9 Fun And Festive UK Santa Sleepovers To Try In 2025

You’ve done the Santa’s Grottos. You’ve done the Christmas trains or Polar Express rides. So what’s next? Well have you considered a Santa Sleepover?

These Santa Sleepovers in the UK are essentially short breaks at popular theme parks or holiday parks. This means that there’s loads of fun stuff going on in addition to your visit to Father Christmas.

Some of these UK Santa breaks include the chance to meet Santa in his grotto or in a similar magical setting. We have highlighted which ones actually let you meet Santa in person.

Where there isn’t a grotto as such, there will be other opportunities to see Santa.

These UK Santa sleepover breaks do get booked up in advance so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

If you’re just looking to get away over the Christmas period, then we also have a guide to Christmas breaks for families in the UK.

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These are the best UK Santa sleepovers this year

Bluestone Christmas Breaks

Located in south Wales, Bluestone is very similar to Center Parcs and is a great choice for a Christmas sleepover, especially if you have younger children.

This year they are offering the Kingdom of the Elves.

The main attraction will be Santa’s Lodge where you get to meet Santa. There is also an Elf School and lots of festive events to get you into the festive spirit.

When: 4th November to 2nd January 2025.
Where: Bluestone Resort, Canaston Wood, The Grange, Narberth, SA67 8DE.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Check current prices and availability on their website here.

Center Parcs Winter Wonderland holidays

Center Parcs is probably the most well-known holiday park in the UK and is a very popular holiday choice for families at Christmas.

Their seasonal holidays include lots of festive activities including Elf Academy (for 3-9 year olds), Santa’s Woodland Village, Enchanted Light Garden and more.

There is no Santa’s Grotto but on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5pm you will get the chance to wave to Santa as he passes through the park.

Although Center Parcs is on the pricey side, it is one of the loveliest Santa Sleepovers for families.

When: 7th November to 2nd January 2026.
Where: Center Parcs at Christmas is at all of their locations.
Santa’s Grotto: No

Check current prices and availability on their website here.

Ribby Hall Village Winter Wonderland

Ribby Hall Village in Lancashire offers a lovely Winter Wonderland experience for the whole family.

Their festive family break offers the chance to meet Santa (note that Santa’s Grotto opens from 17th November). There is also lots of festive fun including feeding reindeers and panto action and festive food galore.

If you don’t want to stay over, there is also the option of a day visit where you can visit Santa’s Grotto and watch their festive pantomime.

When: From 15th November to 2nd January 2025.
Where: Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, Lancashire, PR4 2PR.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Alton Towers Resort Santa Sleepover

The Alton Towers Santa Sleepover promises plenty of festive entertainment including a visit Santa’s Grotto (with a gift for each child).

There is also a traditional Christmas panto, festive evening meal and an overnight stay in one of the themed hotels including breakfast.

When: Select dates from end of November to 23rd December 2025.
Where: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Just visiting for the day? There is still plenty of festive fun to be had without staying over. Get your Alton Towers tickets on their website here.

Or if you want to visit any of the other Merlin Attractions in the year (Chessington, Alton Towers, Legoland and more – take a look at the Merlin Annual Pass and the Merlin Holiday Club for up to 25% savings).

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort UK Santa Sleepover

Legoland Windsor is one of our favourite days out from London with kids so we were really excited to see the festive sleepover at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.

The experience includes an overnight stay and access to The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort during the Christmas season for 1 day to enjoy selected rides and attractions.

Families are also able to see Santa riding through the resort on his sleigh and enjoy festive entertainment whilst in the park.

See here for tips on visiting Legoland with toddlers and young kids.

If you are based in London or visiting London at Christmas, you might also be interested in our post on things to do in London with kids at Christmas.

When: From end of November 2025.
Where: The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY.
Santa’s Grotto: No

Not staying over? You can still have a lovely festive day at Legoland. See here for tickets on the Legoland website. And remember the Merlin Annual Pass for savings if visiting other Merlin attractions.

Warwick Castle Santa Sleepover

During the day you will have access to Warwick Castle where you can enjoy the glittering trees and festive decorations in the Great Hall and enjoy a Christmas scavenger hunt.

Overnight accommodation during your Santa Sleepover is in a cosy wooden cabin in the Knight’s Village. You’ll find festive touches all around and Christmas-themed entertainment in the evening provided by the Knights of Warwick Castle.

In the morning, the sound of sleigh bells will wake you, followed by your very own Elf wake-up call. The Elves will visit your lodge to wish you a Merry Christmas and deliver a gift for the children.

Later, you get to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hearing festive stories.

When: Weekends from end of November – 24th December 2025.
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Check current prices and availability on their website here.

Just visiting for the day? Get your Warwick Castle tickets here. And remember the Merlin Annual Pass for savings if visiting other Merlin attractions.

Chessington World of Adventures Father Christmas Sleepover

This festive family break at Chessington World of Adventures includes an overnight stay on a Bed & Breakfast basis in one of the themed hotels, 1 day entry to the Winter’s Tail Event, Zoo & SEA LIFE centre and a meeting with Father Christmas in his grotto.

When: End of November to 31st December 2025. Note that stays after Christmas Day do not include a Santa’s Grotto visit.
Where: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Check current prices and availability on their website here. And remember the Merlin Annual Pass for savings if visiting other Merlin attractions.

Before you go, make sure to read our review of Chessington to and find out how to make the most of your visit.

Christmas Sleepovers at Gullivers World

Explore theme park rides and explore the Winter Wonderland during your mini Christmas break at Gullivers. There is also the chance to meet Santa.

You can book a festive package which includes a festive day at the theme park or you can turn it into a Santa Sleepover by booking a festive short break.

When: From 15th November.
Where: Gulliver’s World, Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington, WA5 9YZ.
Santa’s Grotto: Yes

Check current prices and availability on their website here.

Christmas at Paultons Park

The Christmas short breaks at Paultons Park include an overnight stay with entry into the park and a 2nd day entry free.

Festive offerings include Santa’s Storytime, a Christmas show featuring Santa and magial illuminations across the park.

When: From beginning of December to 23rd December 2025.
Where: Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL.
Santa’s Grotto: No.

Check current prices and availability on their website here.