When you’re a parent you know how important it is that a key part of the run-up to the big day involves taking your little ones to visit the main man himself. Nothing gets kids more excited than seeing Santa and asking for what they would like for Christmas. So if you’re looking for where to visit Santa in Milton Keynes, then this guide is for you. 

Santa’s Grotto with Peter Rabbit at Centre:MK
Every year Centre:MK has an amazing display in the space outside of John Lewis, and this year you can visit Santa’s grotto with Peter Rabbit and his friends - an immersive theatrical Christmas adventure, with actors playing the part of Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends. During your visit, you will get to visit Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and decorate Christmas elf biscuits while the excitable Squirrel Nutkin is up to his mischievous tricks, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for that cunning Mr Tod!

Each visit will be around 25 to 30 minutes to enjoy the experience which includes decorating elf biscuits, and a gift from Santa for each child. There’s an option to take home a photo from your visit for an additional cost, as well as a ride on the train for £2 per person.

When: 12th November - 24th December
Where: The Centre:MK (outside John Lewis), 33a Silbury Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 3ES
Price: Tickets start from £12.50 for children, under 1’s are £4.99, and adults are £4.99.
Click here for more details

Father Christmas & Gingerbread Decorating at Thrift Farm
Experience an unforgettable Christmas adventure with your little ones this year at Thrift Farm, where you can visit Father Christmas in his traditional magical grotto.

Once there, you enter the enchanted toy shop, where you can choose a special gift to take home. And to help you get into the festive spirit, there’s decorating gingerbread men and creating magical reindeer food to sprinkle outside on Christmas eve. And if you need to warm up, the cafe will be open serving hot drinks and snacks.
When: Every weekend in December, and daily between 20th - 24th December 

Where: Thrift Farm, Buckingham Road, Whaddon, Milton Keynes, MK17 0EQ
Price: Children from £22, and adults £12.50

Click here for more details

Christmas with Santa and the Pigs at Curly Tails
You can visit Santa in his grotto at Curly Tails this year, where everyone will receive a gift (yes even adults too!).

While at Curly Tails you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the pigs, feed them with a treat bucket included with each ticket, and meet the small animal family too. Their cafe will also be open serving hot drinks and snacks during your visit.

When: Every Thursday to Sunday in December, until the 23rd
Where: 19 Drayton Road, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes MK17
Price: £10 per person
Click here for more details 

A Victorian Christmas at Milton Keynes Museum
Father Christmas has set up his grotto at Milton Keynes Museum to provide a Victorian Christmas experience.

When: Three weekends in December between 3rd and 19th December

Where: Milton Keynes Museum, McConnel Dr, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5EL

Price: £9 per child - please note this only covers a gift from Santa and doesn’t include entry to the museum
Click here for more details

Vintage Christmas Grotto at Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is running a vintage Christmas grotto, where you have to help Santa find all his missing toys around Bletchley Park and break a secret code. You can then visit Santa in the mansion at Bletchley Park, and every child receives a gift.

When: Selected dates between 27th November – 23rd December, timeslots between 10 am – 3.30pm

Where: The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB

Price: Child tickets are £9.50 – however you will need to also pay entry for Bletchley Park: Adult tickets are £21, children aged 12-17 are £12.50, and under 12’s are free.
Click here for more details

Christmas at Woburn Sands Emporium

This year, Woburn Sands Emporium have a couple of events, including breakfast with Santa, tea with Santa, storytime with Santa, and the ice rink.

When: Selected dates in December

Where: Woburn Sands Emporium, Newport Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8UF

Price: Prices for breakfast with Santa start at £2.50 and include a hot or cold meal and a gift from Santa, tea starts from £2.50 with a hot meal and a gift from Santa, storytime starts from £2.50 and includes a carton of juice and a gift from Santa, and the ice rink starts from £5 for a child and £7.50 for adults.
Click here for more details

Santa’s Breakfast at Dobbies Garden Centres 

Dobbies Garden Centre has its popular Santa’s breakfast event on again this year, suited to families with children under 10. The event includes breakfast, fun and games, a visit from Santa, and a gift for each child.

When: Every weekend in December, and 20th – 24th December

Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Belvedere Lane, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK17 9JH

Price: Adults menu is from £6.99, and the children’s menu is from £13.99

Click here for more details

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centres
If you’d rather have a Santa Grotto experience at Dobbies over breakfast with Santa, there’s a winter wonderland experience including a gift for each child.

When: 27th November – 24th December

Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Belvedere Lane, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK17 9JH

Click here for more details
Price: £11.99
Click here for more details

Christmas at Caldecotte Minature Railway
Caldecotte Minature Railway is always popular with little ones, and this Christmas they will be running a Christmas train one weekend, with two trips around the track and a chance to meet Santa afterwards.

When: 11th and 12th December between 12pm and 4pm

Where: Caldecotte Minature Railway, Lakeside Grove, Milton Keynes, MK7 8HP
Price: £1 for 2 trips around the track, and under 2’s are free
Click here for more details

Santa Sessions at Mini Monsters Softplay Cafe

Mini Monsters have created a festive Grotto, letting little ones come and meet Santa and his elves. Plus there’s a chance to burn off the excited energy by running around the softplay afterwards! 

When: Selected weekends in December

Where: Mini Monsters Softplay Cafe, 12 N Twelfth St, Milton Keynes MK9 3PT

Price: £12.95 for children and £2.50 for adults
Click here for more details

Written by Lisa Bollins

Instagram | Blog 

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