The Best Santa's Grottos in Cambridge this Christmas

Less than 50 sleeps until Christmas, so the countdown has officially begun! And with that comes some of the most exciting activities you could possibly imagine.

Every year without fail, grottos become the go-to for parents to help their littluns embrace the festive fun of the holiday season, alongside the presents, sweets, and decorations. And with Cambridge Santas’ grottos ranging from cosy storytimes to adventures with trains, it’s looking to be a great year for everyone on the Nice list.

To help you find the perfect one for your family, here are all the best Santas’ grottos in Cambridge (and some further afield), all in one place. 

Santa's Tea Party

When: Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December 2025

Where: John Lewis, Grand Arcade in Cambridge  

After working all year round, John Lewis found it was only fair to give Santa a bit of a break with a well-deserved sit-down paired with some yummy treats. And you're all invited! 

Join Santa as he tells a special Christmas story to leave you in awe with all types of Christmas magic, while sipping on cosy cocoa. Everyone will leave with a special LEGO set to put under the tree. 

Tickets are £17.50 per child; however, if you have a baby with a paid-for sibling, they can go for free.

Mrs Claus’ Storytime

When: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st December 2025

Where: Mrs Claus’ Grotto, Grand Arcade in Cambridge

On the first floor of Grand Arcade, next to Raspberry Pi, you’ll find Mars Claus’ grotto. And you know what they say: behind every great man is a great woman. 

Mrs Claus’ Storytime is a firm favourite tradition in Grand Arcade’s festive calendar. Here, Mrs Claus spreads joy through heartwarming stories. In her cosy, festive grotto (perfect for pictures!), those aged 2-10 can have a fun, festive experience ahead of the big day.

For just £4 per person and with the money going to Cambridge Carbon Footprint, a local charity fighting climate change, it’s perfect for the time of giving. 

Christmas in Cambridge 

View this post on Instagram

When: multiple dates from Thursday 13th November - Wednesday 31st December

Where: Parker’s Piece in Cambridge 

This Cambridge grotto takes “go hard or go home” seriously. They have a lot on. Boasting ice skating, a Christmas market, a big wheel, a Christmas tree maze, curling lanes, live music, The Alpine Lodge, rides and attractions, food and drink, and more, it doesn’t get more festive than this. 

Santa will be at the Christmas Tipi every Saturday and Sunday from midday before making his way through Christmas in Cambridge until 6pm, so you can share your Christmas wishes and snap some pictures to remember the day. 

Santa's Grotto Experience

When: multiple dates from Saturday 22nd - Wednesday 24th December 2025

Where: Coton Orchard Garden Centre in Cambridge

One of the best Santas’ grottos in Cambridge, Coton Orchard Garden Centre is back again. Join them for an adventure at the North Pole, where you’ll help mix the reindeer food before heading to meet Santa one-on-one in his cosy living room. Tell him what you'd like to see under that tree on the morning of the 25th, and snap a picture before heading to the Present Room to choose a toy to take home. 

Christmas at Skylark - Santa's Grotto

View this post on Instagram

When: multiple dates from 29th November - Wednesday 24th December 2025

Where: Skylark Garden Centre in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire

A little further out of Cambridge, but perhaps closer to where you live, Skylark’s grotto returns to Wimblington. 

Head over to meet the charming elves and Mrs Claus. Then, get stuck into festive activities like making reindeer food and gingerbread decorating before heading over to Santa. Have a chat with the big man in red and hand him your Christmas list. Finally, choose a toy from Santa's toy shop or make your own teddy bear!

Also, on Sundays from the 7th to 21st December 2025, they'll be hosting Breakfast with Santa events. Skylark has also added ‘Santa Paws’ to its festive activities this year because, as we all know, all dogs deserve something for being on the Nice list. 

Meet Father Christmas

When: multiple dates from Saturday 6th - Tuesday 23rd December 2025

Where: Anglesey Abbey in Cambridge 

Another of the best Cambridge Santas’ grottos this year, embark on a magical mini adventure with Peppermint the Elf at Anglesey Abbey before settling down for a cosy storytime with Father Christmas in the grand Lower Gallery, surrounded by beautiful paintings and statues, all festively decorated for Christmas. Every littlun will receive a gift and the opportunity for pictures with the jolly man in red.

Santa's Grotto 2025

When: multiple dates from Saturday 13th - Wednesday 24th December 2025

Where: Hamerton Zoo Park in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Meet the elf and climb aboard for a magical winter train ride to the grotto. Sit down with the big guy, share your Christmas wishes, and of course, take home a gift! All the littluns get a gingerbread man, the best Christmas treat. Trains, Santa, a present, and gingerbread - simple but brilliant. 

Christmas events at the Railway

View this post on Instagram

When: multiple dates from Saturday 29th November - Wednesday 24th December 2025

Where: Nene Valley Railway in Wansford

Heading a bit further out and into Peterborough, Nene Valley has some incredible Christmas events that were too good not to include. 

Start the adventure with elves Crackle and Pop before exploring Candy Cane Forest, where you'll meet Bramble. Bramble needs help restoring the reindeer's magic to save Christmas. When the mission's complete, you'll head to the elves' workshop to make your own reindeer food for Christmas Eve night.

Next up: meeting Santa. You can choose to meet Santa in his grotto or your own private compartment. Whichever you choose, he'll hand-deliver a gift to everyone. 

Wednesday 17th December will be the quiet day, a more relaxed and calm experience with reduced noise and fewer crowds for SEND children and adults. 

Christmas at Sacrewell

When: every weekend in December 2026, plus 22nd - 24th

Where: Sacrewell Farm in Peterborough 

Sacrewell Farm over in Peterborough is doing Christmas properly with plenty to get stuck into. 

Kicking off your adventure at Elf Village, you'll get creative in the craft room, discover your elf name, and dress up for a holiday picture. Post your letter to Santa at the post office, and cosy up by the fire pit with marshmallows to toast. 

Following the Elf Train, you'll meet the farm's friendly animals along the way before stopping at the cafe for a chocolate treat. Then, it's time to check out Santa's grotto and visit the present room! There's also the opportunity to make reindeer food and grab a photo in Santa's sleigh. Enjoy the nativity scene, then hop on the festive tractor to ride back.

With all these brill ways to meet the big man, Christmas 2025 is looking absolutely incredible. Flood this holiday season with cheer, while the littluns still believe Santa checks his list twice! If you want to take this Christmas up a level… 

Find out what Christmas events are coming to Cambridge this year. Or if you fancy an adventure, check out what’s on further afield. 

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.  

Header: Anglesey Abbey