Location: St George’s St by the big tree (opposite McDonalds)

Step Into the Magic of Santa’s Grotto at Canterbury Christmas Market

For 2025 Santa’s Grotto is four times bigger!

This Christmas, a world of festive wonder awaits your family at Santa’s Grotto! A magical experience that captures the joy, sparkle, and excitement of the festive season. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept into an enchanting journey designed to delight children (and grown-ups!) at every step.

Your visit begins at the Elf Reception, where friendly elves will be waiting to greet you. With twinkling lights, cosy décor, and festive cheer, the reception is the perfect place to settle in before your special time with Father Christmas. The elves will check you in, keep little ones entertained, and prepare them for the adventure ahead.

From there, you’ll be escorted to the Activity Hut, where imagination takes flight. Children can sit down to write their very own letter to Santa, listing wishes, hopes, and festive dreams. Once finished, the letter is posted into the magical talking letterbox — a little surprise that never fails to bring giggles and wide-eyed wonder as the box chats back and safely whisks their letters straight to the North Pole.

The journey continues into the Enchanted Garden, a glittering festive hideaway brimming with decorations, lights, and Christmas charm. Families can pause here for a few quick photos among the sparkling displays, capturing the joy of the season and creating keepsake memories to treasure for years to come. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the snow bubbles floating across the garden.

Finally, the big moment arrives — it’s time to meet Father Christmas himself. Step inside his cosy grotto, where the man in red will be waiting… probably having a cheeky nap! Children will have the chance to chat with him, share how good they’ve been all year, and tell him what’s on their Christmas list. Best of all, every child will leave with a special, age-appropriate gift from Santa, making the experience truly unforgettable.

This heartwarming grotto experience is more than just a visit to Santa — it’s a festive tradition in the making, a chance for families to come together, slow down, and soak up the joy of Christmas magic.

Things to Know Before You Go

To make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone enjoys their time in the grotto, please take note of the following:

• Please arrive 5 minutes early to allow time for check-in at Elf Reception.
• Two adults maximum per booking are permitted inside the grotto due to space constraints.
• Accompanying adults do not pay for entry.
• Parents must supervise children at all times.
• Latecomers are allowed in until the children enter Santa’s grotto itself and then entry will not be permitted.
• The gift is age-appropriate, carefully chosen to suit each child’s age group.
• Children are invited to sit on the chair beside Santa, not on his lap.
• This is a group activity, with a maximum of 6 children attending each session

Don’t miss your chance to give your family the gift of festive magic this year. Book your visit to Santa’s Grotto at Canterbury Christmas Market today — because nothing makes Christmas sparkle quite like seeing it through a child’s eyes.