The Best Santas Grottos in Sheffield this Christmas

When the festive season comes around in South Yorkshire, it's near impossible to keep the littluns out of a state of frantic festiveness. They'll be flicking through the web for the next item to add to their lists, ensuring that there are treats left out for both Santa and his reindeer, and helping you decorate the tree with tinsel, baubles, and a star on top for good measure - although they usually need help from the adults for that one. Yet, as we're sure you'll agree, one of the most magical memories you can have as a child around Christmas is going to see Santa in one of his Grottos that he tours all around the country. 

When looking for Santa's Grottos in Sheffield Skiddle has got you more than covered. The Steel City is no stranger to the big man and is an essential stop for him in the UK when it comes to meet and greets. From traditional Grottos in the city centre, to a step back in time to the Victorian era to meet the Santa of days gone by, to even seeing Santa get friendly with the birds and butterfly at one of Sheffield's staple specialist zoos; the opportunities for your littluns to see the man in red are plentiful. 

So scroll down and check them out! Plus, if you're after more ways to make your festive season in Sheffield extra special check out some of the Sheffield Christmas Eve and Boxing Day events, also on sale on Skiddle!

 

Santa's Grotto, Sheffield City Centre

Photo: Santa's Grotto, Sheffield City Centre / Facebook.com

When: Thursday 16th November - Sunday 24th December 2023 

Where: The Moor in Sheffield 

Wondering where to see Santa in Sheffield? The iconic Santa’s Grotto is back this year, but in a new location over at The Moor in the city centre. The Grotto welcomes those on the nice list to come down any day starting from Thursday 16th November up until Christmas Eve. 

Your ticket, which you can buy on the door, includes a gift they can choose themselves (retailing at £9.99), with gifts suitable for all ages from new-borns. The walk-in Grotto doesn’t do bookings, and has peak and off-peak times, so plan accordingly! Check out their Facebook page for more info. 

 

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Santa’s Winter Village at Meadowhall

Photo: www.meadowhall.co.uk

When: Friday 24th November - Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Meadowhall, External Oasis Courtyard in Sheffield

Meadowhall has all sorts of Christmassy activities this year including a winter wonderland, Santa’s Parade, live music, festive characters, and Santa’s Winter Village. 

The big man’s Winter Village features twinkling lights, a festive fairground, and Santa’s toyshop where littluns can help the elves get ready for the big day, write a letter to Santa, and tell him whether they’ve been naughty or nice before leaving with a gift (if they’ve been nice, of course). 

To close the day, you can explore craft stalls, indulge in hot chocolate or mulled wine, and soak in the festive atmosphere. 

 

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Santa's Woodland Grotto

Photo: www.butterflyhouse.co.uk

When: multiple dates from Saturday 2nd December - Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Tropical Butterfly House, North Anston in Sheffield

North Anston’s Butterfly House brings children the chance to meet Santa this year in his woodland Grotto. The classic family experience brings Santa to giddy little Xmas fans as well as sleigh rides through the winter woods, a farm barn nativity scene, the Woodland Festive Friends Activity Trail, the Elf Workshop, a Christmas jumper competition, and festive food. 

You can find Santa in his woodland cabin every December weekend until Xmas Eve - the 2nd and 3rd, 9th and 10th, and 16th and 17th December 2023. This one must be pre-booked online. 

 

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Santa’s Workshop

Photo: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk (Andy Brown)

When: Tuesday 19th - Friday 22nd December 2023

Where: Weston Park Museum in Sheffield

Santa and his helpers are back again to flood us with Christmas cheer! This Santa’s Grotto in Sheffield sees the jolly guy sitting down with littluns and asking what’s on their Christmas list before sending them on their way with a present. The 50-minute sessions also bring the opportunity to get creative with festive crafts and hands-on activities with Santa’s elves. Kids tickets are £12 and up to two adults can go along for free. Booking in advance is essential for this one!

 

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Santa’s Grotto

Photo: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

When: multiple dates from Saturday 9th - Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Crucible Kitchen, Sheffield Theatres in Sheffield 

On selected dates this December, Santa comes to Crucible Kitchen, bringing heaps of holiday cheer along with him. Here, your excited little present seekers will meet the man himself, have a warm mince pie and hot chocolate (don’t worry, there’s mulled wine for the adults), receive a present, and have the memory immortalised with a photo. 

There are multiple times and dates available, but they’re being booked up rapidly, so if this is the one for you, head over to their website to secure your place! 

 

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Breakfast with Santa at the Rising Sun Hotel

Photo: www.emberinns.co.uk

When: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th and Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th December 2023

Where: The Rising Sun Inn in Sheffield 

Taking time out of his packed schedule, Santa stops by at your local, The Rising Sun Inn, on selected dates to put a smile on your family’s faces. Kids will have a cooked breakfast with a Fruit Shoot and an activity pack while adults can enjoy a classic full English before it’s time to meet the man, the myth, the legend, Santa. Tickets are only a tenner, and well-behaved pups are also welcome! 

 

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Santa's Grotto at Kelham Island Victorian Christmas Market

Photo: Kelham Island Museum / Facebook.com 

When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023

Where: Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield

Children under 16 go free to this museum’s Christmas Market! Featuring over 80 market stalls including mulled wine and food merchants, fairground rides, local brass bands, musicians, choirs and carollers, walkabout characters, and finally, what you've been waiting for, Santa's Grotto. This Santa’s Grotto in Sheffield keeps things simple as there’s so much else to get involved in. Here, the kids will help the elves in Santa’s workshop, snap a pic on the Selfie Sleigh, and meet the big, jolly, old chap. Book your tickets on the museum’s website to ensure your place, or grab them there on the day.

 

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Ready to make this Christmas the best one yet for you and your family? Click or tap here to find a range of Christmas events in Sheffield including family and kid’s events, comedy, Xmas parties, Christmas Day lunch, and more. 

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.