Christmas Grottos in St. Albans & Surrounding Areas
If you're searching for Santa's Grottos in St. Albans and surrounding areas, we have listed all of the best places to see the big man this festive season.
Monty’s Grotto at Everyone Active Harpenden
Breakfast with Santa for little ones.
Where: Monty’s, Harpenden Leisure Centre, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU.
When: Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th December, 09:30-10:00, 11:00-12:00
Tickets: Book a one-hour slot for children (to include breakfast) for £12.50. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult £5 (to include a hot drink). Limited availability.
About: Everyone Active Harpenden is a state-of-the-art sports centre with gym, swimming pool, café, creche, fitness classes, sports hall, steam room and sauna. Monty’s is a café on-site at the Harpenden Everyone Active leisure centre, run by members of the local community and named after Monty, the founder’s beloved golden labrador.
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The Little Gym Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s workshop with sensory play and crafts, followed by a Christmas themed gym play session and a gift from Santa. Sessions lasts up to 90 minutes. Suitable for 4 months to 12 years.
Where: Rothamsted Experimental Station, Rothamsted, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ.
When: Friday 22nd December, half-hourly slots from 10:00-14:00.
Tickets: £30 per child (adults free)
About: The Little Gym offers physical educational classes across the country, for ages 4 months to 12 years, using movement-based learning and imaginative play.
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Alban City School Christmas Fair
The primary school in the city centre has its annual Christmas Fair which will have fundraising activities, stalls, and a Santa’s grotto.
Where: 7 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3RR.
When: Saturday 2nd December 14:00-16:30.
Tickets: Free entry.
About: Alban City School is a state funded, free School for primary aged children which opened in 2002. Its motto is “Happiness, Well-Being and High Achievement.”
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Harpenden Christmas Carnival
The Carnival will feature all the traditional features such as a Santa's Grotto, food stalls, outdoor bars, the market, entertainment, the traditional procession and, of course, the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On at 5.00pm.
Where: Harpenden High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
When: Sunday 26th November, 12:00-18:00.
Tickets: None required.
About: The Harpenden Town Council strives to conserve and improve the towns’ green spaces, promote Harpenden as a sustainable town, put on events for the community and run efficient low-cost council administration.
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Santa’s Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
Santa’s grotto will be at Burston again this year, with a plethora of festive decorations also on sale.
Where: North Orbital Road, Chiswell Green, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DS.
When: Running on weekends during November and throughout the month of December. See link for sessions.
Tickets: £11 per child + £1 per adult + £1.50 booking fee.
About: Brothers John and Richard Pearson founded Burston Nurseries in 1978 but the entire site had to be rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1997. It has grown steadily and from strength to strength since then.
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Santa Spectacular at Willow’s Farm
With so much to see and do, Willows recommends allowing at least 4 hours for your visit. Includes a Winter Wonderland, a visit to Santa in his grotto, a ‘Create a Cuddle’ workshop, gingerbread decorating, festive 3D film, themed character shows and an ice rink amongst other things.
Where: Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF.
When: Starts Friday 24th November and runs until Sunday 24th December.
Tickets: Members, carers and under 2s have discounted rates. Non-member adult tickets start at £24 and non-member child tickets (age 2+) start at £48 for all extras. See link for full breakdown.
About: Willows Activity Farm is designed for families with primary school aged children, featuring adventure play, inflatables, funfair rides, ride-on toys, animals and Peter Rabbit shows and characters.
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Southdown Lights and Lanterns
Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, carols, fun fair, lantern parade and more.
Where: Southdown, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
When: Friday 1st December, 17:30-19:30 (parade 17:30).
Tickets: None required.
About: The Harpenden Town Council strives to conserve and improve the towns’ green spaces, promote Harpenden as a sustainable town, put on events for the community and run efficient low-cost council administration.
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St. Albans Christmas Santa Float
Father Christmas comes on tour around St Albans.
