Christmas is a magical time for kids and meeting Father Christmas is a highlight of the year for little ones.  There are lots of Christmas experiences, Santa’s Grotto and special events on all around Berkshire.  Prices and activities vary greatly so we’ve rounded up a good selection of what’s on and where to visit Santa in Berkshire in 2024.  For more great ideas, check out our guides for Surrey,  Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire too.

For all the festive fun from ice skating to Christmas light trails, check out the Christmas Events in Berkshire 2024 guide.

SPOTLIGHT SANTA VISIT – ASCOT RACECOURSE

Ascot Racecourse – meet Father Christmas on the Saturday of the Howden Christmas Racing weekend (21st December) there will be lots of other festive family entertainment too and kids go free.

Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Experiences in Berkshire 2024

The Little Gym Windsor – Santa’s Grotto & Elves Workshop

Mrs Claus & the Elves will burn your child’s energy with fun games & gymnastics before heading into the Elves Workshop to make a Christmas Wish, a chuckle with Santa & a special gift for everyone. ⁠

After 3 sell-out years, The Little Gym Windsor have made sure to book Santa for 2 WHOLE DAYS this year so every child can join the magical experience.

Meet Santa at The Kenton theatre in Henley 30th November

Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. Afterwards the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!

Lapland – for an all out extravagant experience try Lapland UK near Ascot, bookings opened on 20th March and they are sold out for 2024 (Ascot)

Father Christmas in Bracknell will be at Farley Wood Hall For 3 days only from 22nd to 24th December 2024. (Bracknell)

Bucklebury Farm – Father Christmas will be returning this year to his grotto at Bucklebury Farm. Includes a visit 5 minute private grotto with Father Christmas, a present, plus Festive activities! (Bucklebury)

Santa’s grotto will appear at the Wokingham Winter Carnival on 24th November along with lots of free family entertainment. (Wokingham)

This year the animal barn at Chobham Adventure Farm will be magically transformed into The Reindeer Lodge, where all of Santa’s real reindeer will be staying while they get ready for the big day!  This is included in standard admission with option add on extras to meet Father Christmas and go ice skating. (Chobham)

Pinewood miniature railway 2024 Santa Specials dates for December but will be confirmed later in the year.  Tickets will go on sale around mid October. (Crowthorne /Wokingham)

Find unique Christmas decorations from Chameleon & Co

Dobbies Garden Centre -are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself!  They also have quiet grotto slots for children with additional needs. (Hare Hatch)

Stubbings Nursery – Father Christmas will be sneaking away from his important work at the North Pole for a fun-filled  breakfast with Santa at Stubbings Café. (Maidenhead)

Newbury Christmas Lights Switch On Festival – 18th November (Santa grotto not confirmed) (Newbury)

K&A Trust Newbury Boat Trips – Cruise to ‘Greenham Land’ to find Santa! Children enjoy a Christmas story, singing, and plenty of time with Santa during the boat trip which lasts approximately 1 hour. (Newbury)

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park – one of the largest indoor interactive Christmas experiences in the UK.  The Multi award winning Christmas Experience is in its 12th Year (near Newbury)

Beale Wildlife Park  – Santa’s grotto returns along with the opportunity for reindeer and artic fox feedings, a stocking trail and storytime in the cafe. (Pangbourne)

Reading Winter Wonderland – Santa’s grotto will be at Reading’s Winter Wonderland as well as lots of other entertainment. (Reading)

Jakes Play Barn – Join the whole gang for a Magical Christmas Grotto Experience. (Sandhurst)

Legoland – Meet the man himself, Father Christmas, in his log cabin – a perfect family moment where children will receive a special LEGO gift.  This is an optional extra add on when visiting the theme park. (Windsor)

Daniel’s of Windsor – Each year the first floor of Daniel of Windsor is transformed into a Winter Wonderland when Santa’s Grotto. Running on selected dates in 2024 with details on their facebook page to follow if confirmed (Windsor)

Cantley House Hotel have afternoon tea on the 21st to 24th December 2024 followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his grotto. (Wokingham)

Odds Farm Park – Join in for a day of yuletide wonder and festive frivolities as Odds Farm Park is sprinkled with even more Christmas magic! (Wooburn Common)

South Hill Park Pre-School – the preschool are having a Christmas Fair on Saturday 25th November from 11am to 1pm – all welcome. (Bracknell)

You might also like to check out the Berkshire Panto and Christmas Show Guide 2024

Pinewood Bar & Cafe  breakfast with Santa tbc

Parkway Shopping – tbc for 2024

Henry Street Garden Centre – details for 2024 tbc (Reading)

Summer Barn – Last year they had a magical Christmas Family event on the farm with  festive activities in a warm fairylight barn by the cosy fire.  Details for 2042 not yet announced.