Santa Claus is in town
There are plenty of locations in Yorkshire where you can take your children to see Santa Claus at his grotto along with his helper elves.
With Christmas just around the corner, many venues around Yorkshire are packed with families and friends getting into the festive spirit as they host Santa’s grottos.
Young children as well as adults can all enjoy a day out in various destinations decked with elaborate Christmas decorations.
Here is our pick of Santa’s grottos.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton Festive craft activities for children, a musical activity with the elves, the children will then help elves to find Father Christmas and each child will receive a present from Santa and visitors will get the chance to buy hot drinks and snacks.
Saturday, December 16 to Friday, December 22.
North Bay Railway, Scarborough
All aboard the magical Christmas Express for a journey to Lapland Central.
While waiting to see Santa, adults can enjoy complimentary seasonal refreshments including mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine, with juice and biscuits for the children. There will be the chance to have a ride on Santa’s sleigh, write your letter to Santa and make your own Reindeer food.
You will be led by mischievous elves to the grotto and receive a gift.
Saturday December 16 and Sunday December 17; Saturday December 23 to Sunday December 24
Boyes, Queen Street, Scarborough
No booking required and entry to the grotto is free. If you would like a gift from Santa, it is £3 – for children up to 10 years – and you pay in store. Enjoy the Boyes’ annual window display complete with animatronics.
The grotto is open all day every Saturday and Sunday as well as Thursday and Friday afternoons up to Christmas Eve.
Sledmere, near Bridlington
Visitors will get a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer where they will go on a quest to solve mystery and bring back the magic to Christmas. There will be interactive activities with charming Christmas characters and enjoy spotting clues to solve the mystery before meeting Santa.
Santa Underground, National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield
ravel 140m underground to join Santa in his unique and scenic underground grotto.
The event runs until Christmas Eve.
The Elf Express, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
A magical Christmas experience that is guaranteed to light up your children’s faces and get the whole family in the mood for the festive season. This theatrical journey on board a beautiful steam train is the perfect way to travel.
It is running on Saturday
December 16 and Sunday December 17 and from Thursday December 21 to Christmas Eve.
Santa's Grotto at Thorp Perrow, near Harrogate
Explore a host of seasonal landscapes and creatures, discover miniature worlds, and peep inside the elves’ charming little bedroom before finding Santa in his cosy sitting room, ready for a chat and a special photo.
It is open from now until Christmas Eve.
Santa Specials with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Join Santa and his special team of elves at either Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express.
The event is on Saturday December 16, Sunday
December 17, Saturday December 23 and Christmas Eve.
Mother Shipton’s Cave,
Knaresborough
Take a photo inside Santa’s sleigh and sit upon the magical Christmas throne, then visit the Elf Mail Post Office to stamp and post your letters to Santa.
The event is on now and runs until Christmas Eve.
Christmas Experience, Lotherton Hall, Leeds
A magical journey through the enchanting world of Christmas. From visiting Santa in the North Pole to crafting in the Elf Village, there’s something for all the family. Explore the woodland walk, and Fairy Dell.
It is open from now until Sunday January 7.