santa visits south wales 2023

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‘Believe’ it: Santa’s Brand-New Experience is Open at St David’s

You better BELIEVE it, Christmas has arrived at St David’s Cardiff with their brand-new enchanting Santa experience. 

BELIEVE   at the city shopping destination, has had a magical makeover for 2023 with a new story, theming and family activities but, most importantly, children will still get to meet Santa!

We went along to follow Sophia on her journey to meet the big man, and of course say hello and leave our Christmas list too. Santa knows everything (doesn’t he Mum and Dad) and he particularly knows everything Wales and Welsh, as you’ll see in our Instagram post below.

We were also impressed that the pressie was appropriate for someone who speaks both Welsh and English.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by South Wales Life Magazine (@southwaleslife)

On arrival to  Believe  you’ll discover Santa’s enchanting post room where you’ll be immersed in festivity and fun with the mischievous elves as they sort through Santa’s letters from children around the world ready for the big day. Children will be able to decorate their own delicious Christmas gingerbread treat (allergies catered for) and capture Christmas cheer at the Elfie Selfie posting point before being invited to meet the big man himself.

Families will be hosted personally by Santa in his warm, cosy study where they can share their Christmas hopes and dreams, pose for professional photographs as well as receiving a special present to take home. 

South Wales Life managed to grab a few moments with the big man in red and he told us…..

“I’ve really missed seeing all the children. This year is going to be extra special for all of us – special and magical. To be able to meet all the boys and girls and find out what’s on their special list, is one of the highlights for me and my elves.”

Believe  at St David’s Cardiff is open right up until Christmas Eve. The grotto is located on the lower level of the Grand Arcade, next to the LEGO store and opposite Menkind. 

Helen Morgan, Centre Director of St David’s Cardiff told us…….

“This is our third year hosting Believe at St David’s and we can’t wait to welcome Santa back again! This year, the grotto has been transformed to offer a brand-new exciting experience for guests where children can explore Santa’s post room with his jolly elves before decorating cookies and finally meeting Santa himself.

Along with our new stunning Christmas decorations across St David’s, guests are in for a real treat this festive season.”

If you want a tip from us, book tickets for Believe early to avoid disappointment. Details and tickets available  HERE

We checked back at last years features and by 1st November, Believe was over 75% sold out, so to ensure you get the dates you need, get in quickly. On the subject of last year, here’s a little flavour of what you can expect.

When Believe first arrived in 2021 the reaction and reviews were fantastic. Families loved how they entered a mystical cavern to meet McJingles, one of Santa’s most trusted elves, and Norbert, his magical reindeer friend. 

When the Christmas grotto experience with a difference returned last year, it was even better. We’re sure this year Believe will be beyond all expectations.

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Christmas: 10 great grottoes where you'll find Santa in Wales

Get set for the festive season with our guide to santa's grottoes in wales this christmas.

• 10:00, 25 OCT 2014
• Updated 12:06, 8 DEC 2014

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Get set for the festive season with our guide to Santa’s grottoes in Wales. It’s the busiest time of the year for Mr Claus, but with the help of our sponsor Seasons ( @seasonsoutlet ), we've rounded up where you’ll find him this Christmas .

1. Santa's Grotto at Seasons Garden and Christmas Outlet, Bridgend

When? Christmas arrives early at Seasons ( @seasonsoutlet ) with Mr Claus on site from November 6 until December 24

What does it include? Children will get to meet Santa, receive a special gift, pop their wishlist in the Christmas post-box and can have a photograph with him.

How much is it? £6 for online tickets and £7 on the day

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Seasons website

2. Santa Specials at Brecon Mountain Railway

When? Journeys will run between November 29 and December 23

What does it include? Take a magical train ride to see Santa, with presents for the children, and sherry and mince pies for the grown ups.

How much is it? £11.50 for children and £13.50 for adults

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Brecon Mountain Railway website

3. Waterfront Winterland, Swansea

When? The grotto runs at Waterfront Winterland between November 16 and December 22

What does it include? A meet and greet with Father Christmas and his elves, along with a present.

How much is it? £4.50 to see Santa or £5.50 to have a photograph included in the visit.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Swansea Christmas website

4. Kingdom of the Elves at Bluestone National Park Resort, Narberth

When? Kingdom of the Elves runs between November 7 and January 4

What does it include? Meet Santa’s trusted helpers, the elves and go on a magical journey into their workshops.

How much is it? It’s currently only available for staying guests, so you would need to book a two-night (£179) or four-night (£199) visit.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Bluestone National Park Resort website

5. Christmas Kingdom at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

When? The festive event runs between November 27 and December 24

What does it include? Children will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift, take part in a gingerbread decorating workshop and say hello to the on-site reindeer.

How much is it? Prices vary dependent on day and date, ranging between £11.50 and £17.50 per child.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Celtic Manor Resort website

6. Santa Claus Tour at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

When? Tours run between December 4 and 24

What does it include? A guided tour of the Stadium which acts as a secret headquarters for Santa. Kids can follow the puzzles along the route, leading them to Mr Claus and the grotto.

