ensure you allow plenty of time to travel and park, as we do get busy – particularly at weekends.

Do you offer refunds?

Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Is this an individual visit to see Santa?

Our Santa's Grotto experience is a shared group visit with Santa.

  • York & Pennine: Maximum of 5 children per group
  • Tingley: Maximum of 6 children per group
  • Tong Garden Centre: Maximum of 3 children per group

Please note: A maximum of 2 adults may accompany each child.

These group sizes and capacities have been carefully set to ensure every family enjoys the best possible experience and has quality time with Santa.

Is there a limit to the amount of adults that can attend?

A maximum of two adults per child ticket will be permitted.

Group sizes and capacities have been carefully set to ensure every family enjoys the best possible experience and has quality time with Santa.

How do I cancel my booking?

Unfortunately, once a booking has been made, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Customer Testimonials

We visited Tong Garden Centre to see Santa, and it was an amazing experience. Everything was beautifully done. We followed a Christmas story through different rooms, each one magical in its own way. Candycane Elf went above and beyond to make my children feel comfortable especially my autistic child, who absolutely adored her.

Amanda Carvell

Had an amazing time visiting Santa. All his elves were lovely with the little ones, getting down to their levels to talk to them. The trip was very well organized and kept the children all entertained and the small groups made it personal. The toy work shop was a brilliant idea and my grandson loved being able to pick his own present from Santa rather than a generic age pre wrapped.

Paul Marshall

Absolutely fantastic, staff/actors are excellent and really committed. Staging is superb. Toy selection is excellent too. Plus adults are free. Been to a few Santa's grotto and this one is the benchmark!

Chris Ashworth

Great festive walk we got to meet santa my daughter loved it. Garden centre is huge all the staff we met were just great and I hope the positive feedback gets passed on to them. It showed that everyone was behind making this enjoyable for everyone

Sam Robertson

My Grandson had a lovely time, the displays, Santa & his elves were great, very enthusiastic & clearly had done their homework on kids tv. Great idea allowing the children to pick their own toy from a large choice, instead of getting some cheap toy pre wrapped. Will definitely be booking for next year.

Tracy Scott

Been tonight absolutely fantastic … my 4 years old loved it … Santa and all the elves was so lovely and great fun … Merry Christmas to you all x

Emma Murphy

We took our grandson here last weekend and it was fantastic and well worth the money!🥰

Nichola Greenwood

Choose from 2 amazing Light Trail experiences at Tingley Garden Centre

Our Light Trail transforms Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre into a glowing wonderland of light, colour, and festive joy. Created in partnership with Enlightened Moments, this immersive walk-through experience is packed with dazzling displays, interactive moments, and Christmas magic around every corner.

New for 2026, families can choose from two magical experiences. Enjoy the enchanting Light Trail only experience, or choose to include a 10–15 minute visit to Santa’s Grotto to begin your journey, each paying child receives a toy gift from Santa.

Little ones will meet Santa himself, pose for a magical photo, and receive a special toy to take home after their visit with the big man himself.

Whether you’re soaking up the sparkle of the trail or creating unforgettable memories with Santa, it’s the perfect festive experience for the whole family.

*Ts & Cs - 20% Discount available on Off Peak, Standard and Peak sessions only

Find out more

  • Breakfast With Santa

    Available at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York

    Calling all Parents, Grandparents and Grown ups - make magical memories with your little ones this Christmas at our Breakfast with Santa experience.

    Child Set Breakfast – £20.95

    Includes a set breakfast of sausage, bacon, baked beans, fried egg (only), one slice of toast, unlimited juice, cracker, toy and visit from Santa.

    Adult Set Breakfast – £14.95

    Maximum of 2 Adults per child - Includes a full set breakfast of sausage, two bacon, fried egg(only), baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash brown and 2 slices of toast and butter plus a pot of Yorkshire Tea or regular filter coffee.

    Please select your preferred Standard or Vegetarian tea option when booking.