Where: Keep checking the link below for Santa’s route this year.
When: Between the 3rd-24th December, visiting various areas.
Tickets: None required but charitable donations encouraged.
About: The St Albans Round Table is the local branch of the nationwide charity which runs events and brings men aged between 18-45 together for social and charitable activities.
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St. Albans Lions Club
Santa will also be hanging out with the St Albans Lions on his sleigh to visit different neighbourhoods in St Albans.
Where: Park Street (11th & 12th December), Bricket Wood (13th December), Waitrose King Harry Lane (15th December), Jersey Farm (18th-20th December) and the Quadrant in Marshalswick (22nd December).
When: Between 11th-22nd December, see above. Check Facebook page for timings.
Tickets: None required but charitable donations encouraged.
About: The St Albans Lions is a local club for men and women which has been running in the city since 1966 to put on fundraising charitable events. It is part of the Lions Clubs Internationally (with 17,000 active members and over 900 clubs).
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surrounding areas
Father Christmas at Wardown House
Come and meet Mother Christmas for a story, the elves for some fun and Father Christmas for a special gift from under the tree at the lovely Wardown House museum.
Where: Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Old Bedford Rd, Luton, Hertfordshire, LU2 7HA.
When: 9th - 23rd December 2023 (various slots). The 10:30 slot each day is a sensory slot.
Tickets: £15 Child, £6 Adult (includes tea & coffee). Booking required.
About: Grade II listed building situated in the beautiful grounds of Wardown Park formerly a house, a World War One military hospital and now a museum recreating Victorian living.
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Knebworth House Dine with Santa
Pop along for a two-course family lunch or dinner with Santa, with a meet and greet afterwards.
Where: Knebworth Barns at Knebworth Park, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX.
When: Lunch and dinner on Sunday 17th and Friday 22nd December.
Tickets: Adults £38, children £28.
About: Knebworth House is a stately home open to the public, with extensive gardens and parkland, a dinosaur trail and adventure playground. It runs events and concerts year-round.
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Leavesden Christmas Fair with Grotto
A fair with stalls, arts, and crafts, Santas grotto and raffle.
Where: Leavesden Green Community Hub, Clarke Green (Off Clarke Way), Watford, Hertfordshire WD25 0BW.
When: Saturday 16th December, 14:00-17:00.
Tickets: £2.50 + £0.91 admits child into Santa’s grotto. Free entry into Christmas Fair.
About: Leavesden Green Community Hub is open for hire for a variety of purposes.
Truly Lush Events is run by the founder Keshia based in Watford.
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Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Take a 25 minute Christmas train ride and meet Santa in his grotto at the end, with children up to 12 receiving a gift.
Where: Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard, Hertfordshire, LU74TG.
When: Various dates in December.
Tickets: Adults (13 and over) £12.50, Children (2-12) £13.50 including present, Children (under 2) £8.50 including present.
About: The gauge light railways are one of the last surviving ones and is managed and operated by the volunteer members of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society.
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The Magic of Christmas Barn
Where: The Old Rectory Farm, Walkern, Hertfordshire, SG2 7PD.
When: Running from 25th November - weekends and then all week before Christmas
Tickets: £9 + booking fee for all children including babies. Due to popular demand, booking is recommended ASAP.
About: One of the largest Christmas retail outlets in Hertfordshire with a vast number of spectacular Christmas decorations, a tearoom on site and Santa and his elves visiting in his grotto.
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Meet Father Christmas in Hertford
At the Leaf café in Hertford, Santa will be in his magical grotto for a chat, gift, and a professional photo by Products Exposure.
Where: Leaf, 8 Old Cross, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1RB.
When: Weekends in December, various times.
Tickets: £30 for a family ticket (up to 4), £5 for additional tickets (bought in conjunction with family ticket).
About: Products Exposure is a studio run by a product, beauty, and fashion photographer in Hertford.
Leaf is a café and children's bookshop in Hertford.
