Last chance to visit Santa's Secret Forest this Christmas

Santa’s Secret Forest has welcomed thousands of visitors, earned rave reviews nationwide and established itself as one of the UK’s must-see festive experiences in its first year.

As Santa makes his final preparations for the big day, families still have a last chance to experience the festive magic at Santa’s Secret Forest, the hugely popular Christmas attraction set in Orrell Hill Woods, Hightown. With only days remaining until Christmas Eve, the immersive experience is closing its inaugural season on a high, following a wave of rave reviews from visitors from all over the country with some guests travelling from as far away as Australia.

Running since late November, Santa’s Secret Forest has captivated thousands of guests, including celebrities, sporting personalities and representatives from local children’s charities. The attraction is the brainchild of event supremo James McMahon of Sidestep Events Ltd and represents a multi-million-pound, digitally driven festive extravaganza.

Guests are taken on a nostalgic, story-led journey through ten magical rooms, beginning in the Grand Lobby before boarding the Tinsel Town Express into the heart of Santa’s festive headquarters. Along the way, visitors stop at the Sleigh Garage, lend a helping hand in the Mail Room, explore the Elf Village and its awe-inspiring Toy Workshop, and ride the Magic Elevator for a private audience with Santa in the North Pole.

The experience features a magnificently curated 2,700sqm Christmas Hub, a beautifully illuminated woodland walk, state-of-the-art scenery, animatronics and a superb cast of elves. Outside the main attraction, visitors can enjoy the purpose-built Merrywood Market a festive Christmas village offering food stalls and seasonal attractions, including a thrilling VR Sleigh ride, before meeting Santa’s real reindeer as they depart the woodland setting.

In its first year, Santa’s Secret Forest has been hailed as a resounding success, with organisers already planning an even more ambitious experience for next year.

James McMahon, Sidestep Events Ltd, said:

‘The feedback this year has been truly astounding with a raft of five-star reviews. We are delighted that our vision has brought so much joy to so many families and who have made magical memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Seeing children in awe of what we have created and happy families was the driving force behind the entire project’

If you have not experienced the wonder beyond the woods yet, you had better be quick – Santa’s Secret Forest runs until Christmas Eve so there is still time to make Christmas 2025 the most magical one yet.