How much is it? It’s £6 for adults, £10.50 for children, £5.50 for concessions and £30 for a family ticket.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Millennium Stadium website

7. Llandudno Christmas Fayre

When? The fayre runs between November 20 and 23

What does it include? Visit Mr and Mrs Claus at the Christmas Fayre as the log cabin welcomes an Alice in Wonderland grotto – children will receive a free gift too.

How much is it? £4

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Llandudno Christmas Fayre website – online booking isn’t available.

8. Santa’s Grotto at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon

When? The grotto is open between December 6, 7 and 13

What does it include? A magical walk through the woodland to the grotto, where children can meet Santa and his elves. They’ll also get a pressie and a hot chocolate.

How much is it? £4.50 per child

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Gregynog Hall website , tickets can be booked on 01686 65022.

9. Santa’s Grotto at Cardiff Castle

When? The grotto is open between December 6 and 23

What does it include? A winter grotto hidden in the castle’s magical Black Tower, children can meet Mr Claus, receive a pressie and have the chance for a photo.

How much is it? £7 to see Santa including a gift, £9 to have a photo or £12 to have two photos.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Cardiff Castle website

10. Santa’s Grotto at People’s Market, Wrexham

When? The grotto runs between December 6 and 24

What does it include? Children will be able to meet Father Christmas at his winter wonderland.

How do I find out more and book my tickets? Visit the Wrexham Council website – online booking isn’t available.

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Where to see Santa this Christmas

With Santa gearing up for his busiest day of the year, here's where you can catch him across South Wales before the big day.

Until 24 Dec

Santa's Grotto

Queen Street, Cardiff

Visit the man himself this Christmas at Cardiff’s official Santa’s Grotto. On Queen Street, outside Queen’s Arcade, you’ll find a magical log cabin with a singing Rudolph. No need to pre-book, just arrive and every child will be seen. Open daily from 10.30am until Christmas Eve, it’s £8.50 per child that includes a gift to take away. You can also have a photo taken and put into a snow globe or Christmas frame for a special festive keepsake.

26 Nov - 24 Dec

The Royal Mint Christmas Experience

Llantrisant

Take a tour of The Royal Mint with an extra sprinkling of festive spirit. You’ll discover some intriguing tales of Christmas traditions, step into Santa’s workshop and meet Santa Claus himself. Children will also be able to write their Christmas letters and drop them into a special post box that ensures they land straight on his desk.

www.royalmint.com/events

26 Nov - 17 Dec

Santa’s Grotto

Carnegie House, Bridgend

Take the little ones to see Santa in Bridgend Town Centre, they’ll get a great gift and you can take your own photos. All proceeds go to local charities and there’s free parking in The Rhiw car park.

www.bridgendlions.org.uk

Elf Academy

WWT Llanelli

The chief elves are waiting to escort new recruits to the workshop for a wholesome afternoon of Christmas nature crafts, storytelling, wildlife spotting, singing and wrapping gifts for local people who need them - stopping along the way to meet the friendly birds that live at the wetlands centre. Elf Academy will be running every weekend in December, 1pm - 3pm.

www.wwt.org.uk/llanelli

Family Festive Fun Day

Cynon Valley Museum, Aberdare

Visit the Cynon Valley Museum for a festive fun day that’s filled with Christmas treats. The little ones can see Santa from 11am with gifts galore. There’s arts and crafts on offer with plenty for the kids to get stuck into and you can also exlpore the museum with the Christmas trail to discover how people celebrated Christmas in years gone by.

www.cynonvalleymuseum.wales

Jingle Jungle Jumble

Plantasia, Swansea

Help Santa on his quest to find the mischievous elf who’s causing Christmas CHAOS throughout Plantasia Tropical Zoo! Follow the elf’s trail of destruction through the jungle as you discover the jolly jumble he’s created. How many good green elves will he have roped-in to his merry monkey business? Meet Santa in his mini sleigh as you pose for a magic memories Christmas photo with a gift included for every child.

www.plantasiaswansea.co.uk

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Things to do in Swansea this Christmas

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Santa's Toy Mine

Yule never guess what’s coming… it’s Santa’s Toy Mine at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS  The queries have been pouring in so we’re delighted to announce that visitors to Rhondda Heritage Park Museum can once again enjoy a wonderful Christmas time as Santa’s Toy Mine returns from 23rd November to Christmas Eve!

