Ho Ho Ho! We can’t wait for our own little cubs to meet Father Christmas this year, and we are spoilt for choice with where to find him. Santa is very busy across the Cotswolds over the next few weeks, so to help you get organised, we’ve compiled a list of where you can meet him. We are delighted that most listings feature mince pies too! I write this listening to Bublé, and wondering when the Coco Cola advert will be on. Holidays are certainly coming!
Please note that grotto fun is on selected dates - we recommend booking and checking venue websites for updated information.
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Experience Christmas at the farm with the nativity animals, after all Mary and Joseph needed a donkey, and the Shepherds brought their sheep. Entertain the family with a live elf show, choose your own Christmas tree, and visit Santa in his grotto. Little ones can choose their own gift from the Toy Room!
Advanced booking required, select weekend dates.
https://www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/whats-on/christmas/
Dobbies Garden Centre, Cirencester
Join Father Christmas for breakfast, activities and party games, and receive a small gift.
https://www.dobbies.com/event-booking/event-detail/?e=33&v=10&r=v
Evesham Christmas Lights
The big switch on takes place on Saturday November 25th with carols and Christmas cheer from 12pm at the market. Santa will then arrive on his sleigh at 3pm, lights will be switched on at 5.30pm, followed by fireworks and a rocking Christmas singalong.
http://www.visitevesham.co.uk/collections/events/evesham-christmas-light-switch/
Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway
All aboard a 1960s vintage rail car for a Christmas adventure. Santa will greet you at Winchcombe station and share mince pies on the train on selected dates from 2nd-24th December.
https://www.gwsr.com/Santa_Specials--post--36.html
Gloucestershire Airport
Take to the skies in search of Santa! Enjoy a short helicopter ride before landing at the Jet Age museum, where you will find Santa in his airliner grotto!
Flights on 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th December. Call 01452 857700 ext. 223 to book your slot.
https://www.gloucestershireairport.co.uk/events/
Longleat
As usual, Longleat is jam packed with festive events, from the Festival of Light (we can’t wait to visit this next week), to jumping aboard Santa’s express train, and of course a winter safari. Don’t forget to book online to save 10%.
Perrygrove Railway
On selected December dates, enjoy festive stories with a mince pie, join a festive treasure hunt, take a train ride, and watch Santa come out from the chimney!
http://perrygrove.co.uk/whats-on/christmas/
Puzzlewood
Dress up in the Little Red Riding Hood theme to explore the magical woods, say hi to the elves, and find the jolly man himself at Grandma’s house. Treat your little cub to some festively red Christmas Pudding Leggings to meet Santa.
Selected dates Sat 9th- Sun 24th December
http://www.puzzlewood.net/index.php/puzzlewood-news-and-events
Slimbridge Wetlands Centre
From Sat 16th to Friday 22nd December you can have breakfast of afternoon tea with the elves, toast marshmallows, get stuck in to festive arts and crafts, and meet Santa in his grotto. You can also watch a magical live festive show ‘Grandma Claus – waiting for Santa’.
Tetbury Christmas Lights
On Thursday 7th December, from 5.30pm join the torch-lit procession from St. Mary’s Church through town to the market hall for the switch on at 6pm. Join in with the carols, pop upstairs to see Santa and the elves in his grotto, and then visit your favourite baby brand Cotswold Baby Co. to buy your Father Christmas Pyjamas at the market hall, before heading home to bed.
http://www.christmasintetbury.org.uk/switchon.shtml
Westonbirt Arboretum
Take a walk through the ‘Enchanted Christmas’ woodland on selected dates from Friday 1st to Monday 18th December. Stroll through the beautifully lit arboretum and look out for the Christmas fairy, Jack Frost, and Mr & Mrs Christmas. Head to the Christmas Village for carols and nibbles.
https://forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7UVCJU
West Midlands Safari Park
Take a magical trip to the North Pole with guaranteed snow everyday between 11th November to 24th December. Visit Mrs Claus’ kitchen for mince pies and mulled wine, visit the elves in their workshop, meet Santa, and of course the resident wild animals. Make sure your little cub is wearing their Rudolph Leggings to join in the 4-legged fun!
Have a wonderful time wherever you visit Santa! We would love to see your photos - tag us @cotswoldbabyco!