Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see the big man himself. He goes by many names: Saint Nick; Saint Nicolas; Santa; Father Christmas; Santa Claus, whatever you call him, there is something truly magical about seeing your children tell Santa what they want for Christmas and luckily you don’t have to travel far to see him. Here are the best places to see Santa Claus in the Forest of Dean.
Perrygrove Railway
Perrygrove Railway is offering 4 different Christmas experiences this year and they are all set to be truly magical. They are bringing back Christmas Twilight Trains this year which are always popular and really are a sight to behold. Next up is the VIP Santa Experience where you will have a festive cream tea in a private dining carriage, have a private visit to the carriage shed to see Santa come down the chimney, receive high-quality, bespoke gifts for each child and create some Christmas crafts. If you don’t fancy the afternoon tea then you can just enjoy a train ride, watch Santa coming down the chimney show and receive a gift for each child as part of the ‘Down the Chimney Show’ experience. The final festive experience on offer from Perrygrove is the Mrs Claus story experience. During this event, children will not meet Santa but they will meet Mrs Clause and will receive a free Perrygrove child entry ticket as their gift.
Clearwell Caves
Clearwell Caves are incorporating its Santa experience into a storytelling adventure about a boy named Archie and his Unicorn. Children will receive a gift from Santa, there will be a market underground so you can pick up some goodies and a pop-up underground cafe where you can purchase refreshments during your visit. Prices start at £9 for entry for a baby with a gift and the event runs throughout December.
Dean Heritage Centre
Throughout December, the Dean Heritage Centre is hosting a few different Christmas experiences: crafts with the elves, spinning tops & tree decorations, a festive box, traditional festive items and of course Santa himself in the Foresters Cottage. Prices start from £15 which includes a visit to Santa, a gift, entry for 2 adults, a drink and a mince pie. Phone 01594 822170 to book.
Dean Forest Railway
The Dean Forest Railway are once again running its Santa specials where guests can take a scenic ride through the forest onboard a vintage steam train and meet Santa on the journey. Prices start from £17 and include an alcoholic drink and mince pie for the adults and a gift for each child over the age of 2. There is also the option to add a festive afternoon tea or a festive picnic box for each guest.
Inn On The Wye
Inn on the Wye has 2 different Santa experiences available: breakfast with Santa or afternoon tea with Santa. Breakfast with Santa prices starts at £12.50 per person which includes a full English breakfast with bottomless tea or coffee for the adults and a full English breakfast, soft play session, letter writing with an Elf and stuff at-home soft toy for the children.
Afternoon tea with Santa prices starts from £19.50 which includes afternoon tea with bottomless tea or coffee for the adults and afternoon tea, soft play session, letter writing with an Elf and stuff at-home soft toy for the children.
Taurus Crafts
This Christmas Taurus Crafts is offering breakfast with Santa experience. Severnside Kitchen is creating a festive delight for children and parents get a breakfast bap and a drink. Prices start from £6. Call 01594 844841 to book.
Coleford Christmas Light Switch On
Taking place in Coleford Town Centre on December 3rd. The event starts at 1 pm with live music from local performers, a parade from 5 pm, the light switch on at 5:30 pm, a funfair, the Faddle fair and of course Santa’s Grotto.
Four Seasons Coffee Shop, Bathurst Park
Four Seasons Coffee Shop in Bathurst Park Lydney are offering a choice of either a meet and greet with Santa or storytime with Santa on various dates throughout December. Children will receive a gift and a picnic bag. Prices start at £5 for a baby (does not include a picnic bag). Call 01594 840468 to book.
At Your Door
For something extra special why not arrange for Santa to personally visit your home with Little Lyd’s Parties. There are 3 different packages to choose from starting at 10 minutes right the way up to 30 minutes. Prices start at £40 for a 10-minute doorstep visit.
Why not try…
If you do Elf on The Shelf, having the elves deliver the tickets to see Father Christmas is a lovely idea and is a nice easy one for you. For more Elf on The Shelf ideas, click here where I share over 30 ideas for your cheeky elves!