    Book Online

  • Tea with Santa

    Available at Pennine & Scarborough

    Make magical Christmas memories with your little ones at our enchanting Tea with Santa experience.

    Child Tea with Santa – £20.95

    Includes Small Christmas Dinner - Roast Turkey, A pig in blanket, roast potatoes, carrots, peas & gravy with squash to drink, plus cracker, toy and visit from Santa.

    Adult Tea with Santa – £14.95

    Maximum of 2 Adults per child - Includes Turkey carvery bap with gravy and chips, with a tea or filter coffee

    Please select your preferred Standard or Vegetarian tea option when booking.

    Book Online

Christmas Events at our garden centres

Location
Santa's Light Trail at Tingley Garden Centre

Tingley

Santa's Light Trail at Tingley Garden Centre

New for 2026, families can choose from two magical experiences.

Santa's Light Trail (Limited availability)
Children from £21.90
Adults from £11.95

Enjoy the magical Light Trail after visiting Santa in his festive grotto. Every child will meet Santa, receive a special toy gift and enjoy a festive photo opportunity.

Plus, experience the enchanting Light Trail and festive activities throughout the park.

The Light Trail Only
Children from £4.95 - £9.95
Adults from £9.95

Enjoy the enchanting Light Trail, festive craft activities and magical photo opportunities throughout the park.

Find out more
Winter Ice Skating

Tingley

Winter Ice Skating

Experience the Magic of Winter at Tingley Garden Centre’s INDOOR Ice Rink

Looking for a festive family activity this Christmas? Discover the joy of real ice skating at Tingley Garden Centre’s enchanting ice rink – the perfect winter experience for all ages!

Whether you’re twirling under twinkling lights or helping little ones find their balance, our weather-proof rink offers a magical setting to create unforgettable moments with family and friends.

Find out more
Magical Journey to Santa's Grotto

Tong

Magical Journey to Santa's Grotto

Tong Only
£22.95 per child
£16.95 under 12 Months
25-30 Minutes Experience

Step into a magical Christmas story at Tong Garden Centre. Join Santa's elves on a festive journey through enchanting scenes as you help solve the mystery of the missing pieces of Santa's magical pocket watch. Complete your adventure with a special visit to Santa and a quality gift for every child.

Tong:-3 children max per group
Max 2 adults per child

Santa's Grotto

Tingley, Dean's York, Pennine

Santa's Grotto

Tingley, Pennine & York
£13.95 per child
£11.95 under 12 months
10-15 Minutes Experience

Enjoy a magical festive visit with Santa at Tingley, York & Pennine. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, pose for a festive photo and receive a special toy gift to take home.

Tingley:-6 children max per group
Pennine & York:-6 children max per group
Max 2 adults per child

Breakfast with Santa

Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Dean's York

Breakfast with Santa

Available at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York

Calling all Parents, Grandparents and Grown ups - make magical memories with your little ones this Christmas at our Breakfast with Santa experience available at all our centres.

Child Set Breakfast – £20.95

Includes a set breakfast of sausage, bacon, baked beans, fried egg (only), one slice of toast, unlimited juice, cracker, toy and visit from Santa.

Adult Set Breakfast – £14.95

Maximum of 2 Adults per child - Includes a full set breakfast of sausage, two bacon, fried egg(only), baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash brown and 2 slices of toast and butter plus a pot of Yorkshire Tea or regular filter coffee.

Please select your preferred Standard or Vegetarian tea option when booking.

Tea with Santa

Dean's Scarborough, Pennine

Tea with Santa

Available at Pennine & Scarborough

Make magical Christmas memories with your little ones at our enchanting Tea with Santa experience.

Child Tea with Santa – £20.95

Includes Small Christmas Dinner - Roast Turkey, A pig in blanket, roast potatoes, carrots, peas & gravy with squash to drink, plus cracker, toy and visit from Santa.

Adult Tea with Santa – £14.95

Maximum of 2 Adults per child - Includes Turkey carvery bap with gravy and chips, with a tea or filter coffee

Please select your preferred Standard or Vegetarian tea option when booking.