When the kids are young, Christmas is all about Father Christmas. They want to make sure they are on his nice list and get those presents they have been dreaming about. If only they could see him and tell him what they want.
There are several places in Norfolk where kids can meet Father Christmas and you can get that keepsake photo.
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Places to See Father Christmas in Norfolk
Father Christmas spends a fair bit of time in Norfolk during the holidays, so there are many opportunities to see him. In most cases, you will need to book a time in advance because he is popular.
While you may also see him at some of the Christmas Markets, in some of the Christmas shows and at some of the Christmas Light Switch-Ons, the events listed here allow you to book time so your child can talk to Father Christmas. In some cases, your child will receive a gift and you may be able to take photos.
Read about more of the best Christmas events in Norfolk.
Note: Details for some of the 2024 Father Christmas events have not yet been announced and are listed here as TBC. I will update the post as I get more information.
Thursford
When: Select days 23 November – 23 December
When you see Santa at Thursford, you also get to go to the Enchanted Journey of Light. Please note the lantern trail is at its best when dark. Children’s tickets also include a present from Father Christmas and they must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
For children 8 and older, you might want to consider combining seeing Santa with going to a performance of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
Get more information here.
Wroxham Barns
When: Select days 1 – 23 December
The Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns includes admission to the Junior Farm and Fun Park with lots of Christmas activities and a show plus a private meeting with Santa. There is enough to keep families entertained for the whole day.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
*If you plan on visiting Father Christmas at Wroxham Barns, be sure to also check out some of our recommendations for things to do in Wroxham and Hoveton.
Jarrolds in Norwich
When: 1 – 24 December
The children’s department on the third floor will be home to Santa’s grotto complete with a festive mailbox for your letters. You can meet Santa and get an extra special gift to take home and enjoy. There is also the option to do a festive breakfast and then meet Father Christmas.
Get more information and book in advance here.
*If you plan on visiting Father Christmas at Jarrolds, you might want to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Norwich for Christmas.
Cromer Pier
When: Select days 30 November – 23 December
Father Christmas takes over the Cromer Pier stage for a few mornings during the festive season! You can meet him in his unique grotto in the same place where the Cromer Pier Christmas Show takes place. It’s an intimate experience that the whole family can join in on and you can take your own photographs and videos. Children will also get a personalized age-appropriate gift.
You will need to book a timeslot in advance here.
*If you plan on visiting Father Christmas at Cromer Pier, you might want to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Cromer.
North Norfolk Railway
When: Select days 23 November – 23 December
Enjoy the ride as your train steams non-stop from Sheringham to Holt, before travelling back to Weybourne where you will visit an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom before meeting Santa and receiving a special gift. Get into the festive spirit with complimentary onboard refreshments served to your table, activity packs for each child, and a team of elves to help keep you entertained!
Advance booking is essential. Get more information here. Note this is different from the Norfolk Lights Express.
Maid’s Head Hotel in Norwich
When: 8 December
The whole family will want to go to Santa’s Sunday Lunch served in the WinePress Restaurant at the Maid’s Head Hotel. After lunch there will be a special visit from Father Christmas who will be bringing gifts for all the children.
You should book in advance to avoid disappointment. Get more information here.
Wells Maltings
When: 30 November
After Father Christmas arrives at the harbour in Wells-next-the-Sea on the high tide with a firework salute, he will be coming ashore and making his way to his grotto at Wells Maltings to meet everyone.
Each session will be around 30 minutes, and will include a festive story from Santa himself to the group. Children will have an opportunity to speak to him in person, have photographs taken, and receive a small gift.
You need to book in advance here.
Broads Tours in Wroxham
When: Select days 30 November – 23 December
Santa Claus will be back in the Norfolk Broads for a festive cruise to remember. His elves have built a grotto aboard the Queen of the Broads, that you can only see at Christmas!
All children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from Santa himself! Children over three years old will also get a gift bag from Santa’s Elves which has a juice box, activity book, crayons, and a festive treat.
Santa hasn’t forgotten about all the adults aboard, who get a glass of mulled wine along with a festive treat.
