Where To See Father Christmas In Chester 2024

It may still seem like Christmas is a while off but people are already getting ready for the festive season and booking their favourite festive events, like Winter Wonderland and the festive pantomimes. I have even been told that some Christmas venues are already fully booked, so if you do have some places in mind where you want to see the big guy himself you may wish to get in touch with them sooner rather than later to bag your tickets. If, however, you are still looking for places where you can take your little ones to see Father Christmas in Chester in 2024 then below is a list of places where you can book now and where, at the time of writing, they still had tickets left.

Please note – We will be updating this list as we go so make sure you keep popping back to see if we have found any more wonderful places where you can spend time with Father Christmas in Chester this year.

CruiseBoat with Father Christmas

If you are looking for something special this year then why not book a cruise down the River Dee with Father Christmas. The cruise lasts one hour and adults will receive a tea or coffee and a mince pie with children enjoying a cordial and gingerbread man. Santa Claus will gift all children 10 and under an age-appropriate book too so why not book now for some festive fun on a fully decorated boat.

When 

  • 1st December at 3 pm,
  • 7th December at 12 pm and 3 pm
  • 14th December 12pm and 3pm
  • 21st December at 12 pm and 3 pm

Where ChesterBoat Souter’s Lane The Groves Chester CH1 1SZ

Price Adult £15.50 Child with a gift £15.50 Child without a gift £9.50 infant no gift no activities free

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is famous for it’s much-loved event, the Christmas Lantern walks. It gives visitors the opportunity to see the Zoo like never before, all lit up and magical at night. You will get to walk through various magical wonderlands all with different themes and exciting light installations. If you are lucky you might also spot an animal or two as well.

When Friday 15th November – 1st January 2025

Where Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1EU

Price Children from £12, adults from £18.

Grosvenor Shopping Centre

The Grosvenor shopping centre in Chester city centre is creating an enchanted grotto where your child can meet the elves, Santa and also receive a gift from Father Christmas.

This year, Santa’s Enchanted Grotto brings the magic of beloved fairytales to life in The Grosvenor Shopping Centre! Step into a world where storybooks open up around you and adventure awaits at every turn. Guided by jolly enchanted elves, families will embark on a whimsical journey through the realms of classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters who will be sprinkling a little extra magic along the way. 

The last chapter in this Christmas Tale finishes with a heartwarming visit from Santa himself, where children will receive a special gift and leave with memories to cherish “happily ever after.”

When 24th November – 24th December

Where Grosvenor shopping centre

Price TBC

Stanley Palace

For a Dickensian Christmas experience you must visit Stanley Palace in the heart of Chester. This year they are offering your little ones the opportunity to meet Father or Mother Christmas in a Victorian setting complete with their own gift of a traditional toy and festive drinks for the adults.

When 8th 15th 22nd December 2pm-6pm

Where Stanley Palace 83 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LF

Price £10 for children and includes a gift adults are free

Chester Cathedral 

Want to extend your Father Christmas visit to make even more lasting memories? Then why not book brunch with Father Christmas himself? Chester Cathedral are running Sunday brunch with Santa at the refectory this winter. All children aged 1 and over will meet Father Christmas and receive a selection box.

When 1st 8th 22nd 24th December between 9-11.30am

Where Chester Cathedral Saint Werburgh Street Chester CH1 2DY

Price Adults £15, Child £11

father christmas in chester

Ice Cream Farm

The Cheshire Ice Cream Farm are hosting Christmas workshops where children can meet Santa in his lodge, choose a gift from the elf emporium, participate in Christmas crafts and themed activities, make reindeer food and receive a collectable Christmas mug with two scoops of ice cream.

When 30th November – 23rd December

Where The Ice cream farm Drumlin Hall, Newton Ln, Tattenhall,  Cheshire, Chester CH3 9NE

Price child £28.50 adult £2.50

Tatton Park

Visit Father Christmas and his elf helpers at the Tatton Park Farm for a Christmas event that is suitable for the whole family. 

Enjoy roaming entertainers, live music with festive choirs and brass bands and stop off for a tasty treat in the Christmas Cafe located in the Clydesdale Barn.

Huddle together in Santa’s sleigh for a festive photo and make your own magical reindeer food in the Mill to take home and sprinkle around on Christmas Eve!

When Weekends from  November 23rd up to and including December 24th

Where Tatton Park Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG

Price £12.50 per child and includes farm entry and a gift

£11 per adult and includes farm entry

Do let us know if you are aware of anywhere else you can see Father Christmas in Chester and we will add it to our list.

We do hope you manage to boko all the events you want to this year and enjoy the excitement of Christmas with your families. 

Not in Chester this festive season? Then you may prefer these posts

Where to see Santa in Manchester

Where to see Santa in Cornwall 

Where to see Santa in York

Now you have your visit to Santa booked it is time to get Christmas ready in every other department too, including your shopping, so if you are looking for inspiration for your Christmas shopping then check out our below guides

Christmas gifts for the under two’s

Christmas gifts for the under 10’s

Vegan gift ideas