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The Nutcracker Family Christmas Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of the Christmas ballet The Nutcracker at Ashridge House, before meeting Santa Claus and receiving a gift.
Where: Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP41NS.
When: Running 19th-24th December, throughout the day.
Tickets: Adult off-peak £27.28, Child off-peak £32.63. Adult peak £34.77, Child peak £40.12.
About: Ashridge House has been home to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and has 700 years of history. The house and gardens are open to the public alongside a restaurant and café.
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Paradise Wildlife Park
Meet Santa at his grotto, enjoy the fairy light tunnel and Christmas decorations alongside regular park access.
Where: Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA
When: Every weekend from 2nd December then daily 20th to 24th December.
Tickets: Entry to Santa’s Grotto is included with your day tickets. See online booking system for ticket prices.
About: At Paradise Wildlife Park you can enjoy a wide range of animals (with talks and shows), play areas, adventure golf, an indoor ‘Tumble Jungle’, a farmyard and even an animatronic dinosaur trail.
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Santa's Grotto at Church Farm
On the farm this Christmas, find the Christmas elves and visit Santa Claus in his grotto. There is even a puppy toy workshop for four-legged friends.
Where: Church Farm, Ardeley, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 7AH.
When: Weekends from 2nd to 17th December, then 22nd and 23rd December.
Tickets: £5.95 for a festive farm pass. Meet Santa in his grotto for an extra £9.95 (includes gift). £3 for festive trailer ride.
About: A not-for-profit farming, food, care, and education farm. With animals to feed, a fairy woodland trail, tractor rides, café, and farm-shop, camping and seasonal events. They also run Aldenham Country Park.
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Van Hage Garden Centre
Absolute wonder for adults and children alike this Christmas, with Santa’s grotto, a miniature railway and fantastical festive displays including animatronics.
Where: Pepper Hill, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, SG12 9RP.
When: From 10th November weekends only. From 27th November all week until the 20th of December.
Tickets: £12.50 per child and additional fee of £1.50 per family booking up to a maximum for 4. Booking essential.
About: The Blue Diamond group runs the three sites of the Van Hage Garden centres including their flagship store at Great Amwell with over 1000 square metres of shopping space and a miniature railway.
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Wheathampstead Lights Up and Christmas Event
The village hosts their annual switching on of their Christmas lights with plenty of fun to be had.
Where: Crinkle Crankle Garden, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hertfordshire and Wheathampstead High Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire.
When: Thursday 23rd November, at the Crinkle Crankle garden from 16:00-20:00 and on the high street 17:30-20:00.
Tickets: Free entry
About: Wheathampstead Parish Council is putting on an extravaganza to launch the Christmas season with the switching on of the lights, market stalls, fairground rides, carols, and Santa’s grotto.
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Winter-Fest at Aldenham Country Park
Santas Grotto comes to the farm and children can write their letter to Santa and receive a video message reply on Christmas Eve.
Where: Aldenham Country Park, Aldenham Rd, Radlett, Borehamwood WD6 3BA
When: Various slots from 25th November to 24th December.
Tickets: Book Winter-Fest tickets and add Santas Grotto + animal feed + parking. Tickets from £7.95.
About: Aldenham Country Park runs not-for-profit and seasonal events, and has a small farm, tractor rides, an indoor bouncy castle, adventure playgrounds, camping and a 100 Aker Woods Winnie the Pooh trail.
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Woodland Grotto at The Marlowes
Santa has a woodland grotto with a wooden throne, wooden tree baubles to decorate and some magic reindeer dust to make.
Where: Centre Court opposite Stay & Play, The Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1DX.
When: Selected dates from 18th November - 24th December 2023 (various time slots).
Tickets: Free entry, no tickets required. Suggested £5 donation for British Heart Foundation.
About: The Marlowes is a shopping centre in Hemel Hempstead which has pop-up and regular events and a stay and play.
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