The best Santa's grottos in Bristol this Christmas

Fancy making this Christmas one the littluns will remember for years to come? Here's all the best Santas Grotto Bristol has on offer!

Skiddle Staff

Last updated: 21st Nov 2023

Christmas is a magical time for littluns. Choosing your presents and writing a list, leaving treats out for Santa and his reindeer, counting down the days - it’s all part of the fun. Another key part of the Christmas enjoyment is meeting Santa and receiving a gift. And the best way to do that is at one of Santa’s grottos.

If you fancy heading with the family to Santas Grotto Bristol has you covered, with everything ranging from traditional festive grottos to more unique experiences. Here’s where to see Santa in Bristol this year.

And if you fancy making Christmas extra special this year, click or tap here for Bristol Boxing Day events. And here for Christmas Eve events. Why not fill the most wonderful time of the year with joy?

Festive Fables with Father Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th of December, and from the 16th to 23rd December

Where: Bristol Zoo Project in Bristol

This Christmas in Bristol, if you're little ones want to see Santa, then Bristol Zoo is offering an awesome chance to see the big man and his pals. They can join Father Christmas and his forest friends, Deer Darlington and Squirrel Nutkins, for fun festive fables in their cosy, festively decorated tipi, set at the end of a charming woodland in the Zoo.

Head over to their website and secure your tickets now, these won't be about for long!

Santa's Grotto and Experiences at John Lewis

When: Saturday 25th November - Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Cribbs Causeway John Lewis in Bristol

John Lewis are offering a festive mission to any and all children who dare partake in it this Christmas. They are asking, can you crack the code and unlock the door to meet Santa?

You and your littleuns can work your way through their interactive grotto (with the help of Santa's mischievous little helpers), and on completion of your mission, they'll meet Santa, have your photo taken, and receive a very special gift!

Sail with Santa with Bristol Ferry Boats

When: Saturday 9th - Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Bristol Ferry Landing Stages in Bristol

Join in the Yuletide maritime adventure and help the ferry elves on the hunt for Santa! Once you've found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all the little ones and sail around the harbour with you!

Each ticket includes a personalised gift for each child, festive snacks, sherry for the grown-ups, a photo opportunity with Santa, and a 45-minute trip around the harbour; tickets are going fast! One of the best and most unique Santas Grottos Bristol has on offer!

Santa Steam Specials with Avon Valley Railway

When: Saturday 25th November - Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Avon Valley Railway in Bristol

Instead of going to a proper grotto this year, why not try something outside of the norm and try a festive foray on Bristol railway lines, travelling the countryside, with Santa in tow, as he visits each carriage for some exclusive one-to-one time with each kid.

Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit as you await Santa's arrival at your cabin. Then, on your return to Bitton Station, each family group will meet Santa again and all good children will receive a present from him too, with the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories.

Christmas at Cheddar Gorge

When: Selected dates from 11th November

Where: Gough's Cave in Cheddar

Little did you know that it’s not just cheese stored in Gough’s Cave, but lots of toys too! This Christmas time, Santa elves have been busy setting up a secret workshop in the cave to help manage the huge quantity of letters. They're making sure that there are enough presents for everyone (those that have been good that is) as the North Pole is so very busy and needs a little extra help.

Father Christmas will be stopping off to ensure his operations are up to scratch and has decided that he will invite you behind the scenes to marvel at the magic. Let your kids see how the Christmas operation works, and fill them full of festive glee. It might be a bit outside the city, but it's more than worth it!

Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, and 16th - 24th December 2023.

Where: Avon Valley Adventure And Wildlife Park in Bristol

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park will transform into a winter wonderland this year, offering up some of the best festive fun in the whole of the South West. The kids can visit Santa Cabin, where the kids can meet the big man and get a golden ticket; to Santa's Toy Factory, where each child can use their golden ticket to pick out their gift; to Mrs Claus Gingerbread Parlour, where her helpers have gingerbread people ready for you to decorate for Christmas Day; to their magical winter forest, full of wonder and surprises for everyone.

There are even both a Santa Show and a Rudolph Show where you can sit and watch Christmas unfold before your eyes. Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park has everything you could want; visit the link below and secure your tickets now!

The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion

When: Friday 1st - Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol

Now in its fifth year, the magical adventure with Father Christmas is once again coming to Ashton Court Mansion, so you and the kids can enjoy a fun and festive interactive experience with Father Christmas and receive a gift on the historic and beautiful grounds.

The experience starts in the Great Hall and finishes with a gift from Father Christmas who makes a surprising entrance! You'll get 20 20-minute interactive experiences with professional actors and Father Christmas, a meet Father Christmas where the kids will receive a special gift, as well as photo opportunities, and even a small gift for you grown-ups.

It's been going for so long for a reason, its truly one of the best Santas Grottos Bristol has to offer, in one of the most beautiful locations! Click the link below and sort your tickets before they sell out!

Christmas at Aerospace Bristol

When: Friday 1st December – Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Aerospace Bristol in Bristol

During this festive period, the ever-engaging grounds of Aerospace Bristol’s Conservation Workshop will be transformed as Santa sets up his workshop inside, where the elves will be working hard to prepare all of the presents ahead of the big day.

If you and the Little Uns want to know where to see Santa in Bristol, then this incredible chance to visit Santa’s workshop, fly to the North Pole on their Bristol Freighter experience, and, of course, meet Santa himself should not be missed! A great day out to meet old Nic and one where the kids may learn a thing or two as well, head to their page for tickets!

Santa's Grotto at the Grand Pier

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th 23rd, and 24th of December 2023

Where: The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare

Embark on a magical journey this holiday season at Santa's Grotto at the Grand Pier! Step through the twinkling entrance and find yourself in the enchanting Santa's Toy Shop, where toys of all shapes and sizes come to life with the help of Santa's trusty elves. These mischievous little helpers will guide you through a festive trail, finally leading you to Santa's cosy Grotto.

Get ready to share your Christmas wishes and dreams with the jolly man himself, who will welcome you with warmth, a cherished photo, and a delightful storytime. And don't forget, Santa has a special gift for each and every visitor!

However, keep your eyes peeled, as Santa's playful naughty elf might just add an extra dash of excitement to your unforgettable visit. Grab your tickets below and get ready for a day filled with joy, wonder, and the magic of the holiday season!

Santas Grotto at Born In Bristol

When: Sunday 10th, Sunday 17th, and Saturday 23rd of December 2023

Where: Born in Bristol in Bristol

Get ready for a magical family experience at Born In Bristol's Santa's Grotto! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you and the kids visit Santa in his enchanting grotto. Their cheerful Elves are excited to provide a traditional and heartwarming one-on-one experience for your family.

Create cherished memories and embrace the joy of the season at Born In Bristol's holiday event. Don't miss this opportunity to make Christmas extra special with laughter and love, this is an intimate and wholesome affair that will live long in the memory!

Christmas brings many cherished memories for us to look back on for years to come. It’s the perfect time to go out, have fun, and make memories with the family. So head out to some Santa’s grottos to do just that.

Click or tap here to discover more Christmas events in Bristol, including Santa’s grottos.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.