Every toy mine ticket includes a guided tour through the toy mine to find Santa in his gorgeous grotto.  The toy miners will take visitors underground on a journey to find the man in red himself.  Along the way there will be fabulously festive sights to see and lots of fun to be had as the elves are sure to have been up to snow good…. Tickets are on sale now at  www.rhonddaheritagepark.com   cost £5 for children aged 0 – 18 months and £12.50 for all other children and adults. Christmas Eve ticket prices are priced at £6 for children aged 0-18 months and £13.50 for adults and children aged over 18 months. Included in the cost is the magical underground hunt to find Santa, plus a visit to Santa himself in his Toy Mine grotto!  As soon as children have visited Santa, they will be able to pop into Santa’s Toy Shop and choose from a selection of gifts to take home.  The gift is also included in the ticket price. Quiet tours are again available this year on 4 th and 11 th December and will also be available to book online at www.rhonddaheritagepark.com   Photos with Santa will also be on offer and commemorative keepsakes of your magical moment with Santa will be available in the toy shop.  Please note there will be an additional cost for this.

In addition to all this, visitors can enjoy the most wine-derful time of the year at our mulled wine and snack pop up shop! Santa loves to welcome school groups and tickets for these are priced at £10 per child with accompanying teachers free for the first 10 children in the group, and £5.25 per accompanying teacher or adult.  Please note that everyone going on the tour will need a ticket.

Schools and groups looking to attend can book by calling reception on 01443 682036.

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A magical Christmas experience 2024

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Your Magical Adventure

As Christmas approaches, gather your family for an unforgettable adventure! Join us for our award-winning experience, now celebrating its 12th year of holiday magic.

Your adventure starts with a thrilling flight to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Shuttle. You’ll walk, wonder and play through fantastical locations and rooms, before boarding the train for a scenic ride back to 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park.

Your festive experience lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours and promises magical memories to last a lifetime. 

Don’t miss out on the magic this Christmas!

Taking off from 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, hop onto Santa's Shuttle to embark on your journey to Santa’s Cabin where you’ll meet the friendly elves who will guide you along the way. Find yourself cheering on the performers at The Glacier Theater, throwing snowballs at the Ice Castle and exploring the Enchanted Forest. With a new show for 2024, be immersed in this theatrical Christmas experience full of fun, wonder and magical memories for the whole family. 

Santa's Cabin

It’s time to meet the most important person in the whole of the north pole; the big man himself, santa claus. nestled in a small elf village, you and your family will receive a warm welcome as you enter santa's cabin for a private audience. watch the magic come alive as santa reveals what the children want this christmas and that he truly knows who's on his nice list..

Sparkle Copse

Take a stroll around the Sparkle Copse village. There are plenty of picturesque spots to capture some family photos. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you'll get to build your own bear to take home, make reindeer food and more. Oh, and let's not forget Santa's toy shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa!

Taking off from 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, hop onto Santa’s Shuttle to embark on your journey to Santa’s Cabin where you’ll meet the friendly elves who will guide you along the way. Find yourself cheering on the performers at The Glacier Theater, throwing snowballs at the Ice Castle and exploring the Enchanted Forest.

With a new show for 2024, be immersed in this theatrical Christmas experience full of fun, wonder and magical memories for the whole family. 

It’s time to meet the most important person in the whole of the North Pole; the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Nestled in a small elf village, you and y our family will receive a warm welcome as you enter Santa’s Cabin for a private audience. Watch the magic come alive as Santa reveals what the children want this Christmas and that he truly knows who’s on his nice list.

Take a stroll around Sparkle Copse village, where there are plenty of picturesque spots to capture family photos. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you’ll get to make your own teddy bear to take home, make reindeer food and more.

Oh, and let’s not forget Santa’s Toy Shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa!

Save The Date

A sample of some of our fantastical sets and showpieces to see on your adventure.

What's included in your ticket?

All tickets include entry to The Magical Christmas Adventure, a group tour around the enchanted North Pole, a private audience with Santa, making a teddy to keep forever, sweet treats, reindeer food and your child’s choice of toy from Santa’s Toy Shop.

VIP tickets include additional goodies during the experience to make Christmas extra special.

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A Multi Award-Winning Event

Taking off from 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, hop onto Santa’s Shuttle to embark on your journey to Santa’s Cabin where you’ll meet the friendly elves who will guide you along the way. Find yourself cheering on the performers at The Glacier Theater, throwing snowballs at the Ice Castle and exploring the Enchanted Forest.

With a  new show for 2024, be immersed in this theatrical Christmas experience full of fun, wonder and magical memories for the whole family.

Visit with Santa

Nestled In a small elf village, you and y our family will receive a warm welcome as you enter Santa’s Cabin for a private audience. Watch the magic come alive as Santa reveals what the children want this Christmas and that he truly knows who’s on his nice list.

Take a stroll around Sparkle Copse village, where there are plenty of picturesque spots to capture family photos. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you’ll get to make your own teddy bear to take home, make reindeer food and more.

Oh, and let’s not forget Santa’s Toy Shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa!

Save the Date

This year’s Magical Christmas Adventure opens from the 23rd of November until the 24th of December.  

Experience the magic from 9am to 5pm on weekends and selected week days.

Click the button for dates and prices. 

What's Included in Your Ticket

VIP tickets include additional goodies during the experience to make your Christmas extra special.

Address: Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY

Tel:  01635 269678 –  Email: [email protected]

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