Blogs.
Make Spirits Bright this Christmas with a visit to see Santa
1st November 2024
Have a magical Christmas this year by meeting Santa.
It isn’t a proper Christmas without seeing the main man. Although he is hard at work getting ready for Christmas this year with help from Mrs Claus and the elves, he’s stopping off in Leeds to meet you! Find out more about how you can meet him below.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
23 November to 5 January.
For those wishing to add a touch of magic to their festive season, why not book an exclusive experience at Santa’s North Pole at Lotherton? This 30-40 minute adventure takes you on a journey through a snowy wonderland, where you’ll interact with Santa’s busy elves in their emporium before meeting Santa himself. Every child will also receive a special gift. If you have a child with additional needs, Lotherton will also be hosting two relaxed sessions on 28 November and 5 December. You can extend your visit to discover twinkling light displays and interactive installations in the grounds, or warm up with a hot drink and a mince pie in one of the cozy Yuletide Yurts.
Prices start from £15.95 per child. A general admission ticket is also required.
Purchase your ticket online.
Santa’s Cabin at The Merrion Centre
Weekends from Saturday, 23rd November to Sunday, 8th December AND everyday from Friday, 13th December to Tuesday, 24th December, 2024.
Brought to you by the creators of our highly popular The Candy Cane Club, head to the Merrion Centre this festive season to find Santa, his helpers & all of their presents in his magical Winter log cabin!
Tickets are priced at £5 per child
Book your slot here
(Santa at The Merrion Centre)
Father Christmas at Temple Newsam
30 November to 21 December, allotted time slots from 11:15am – 3:00pm.
This year sees the return of Father Christmas to Temple Newsam and children can tell him their Christmas wishes and receive an early Christmas present to take home. Babies are also welcome to attend Temple Newsam’s ‘Baby’s first Christmas’ experience, offering a shorter visit and baby-friendly gift. Whilst there, explore the beautifully decorated House with Christmas trees adorning the rooms and traditional garlands. You can even join in the festive crafts and activities, dress up like former residents and discover how the servants got the House ready for Christmas!
Tickets to see Santa are £12 per visit, including House entry and a gift. All accompanying visitors need a General Admission ticket for Temple Newsam.
Book your ticket to meet Santa.
Meet Santa at The Mansion
Various dates throughout December, sittings at 11:30am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
Father Christmas will be visiting The Mansion this year for a very special series of events. He’ll be bringing his elves and a host of Christmas décor to transform The Mansion into his Winter Wonderland base during December. Enjoy a short show of songs, jokes and stories from Santa Claus and his elf, sample a delicious festive party tea, and visit Santa in his grotto where children will receive a gift.
A ticket to meet Santa costs £25.50 per child and £20.50 per adult.
Reserve your space online.
(Meet Santa at The Mansion. Roundhay)
Visit Father Christmas at Harewood House
15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, 10:00am–5:30pm.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas this year at Harewood House’s Father Christmas Experience: Mischief at The Workshop. You’ll meet Peppermint the elf in the sorting room, Mrs Christmas at her workbench and Father Christmas and his elf in the study. They need some help because the cheeky angels from the House have sneaked into the workshop too! Tickets include entry to the Gardens, a car park pass and a gift for each child. This experience is best enjoyed by children aged 4 and above. For children under the age of 4, Harewood House has a brand-new Father Christmas Early Years Experience.
A ticket to see Santa costs £37 for a child and £37 for an adult.
Book your tickets now.
Visit Santa’s Grotto at The Lock
14, 15, 21 and 22 December, 11:00am–6:00pm.
Eat, drink and be merry with Santa in The Lock’s festive terrace igloo. You can look forward to mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal food to keep you warm this December. Every child will meet Santa, receive a delicious cookie and a little gift. They will also get a chance to draw a Willy Wonka-style golden ticket for four to win a fabulous family prize! You can book a private 15 minute slot for up to three children to visit Santa at a time.
Tickets are priced at £25 per slot.
Book your slot on The Lock’s website.
(Father Christmas Experience, Mischief at the Workshop, credit Tom Arber, Harewood House Trust)
Board the White Rose Express at White Rose Shopping Centre
9 November to 24 December
Make your spirits bright this Christmas by meeting Santa onboard The White Rose Express – a one-of-a-kind grotto set inside a vintage train carriage. Every child will leave with a specially chosen, age-appropriate gift to keep the festive magic alive. For those who may require a quieter experience, SEN sessions will be running every Tuesday morning from 10am-10.30am.
Tickets from £6 per person.
Reserve your spot.
Kirkgate Market
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a trip to see Santa at Kirkgate Market.
More details coming soon.
Find out more about other Christmas activities happening in Leeds here. You can also discover Christmas shopping in Leeds and other activities to entertain both children and adults.
- * This blog was originally posted in December 2022 and has been updated for 2024.