Santa's Secret Forest announces magical return for 2026

Tickets are now on sale for Liverpool’s Most Magical Christmas Experience – Santa’s Secret Forest.

The North West’s most exciting festive attraction, Santa’s Secret Forest, is returning for Christmas 2026 and this year promises even more sparkle, wonder and unforgettable seasonal magic.

Rated the #1 traveller-ranked attraction in Liverpool on TripAdvisor with an exceptional 4.9-star rating, the immersive Christmas spectacular will once again transform the breathtaking woodland surroundings of Orrell Hill Woods in Hightown into a dazzling winter wonderland from November.

Following a sensational debut season that welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond, Santa’s Secret Forest has quickly become one of the country’s must-visit festive experiences for families seeking a truly magical Christmas adventure.

Set across more than 40 acres of beautifully illuminated woodland, guests are transported deep into the hidden world of Christmas, where festive storytelling, immersive theatre, twinkling lights and larger-than-life festive scenes and characters combine to create a spellbinding journey for all ages.

At the heart of the experience lies the spectacular 2,700 sqm Christmas Hub, the bustling centre of Santa’s festive operations, alive with laughter, music, toy-making magic and the joyful chaos of Christmas preparations.

Families embark on an unforgettable hour-long journey behind the scenes of “Operation Christmas”, travelling through 10 immersive theatrical scenes led by a lively cast of mischievous and merry elves. Guests are welcomed into the awe-inspiring Grand Lobby before boarding the spectacular Tinsel Town Express alongside the wonderfully charismatic Conductor Merryweather.

The magical adventure continues through Santa’s Sleigh Garage, the North Pole Command Centre and the enchanting Mail Room, where children’s letters to Santa soar through giant transparent tubes straight to his bustling sorting office.

Visitors then wander through the glowing Elf Village, peek into frosted festive shopfronts and step inside the magnificent Toy Workshop, buzzing with toy-making elf magic and Christmas cheer. A nostalgic journey through the Time Tunnel brings festive memories from generations past to life before the breathtaking Magic Elevator lifts families high above snowy landscapes for a truly heartwarming meeting with Santa himself at the North Pole. The beautiful live Reindeer will also be making an appearance again this Christmas!

Following overwhelming demand and glowing reviews in 2025, organisers have unveiled a host of exciting festive enhancements for 2026, including:

A spectacularly enhanced illuminated light trail featuring brand-new installations, upgraded lighting displays and breathtaking festive focal points
A magical interactive “Elf Hunt” hidden throughout the forest
Brand-new immersive and interactive moments woven into the woodland adventure
An expanded Merrywood Market with even more festive food, drinks and seasonal treats

Adding even more festive wonder this year, event organisers Sidestep Events Ltd have secured one of Europe’s largest snow machines, promising magical snowfall moments throughout the experience, alongside a charming miniature festive train ride through the woodland for families to enjoy together.

Returning by popular demand is the thrilling 4D VR Sleigh Ride, giving guests the chance to soar through the skies in the front seat of Santa’s sleigh on an unforgettable festive adventure.

James McMahon, Director of Sidestep Events Ltd, said:

“2026 is set to be even more magical and spellbinding than last year. Santa’s Secret Forest is building on an incredibly successful first season to create a truly immersive festive experience that captures the joy, excitement and nostalgia of Christmas for every generation.

We’ve created an adventure into the very heart of Christmas, and we cannot wait to welcome families back to make even more unforgettable festive memories together this season.”

General admission tickets, which include access to both the Christmas Hub and illuminated light trail, start from £45 plus booking fee. Light trail-only tickets start from £16 plus booking fee, with luxury VIP packages also available for families wanting an extra-special Christmas experience. Payment plan options are available on the website.

Santa’s Secret Forest is produced by Sidestep Events Ltd, a subsidiary of the North West’s leading production company, UK Events Group.

The attraction opens on Saturday 21 November 2026 and runs until Thursday 24 December 2026.

Tickets are ON SALE NOW and, with limited availability and unprecedented demand expected once again, families are encouraged to secure their magical Christmas adventure early to avoid disappointment.

Santa’s Secret Forest, Orrell Hill Lane, Liverpool. L38 5DA.