You’ll be able to enjoy the festive music and activities aboard as you cruise to Wroxham Broad. The trips last 1.5 hours and leave from the boatyard in Wrxoham.
Get more information and book here.
Norwich Puppet Theatre
When: Select days 7 – 23 December
Meet Father Christmas in his festive toy workshop at the Puppet Theatre. Kids will get to choose a puppet gift from his magical tree to take home with you.
This experience is recommended for children 2 years old and older. Children under 2 can join their older family members for free if they are not receiving a gift from Father Christmas.
Get more information and book here.
Carrow Road
When: 8 December
You can meet Santa and enjoy a Sunday carvery lunch at Delia’s pitch view restaurant. It’s a must for young Norwich City Football Club fans. Adults get a three course lunch while children under 12 have a two course lunch and get a gift from Father Christmas. There will also be a children’s games and entertainment.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Church Farm Stow Bardolph
When: Select days 30 November – 23 December
Meet Father Christmas and get entrance to the Farm. You can make it a full day of fun as you can check out the indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, undercover petting pens, our animals in traditional nativity scenes, “snow time,” and more.
There will also be a Christmas gift shop and mini festive market.
You must book a time slot in advance here.
Bawsey Country Park
When: 7 & 15 December
Create magical memories with the whole family at Bawsey Country Park. Visit Santa in his grotto and make this Christmas truly unforgettable. You don’t need to prebook.
Get the details here.
Mid-Norfolk Railway
When: Select days 9 November – 23 December
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming back to the Mid-Norfolk Railway with all the magic of the 2004 film re-created so you and your family can be feel like you are part this classic children’s tale. You are encouraged to wear your pyjamas for this event.
Your conductor will invite you aboard and before long, scenes from the film will come to life as dancing Chefs and Waiters arrive to serve cookies and hot chocolate. While you are enjoying your treats you will listen to the Polar Express story.
Once you approach the North Pole, look out for Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys and a giant Christmas tree. When the train stops, Santa will join you on board for the return voyage and present each passenger with their very own “First Gift of Christmas.”
Then, everyone will sing Christmas Carols as the train heads back to Dereham Station. When you get off the train, you can check out the gift shop with exclusive Polar Express Merchandise.
Get more information and book tickets here.
Highway Garden & Leisure
When: Select days 23 November – 24 December
At Highway Garden Centre just a short drive south of Norwich they offer three different ways to see Father Christmas. There is the option to do Christmas Through Time which ends with a visit to Santa’s Grotto or you could choose to have breakfast or afternoon tea with Santa.
Get more details and book here.
Bure Valley Railway
When: Select days 1 – 24 December
Take a one hour festive steam train ride. Grab refreshments and board the train at the Aylsham Station. You will get your own private heated compartment. The train will take you to the Brompton Station, which is decorated for the occasion. It will turn around and take you back to Aylsham where Santa will be waiting in his sleigh. Each child will receive a personalized gift.
This year they are also offering a Noel Night train on two evenings which does not include a visit from Santa.
Advanced booking is essential, get tickets here.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
When: Select days between 30 November and 24 December
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure offers several different Christmas experiences. Their Festive Fun with Father Christmas includes your choice of activity like making reindeer food before your visit with Santa.
Advanced booking is essential, get tickets here.
Bressingham
When: Select days 24 November – 24 December
When you visit Bressingham during the Christmas season, you get a ride on the Steam Train on the Fen Railway, a spin on the Gallopers and a visit to Father Christmas, including a present, for children up to the age of 12 years. There are also festive treats available from the café and the gift shop will also be open.
Get more details and purchase here.
Fizz & Fromage
When: 8, 15, 22 December
Enjoy a Fizz-infused full English breakfast experience, featuring a special visit from Santa right at your table. Each child will receive a gift too. While you eagerly await Santa’s arrival, keep the little ones entertained with festive colouring.
Get more information here.
Dereham Windmill
When: 7, 8, 14, 15 December
Santa will be making a visit to the Dereham Windmill again this year and there is no need to book in advance.
Find out more here.
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