Where to meet Santa in and around Preston for Christmas 2025

Nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like a visit to Santa himself.

Whether it’s a first visit or an annual tradition you never miss, Preston and the surrounding areas offer plenty of ways to meet Father Christmas this year – from cosy grottos and winter wonderlands to magical elevator rides and festive steam trains.

With the festive season fast approaching and many events starting this weekend, we’ve gathered together details to help you plan a memorable festive day out.

Santa’s Grotto at Preston Markets

Step into the magic of Christmas at Preston Markets and meet the real Santa Claus in his enchanting grotto. Santa and his mischievous elves will be spreading cheer with a special gift for every child who visits this free festive experience.

More details: Preston Markets website

Galloways Grotto at St George’s Shopping Centre

Every year, Galloways charity hosts a Christmas grotto at St George’s Shopping Centre to not only give children the opportunity to meet Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes, but also to raise money for people living with sight loss.

More details: Galloways website

Santa’s Magical Elevator at Fishergate Shopping Centre

Step into a festive world where the journey to Santa is part of the magic. The only event of its kind in Lancashire, children will ride the magical elevator on their way to meet Santa Claus, surrounded by scenes of winter wonder.

More details: Fishergate Shopping Centre website

Santa Specials at Ribble Steam Railway

Visitors can snuggle up in a warm, steam-heated carriage and watch eyes light up as Father Christmas visits to hand each child their very own gift. Light seasonal refreshments on the train are included and Mrs Ribble’s Tea Room will be open for extra drinks and goodies.

More details: Ribble Steam website

Christmas Party with Santa at Deepdale

Taking place at Preston North End in partnership with St Catherine’s Hospice, this is set to be an experience filled with fun, food, and festive cheer. Featuring a buffet, a dance-along to festive tunes with the in-house DJ, and a gift for every child.

More details: 01772 693391

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Preston

Receive a warm welcome from the elves before experiencing snowy scenes, ice fishing with the penguins, helping the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shooting some snowball hoops and seeing where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself.

More details: Dobbies website

Santa’s Grotto at Ribby Hall

Featuring a magical woodland walkthrough with festive lights and interactive games, meet and greet with Rudolph, festive selfie spots and photo opportunities, personal meet & greet with Santa, a cuddly teddy for each child, and a family souvenir photo.

More details: Ribby Hall website

Santa’s Grotto at Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston

Children can meet Santa Claus himself in his cosy grotto, share their Christmas wishes, and take home a small gift from Santa’s workshop. Each visit will be full of festive cheer, twinkling lights, and a photo-worthy moment for the whole family.

More details: Santa’s Grotto at Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston Facebook event

Santa’s Grotto Experience at Barton Grange

First stop is the North Pole where children will see a snowy landscape filled with animated polar bears and reindeer. They’ll go on to meet a mischievous band of merry elves, and then Father Christmas himself, before being whisked off to Santa’s Toy Workshop.

Santa’s Grotto SEN Session at Barton Grange

This session will be the same unique grotto experience from Barton Grange, with some small adaptations in the way of smaller groups of people, reduced lighting and sound and less display furniture making it easily accessible for all.

More details: Barton Grange Garden Centre website

Santa by the Lake at Brockholes Nature Reserve

Children can visit Santa’s grotto floating by the lake, meet Santa Claus and tell him all their Christmas wishes. Includes cookie decorating and wildlife-safe reindeer food. A one-off session will see the grotto become SEN-friendly, with adapted lights and music.

More details: Brockholes website

Victorian Father Christmas at Samlesbury Hall

A chance to meet Father Christmas is a candlelit parlour dressed with historical decorations including holly, ivy, mistletoe and a Yule Log to create a magical atmosphere of Christmas past, along with a roaring log fire and the sounds of Victorian carols.

More details: Samlesbury Hall website

A Magical Meeting with Father Christmas at Hoghton Tower

Children will meet some of Father Christmas’ cheery elves, help prepare reindeer food, meet the busy postmaster and have story time with Mrs Claus, before spending time with Santa Claus himself, all against the magical backdrop of the festively-decorated Elizabethan manor house.

More details: Hoghton Tower website

Christmas at Mrs Dowsons Farm

A Christmas adventure that includes a visit with Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, a choice of toy, gingerbread man decorating, dancing with the magical reindeer, meeting cheeky elves, making reindeer food to take home, and a visit to the Christmas HQ mailroom.

More details: Mrs Dowsons website

Longton Winter Wonderland

While tickets for the grotto quickly sold out, visitors will have chance to search the Elf Trail to find Santa’s naughty little elves. There will also be over 60 stalls and festive fare at 12 locations throughout the village, plus fairground rides, live music, and the Christmas tree lights switch on.

More details: Longton Carnival on Instagram

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