11 places to see Santa in Liverpool this year

Father Christmas is going to be busy this Christmas, because you can see him all over Liverpool and the city region.

So if you want to have a chat with the man in red and get your requests in – or check if you’re on the naughty or nice list – here’s 11 grottos and special venues where you can see Santa in and around Liverpool this year.

Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa

From Breakfast with Santa to a Festive Family Lunch, there’s plenty of chances to meet Santa in Thornton Hough this year. The events run from Saturday December 7 to Tuesday, December 24: breakfast with the big guy includes a full English, a visit to Santa and a gift for little ones, and the festive lunch includes a 3 course meal, disco and games, live entertainment, a visit to Father Christmas and a small gift for kids.

More info here.

Christmas-shire, Kings Dock

Christmas-shire at Kings Dock is a unique interactive adventure that’ll take visitors on a theatrical journey – and encourage little people to spread kindness. Father Christmas has arrived in the shire but there’s been a mishap because Nutmeg, one of the elves, has left the door of one of the yurts open and the reindeer have wandered in and knocked over the stocks of Christmas magic…so visitors need to help replenish the magic before meeting up with Santa. On from Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, December 22.

More info here.

John Lewis Liverpool ONE

Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis is always special and this year you can settle in for a festive story session with Father Christmas, join his team of merry elves, and create a Christmas keepsake to take home. This is the chance to share your Christmas wishes – and receive a special gift from Santa who’s there from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24.

More info here.

Knowsley Safari

Enchanted is back and Knowsley’s foot safari will again be transformed into a magical wonderland where you can wander among illuminated animals, explore the Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work.

As well as festive foods and rides, this year there’s an extra bit of sparkle with a Santa Panto you can add on – and little ones can also meet Santa and his elves in his grotto every weekend in December, and on Monday and Tuesday, December 23-24.

More info here.

Storytime with Santa, Croxteth Hall

Get ready to join Father Christmas and his friend, Buddy the Elf, as they share magical stories and sing a song or two in front of their cosy log fire at Croxteth Hall. Each child gets to share their Christmas wishes with Santa before receiving a little gift, and the jolly man will be there from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24.

More info here.

Dobbies, Liverpool & Southport

Dobbies is offering Little Seedlings a train-themed journey for children and families this Christmas, complete with interactive fun and a meeting with Santa himself! 

You arrive at their enchanting forest and, after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters and find hidden nutcrackers before meeting Santa and receiving a special gift, from Thursday, November 28 to Tuesday, November 24.

More info on Dobbies Liverpool here.

More info on Dobbies Southport here.

Speke Hall

Take the little ones for Breakfast with Father Christmas at Speke Hall on selected weekends in December and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet Father – and Mother – Christmas, sing along to some Christmas songs and post your letters to the North Pole with all your special requests.

Booking is essential for Breakfast with Father Christmas which starts from Saturday, December 7.

More info here.

Lapland Liverpool at Otterspool Adventure

Not only do you get the chance to visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift from Father Chrsitmas’s workshop, you get to enjoy up to three hours of magical activities including: visiting the elves’ ‘Make a Bear’ workshop and taking a teddy bear home with you; watching a festive show; decorating gingerbread with Mrs Claus, skating on the Christmas skating rink, and more.

Lapland Liverpool is at Otterspol Adventure from Sunday, December 1.

More info here.

Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Maghull

You can explore the winter wonderland scenes and meet Father Christmas at the Maghull garden centre from Sunday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 24. Each child receives a gift from Santa, and you can buy a photo to capture the occasion if you want too. 

More info here.

Liverpool Everyman – Santa’s Grotto

It is fully booked online but you might still be able to start the festive season off with a visit to Santa’s Grotto at the Everyman by contacting boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com as they say there may still be tickets available! You can meet Santa, tell him all your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift if you’re able to visit between Sunday to Tuesday, December 1-3. Just get in touch with them to check.

More info here.

Bootle Strand

Meet Father Christmas in the brand new Bootle Strand Grotto. Produced by In Another Place, the castle in the Strand Shopping Centre (above the post office) will be transformed into an amazing Christmas Experience where youngsters can see the tin soldiers and elves helping prepare for Father Christmas’s arrival, and meet Santa himself between Saturday, December 7 and Monday, December 23.

More info here.

Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2024 HERE.