Bring extra joy and delight to your holiday season with Ribble Steam Railway Museum’s enchanting Santa Special Steam experience.
Enjoy a cosy family outing filled with festive cheer, laughter, and precious moments together. Settle into your snug, steam-heated carriage and watch as children’s faces light up when Santa himself comes around, delivering personalized gifts to each little one. Light refreshments are available onboard, while Mrs. Ribble’s Tea Room offers additional treats.
Your ticket also grants access to the beautifully decorated museum, where you might catch sight of a few playful elves. Don’t forget to drop off your letters to Santa in the special mail postbox!
A designated area in Coach E is available for wheelchair users, accommodating up to two wheelchairs.
Limited private compartments are also offered for a quieter and more exclusive experience, accommodating up to 8 guests per compartment.
Step into a world of Christmas past at Samlesbury Hall and meet Victorian Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated, candlelit Parlour. Adorned with traditional greenery like holly, ivy, and mistletoe, along with a glowing ‘Yule Log’ and a roaring fire, the scene is set for an enchanting holiday experience. The intimate setting is ideal for up to four children (aged 10 and under) to enjoy a personal and exclusive visit with Father Christmas.
Each child’s visit includes free admission for one accompanying adult, and guests are welcome to capture the moment with their own photographs to cherish the memory. Meetings are approximately five minutes long, creating a magical moment to remember for years to come.
Santa’s Grotto
Enter a captivating winter wonderland, where an elf guide will lead you through snowy landscapes and past polar bears to Father Christmas’s magical meeting place. Each child will receive a personalised, age-appropriate gift and a photograph to remember this special experience. As well as Santa Grooto dates, there are also other dates for Baby Grotto. This is tailored for children under 2 years; this baby-friendly Santa’s Grotto offers a gentle introduction to the magic of Christmas. There is also SEN Grotto. These sessions are supported by OJ’s Care, a local charity for children with autism and other needs. They provide a quieter, more accommodating environment to meet Santa.
This magical experience is designed to create cherished memories for families, with thoughtful touches for children of all ages and needs.
Christmas Party
Celebrate the season with The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre’s lively Children’s Christmas Parties! Enjoy festive fun with the elves over breakfast, lunch, tea, or a fish supper at The Ocean Fish & Chip Restaurant. Each party features 90 minutes of Christmas-themed entertainment, delicious food, drinks, a special gift and an exciting visit from Father Christmas himself. Prepare for a joyful experience packed with laughter and seasonal cheer for the whole family!
VR Sleigh Ride
With Christmas preparations in full swing, Santa needs some extra hands to test out his shiny new sleigh! Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling virtual reality journey through Lapland, where you’ll catch a glimpse of Santa’s secret Christmas headquarters. During this immersive experience, you’ll see Santa and his elves working tirelessly to prepare for the big day—but be warned, the ride can get a little bumpy!
The experience lasts 5 minutes (3-minute VR ride included) and is recommended for those age 2 and over.
This magical sleigh ride will make your visit to Barton Grange unforgettable, adding a unique twist to your Christmas celebrations!
Leyland garden centre
Have breakfast or afternoon tea with Father Christmas at Leyland Garden Centre. Give your little ones a morning they’ll never forget filled with fun, food, and a surprise visit from Father Christmas. Take photos with him before your little one receives an age-appropriate gift.
Baby’s and toddlers under 2 also have the chance to book onto breakfast with Mrs Claus. Enjoy a delightful breakfast alongside your child as Mrs. Claus leads the way with joyful festive songs and interactive games. It’s a fun-filled morning that brings the magic of Christmas alive, making it a perfect holiday treat for parents and children to share!
Experience an unforgettable visit with Santa at Birkacre’s enchanting winter wonderland! Begin your magical journey by stepping through the gates of Santa’s Grotto, where an elf in charge of security will greet you.
Before you proceed, the elf will check if your name is on the all-important “Good List.” If approved, you’ll receive your very own personalised Grotto pass—a special keepsake to remember your adventure by.
Once inside, follow the trail to Santa’s cosy woodland cabin, where you’ll meet Santa and his head elf. Capture the moment with a professional photo and receive a Christmas gift, making this a special holiday experience for all!
Martin Mere – Sail to Santa
Make this Christmas truly magical with a Sail to Santa experience! Hop aboard for a boat ride to Santa’s Island, where Santa and his cheerful elves welcome you. Once on the island, children can meet Santa, receive a special gift, and join the elves in their workshop to enjoy a variety of festive crafts.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston
Prepare for a magical Supper with Santa, an enchanting event to spread joy and festive cheer among families. Enjoy a delightful traditional Christmas dinner featuring options like turkey, gammon, and nut roast, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Complimentary squash, tea, and filter coffee will flow freely throughout the evening.
No holiday feast is complete without dessert, and there will be a buffet of sweet treats, including classic favourites like Christmas pudding. During the event, both children and adults can meet Santa Claus, share their holiday wishes, and capture memorable photos. Each child will also receive a special gift from Santa, ensuring a night full of festive magic and cherished memories for everyone!
This delightful supper is the perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones!
Dobbies Garden Centre – Southport and Preston
Santa’s Breakfast
Children will have a fantastic time building their own festive soft toy to take home, meeting Santa Claus, and engaging in storytelling and fun, family-friendly activities. The event begins with a delicious breakfast, during which each little one receives a special toy from Santa. Guided by Santa, they will have the chance to fluff, stuff, and name their creations.
