Christmas Grottos in Harpenden & Surrounding Areas
If you're searching for Santa's Grottos in Harpenden and surrounding areas, we have listed all of the best places to see the big man this festive season.
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: Monday 23rd 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 30th November 14:00-16:00.
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 - Cancelled
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 24th November, 12:00-18:00. (This event has been cancelled due to bad weather)
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. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
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 29th November and runs until Tuesday 24th December.
Tickets: Members, carers and under 2s have discounted rates. Non-member adult tickets start at £24.95 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. The light switch on will be at approximately 6:15pm.
Where: Southdown, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
When: Friday 29th 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 2nd-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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surrounding areas
Father Christmas at The Olde Watermill
Come and meet Father Christmas, book your tickets NOW for a fabulous, festive 50 minutes experience including a trip on Santa’s Special Funfair ride for every child.
Where: The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Mill Lane, off Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF
When: 30th November - 24th December (various slots).
Tickets: £17.45 Child, £5.99 Adult. Booking required.
About: The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, one of the country's oldest overshot watermills mentioned in the Domesday Book, has been beautifully restored and now hosts over 20 unique shops, the Mill House Restaurant, Tea Room & Cafe, an antique centre, Miller’s Shopping Arcade, and a children's soft play area.
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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 or dinner on Sunday 15th December, and Sunday 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: December 13th, 15:30-17:30
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 30th 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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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: Tuesday 19th - Wednesday 20th December.
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
This year the zoo is bringing in the mischievous Grinch!
Where: Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA
When: 30th November, 7th, 14th, and 21st December 2024
Tickets: Entry to the Grinch’s event 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: Various times, see website for more information.
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 30th of November - 14th 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. Kick off the festive season with fairground rides, live music, carols, Santa’s Grotto, and Christmas markets along the High Street and Station Road. Wrap up warm and don’t miss the big lights switch-on at 6pm!
Where: Crinkle Crankle Garden, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hertfordshire and Wheathampstead High Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire.
When: Thursday 28th November.
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 30th 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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