Is the Grotto time slot when I meet Santa?

No - the time slot you book for the Grotto is the time when you'll enter the dome. You'll meet Santa anywhere from 15 minutes up to an hour after entering the dome, depending on if you visit on a busier or quieter day.

Busy days are generally weekends and the week leading up to Christmas day. If you'd prefer to visit on a quieter day, the best time to come is generally earlier in the season, on a weekday.

Related FAQs

Yes, adults need a ticket to enter. We require at least one adult per group.

Gold: (available each weekend and daily from 18th - 24th December)

  • Santa's Grotto
  • Christmas Theatre Show
  • Winter Illuminations
  • Five Outdoor Playgrounds
  • The Snowflake Maze

Silver: 

Our Santa's Grotto opens on the 22nd of November and closes on the 24th of December 2025. 

  • Weekends and 22nd - 24th December: 9:50am - 8pm
  • November Weekdays: 3:50pm - 8pm
  • December Weekdays: 11:50am - 8pm

Last entry to the Grotto is at 6:40pm (5:40pm on 24th December)

Yes, guests can take their own photos. They'll also be offered one by Santa which is available to purchase afterwards.

While visiting Stockeld Park Santa stays in his Grotto, which is a cosy log cabin near the Enchanted Forest. Attached to his cabin is the Grotto dome, which houses the North Pole village.

At Stockeld, we don't do group visits to Santa unless specifically requested. All bookings are based on one family meeting Santa at a time. 

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