Santa’s Grotto
A Little Seedlings train-themed adventure designed for children and families. The adventure features engaging interactive elements and a special visit with Santa himself!
As you arrive at our enchanting forest, the elves at Sleighbell Station will warmly welcome you. Children will journey through snowy scenes, encounter woodland characters, and search for hidden nutcrackers, all leading up to the magical moment of meeting Santa.
Children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes, and stories with Santa before receiving their special gift, making this a delightful experience for the whole family!
Santa’s Quiet Grotto
These sessions are available by pre-booking only, ensuring a smooth experience with no queuing on the day and a limited number of families per time slot.
During your visit, they will ensure a calm atmosphere by:
- Turning off all music
- Removing or switching off twinkling lights
- Allowing you to choose whether your child’s gift is wrapped
- Sending you an email in advance with a photo of your specific grotto to prepare the children for what to expect
A Little Seedlings train-themed journey for families, complete with interactive elements and a visit with Santa. Upon arriving at our enchanting forest, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station. Children will enjoy snowy scenes, discover woodland characters, and search for hidden nutcrackers, culminating in a special meeting with Santa Claus.
During this magical experience, children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes, and stories before receiving their gift, creating a memorable holiday adventure for the entire family!
Santa Paws
Bring your furry friend along for a special visit to see Santa, where they’ll receive a delightful dog toy to take home! For those looking to make it a complete family affair, you can also purchase a children’s ticket, allowing your little ones to meet Santa alongside your pup. This is a wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with the whole family, including your beloved pets!
Santa Camp at The Wayfarer, Parbold
Santa Claus will set up camp in The Wayfarer field for two weeks this December before returning to the North Pole to prepare for his busiest night!
At Santa’s Camp, families can explore the Nativity Trail. Children will discover the story of Baby Jesus through encounters with the wise men, shepherds, and the guiding star. After this enchanting journey, families will have the chance to visit Santa in his cosy tipi.
Guests can make a day of the visit, enjoying festive food and drinks while browsing the Christmas markets, creating a wonderful holiday experience for everyone involved!
Low Sensory Santa Camp
Our usually bustling Christmas Tipi will be calm, quiet, and sensory-friendly, with areas to relax for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
The low-sensory Nativity Trail will have fewer children per group, more time with Santa himself, and a gift choice.
The team really want to make visiting Santa an accessible experience, and ahead of your visit, you will have the chance to tell them how they can help you and your child have the best experience. They will let you know what you can expect when you arrive and they aim to just go with the flow – prioritising engagement and interaction over any kind of script.
Families can join them on a Nativity trail to explore the real story of Christmas before they visit Santa in his tipi tent.
West Lancs Railway – Santa Specials
Enjoy a delightful short ride on the Santa Special steam train to Toyland, where you’ll have the chance to meet Father Christmas himself! Each child will receive a special present from Santa, making it a magical experience.
Adults can indulge in a glass of mulled wine or fruit punch accompanied by a festive mince pie. Hot food will also be available, and a children’s fairground ride will add to the excitement.
Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm, Ormskirk
Your Christmas Adventure begins in the Animal Barn, where you’ll check in before embarking on a magical journey through Santa’s winter wonderland. Along the way, you’ll see where Santa’s elves create all your toys and discover where Santa himself rests.
As part of your adventure, you can help Santa by making your own reindeer food and decorating a gingerbread man. You’re invited to relax in their Christmas Cinema, where you can enjoy festive short films that will get you and your little elves in the holiday spirit. You can sit down and unwind before or after your visit with Santa!
Bygone Times, Eccleston
Breakfast with Father Christmas
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Bygone Times includes a delicious cooked breakfast, activities, including writing letters to Santa, a private visit to Father Christmas’s grotto, a special gift from Father Christmas and photo opportunities to capture the magical moments.
These festive events will run every Sunday in December, along with Monday, 23rd December and Christmas Eve.
Breakfast with Father Christmas SEN Session
A special SEN session on Monday, 23rd December, exclusively for children with additional needs and disabilities, along with their families. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, they will implement the following measures:
- Limit tickets to a small group of only 10 children, with a restricted number of adult tickets.
- The shop will remain closed from 8:15 AM (the start of the session) until 9:30 AM to avoid busy midday shopping crowds.
- Music volume will be lowered, and loud announcements will be avoided.
- There will be plenty of activities available at the tables.
- Food can be pre-ordered, and they will discuss any specific requirements in advance.
This session aims to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all families.
The Village Kitchen, Coppull
Join Santa and his cheerful elves at The Village Kitchen for a delightful Breakfast with Santa event! With two sittings available on each date at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., families can enjoy a hearty-cooked breakfast or festive pancakes. The experience includes a drink, a children’s gift bag, and an exclusive visit to Santa’s grotto, where every child will receive a special gift. This festive gathering is scheduled for Friday, December 20th, Saturday, December 21st, and Monday, December 22nd, making it a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Owd Barn, Bispham
Gather around the cosy log fire at Owd Barn for a warm, family breakfast, and enjoy the unique opportunity to chat with Santa himself. After breakfast, you’ll get a personal visit to the grotto, where Santa and Muffin the Elf will be waiting to greet you and present each child with a special gift to take home. Share this festive experience with other families, making cherished memories and adding extra magic to your holiday season. Book for the 7th, 14th or 21st December.
