Places to meet Father Christmas in Gloucestershire
By Gloucester Rocks · Published · Updated Published · Updated
Want to know where Father Christmas is hanging out near Gloucester this year? Here you go. You'll find steam trains through the Forest of Dean, a grotto deep underground at Clearwell Caves, and an evening of real reindeer and fireworks at Hatherley Manor. The best slots go fast (Perrygrove sells out every year), so if a date works, book it now and sort the outfits later. We'll add Gloucester city-centre visits at the Quays, Eastgate and Kings Walk as soon as they're announced, so check back.
Quick picks
Most magical: The Festive Forest at Clearwell Caves (Father Christmas underground!)
Best for train fans: Dean Forest Railway Santa Specials, where Santa visits every seat
Best whole-day out: Christmas at Perrygrove, with a show, unlimited train rides and a gift
The Festive Forest at Clearwell Caves (near Coleford)
Father Christmas, but make it 4,500 years old and underground. Wander the woodland displays in the old iron mines, then meet the big man and pick up a small gift from his helpers.
When: Saturday 28 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Slots from 9.30am
Ages: All ages. Best for 2 to 8
Book: Online only at clearwellcaves.com/events, or call 01594 832535
Good to know: The caves stay open 27 to 31 Dec for the displays, but Father Christmas will be busy elsewhere by then
Christmas at Perrygrove Railway (Coleford)
A proper day out. You get unlimited rides on the Christmas Express, a 25-minute "Down the Chimney" show with Mrs Claus and an elf, a gift for every child, and woods to run wild in.
When: 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, then every day 18 to 24 December 2026. From 9.30am
Price: £22 for everyone aged 2 and over, £11 for 1-year-olds, babies in arms free (book them a ticket so they get a present)
Ages: All ages
Book: Advance only: https://perrygrove.hops.org.uk/tickets/christmas or 01594 834991
Good to know: It always sells out. Optional £6 treat boxes need pre-ordering, and the venue can't cater for allergens
Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway (Lydney)
Steam, mince pies and Santa coming to your seat. It's about 75 minutes of festive chuffing from Norchard to Parkend and back, and elves hand out presents at Lydney Junction.
When: Selected dates in December 2026 (UNVERIFIED, check the booking calendar)
Price: £22.50 for adults and children 3 to 17. Under-3s: £22.50 with a seat and present, £12.50 with a present but no seat, free with neither
Where: Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney GL15 4ET
Book: Essential, as it usually sells out: https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/experiences/santa-specials/
Good to know: Every passenger gets a warm mince pie, and grown-ups get a festive miniature. No dogs except assistance dogs. Call 01594 845840 before booking a wheelchair space
Father Christmas at the Dean Heritage Centre (Soudley)
Ten-minute grotto slots with no more than two children each, so nobody gets rushed. Your ticket includes museum entry, Christmas crafts and an Elf on the Shelf hunt, which makes for a lovely calm morning.
When: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 December 2026. 10am to 3.30pm (crafts 10am to 1pm)
Price: £17.25 per child, including a gift
Where: Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley GL14 2UB
Book: Essential: https://www.deanheritagecentre.org/event-details-registration/father-christmas-visits-2026
Good to know: You can add each child's name, age and interests when booking, so Father Christmas is well briefed
Santa's Grotto, Real Reindeer & Christmas Fireworks at Hatherley Manor (Down Hatherley)
Santa, actual reindeer and a firework finale, five days before Christmas. The reindeer head home before the bangs start, which is very considerate of them.
When: Sunday 20 December 2026. Gates 5pm, Santa and reindeer 5pm to 7pm, funfair until 8pm, finishes 8.30pm
Price: From £18.63. Pre-booking required
Where: Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa, Down Hatherley Lane, Gloucester GL2 9QA
Good to know: Free parking on site
Worth the drive: Ellenborough Park Christmas Fireworks & Santa's Grotto (Cheltenham)
The same festive formula of Santa, real reindeer and fireworks, two days earlier and just up the road.
When: Friday 18 December 2026, from 5pm
Price: UNVERIFIED
Where: Ellenborough Park, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ
Coming soon in Gloucester city centre
In previous years Father Christmas has popped up at Eastgate and Kings Walk shopping centres (free), Gloucester Quays, the National Waterways Museum and Llanthony Secunda Priory. St Nicholas himself has also visited Gloucester Cathedral. We'll add the 2026 dates here as soon as they're confirmed.
Tips for visiting Father Christmas
Book weekdays if you can. 18 to 23 December weekdays are much calmer than weekends.
Ask about photos. Some grottos let you take your own, others sell them.
Babies often need tickets too at Perrygrove and Dean Forest Railway, or they won't get a present.
Don't forget your list!
FAQs
Where can I see Santa in Gloucester for free?
In previous years Eastgate and Kings Walk shopping centres have offered free visits. We'll confirm the 2026 dates here as soon as they're announced.
Where's the best Santa train near Gloucester?
Dean Forest Railway's Santa Specials from Lydney (Santa visits every seat) and Christmas at Perrygrove near Coleford (unlimited rides plus a show) are both in the Forest of Dean.
Do I need to book to see Father Christmas?
For almost all of these, yes. Perrygrove, Dean Forest Railway and the Dean Heritage Centre are advance booking only and sell out.
When does Father Christmas arrive in Gloucestershire?
Clearwell Caves starts on 28 November. Most other grottos run from the first weekend of December.
PREVIOUS YEARS INFORMATION - UPDATES COMING SOON!
Breakfast with Santa at Gloucester Quays
Santa and his elves are coming to Coal Kitchen, so gather the family together for a scrumptious breakfast, a Santa Singalong and a present. Coal Kitchen welcomes families and friends to meet Santa and his merry band of elves for a magical morning of festive food and fun this December.
Bring your family or friends on either the 9th, 10th, 16th or 17th of December to enjoy a delicious breakfast including hot drinks, pastries and a full English as Santa Claus roams the restaurant meeting and greeting all his little guests.
When: 9th, 10th, 16th or 17th of December
Where: Gloucester Quays
Cost: £30 per person (early bird £25)
Click here to more information!
The Wall's Club Christmas Party
You are invited to our Grinch & Elf on the Shelf Party. Joined by the fantastic Superson’s Family Entertainment bringing all the entertainment on the day!! What's included in the price? : 2 hours Jam packed of entertainment, Meet The Grinch and the Naughty Elf , Character Dance Alongs, Kids Entertainer, Photo opportunities, Party Games & Prizes for winners, Free Sweets, Glitter Tattoos & Glow Sticks, Free Chips for each child, Disco Lights & Music, Arts & Crafts area. Tuck shop & bar available at an additional cost.
When: 14th & 17th December
Where: The Walls Club, Gloucester
Cost: £6 per child & £1 for every adult.
Hucclecote Community Association Children's Party
Hucclecote Community Association are hosting a Christmas party and the big man himself will be making a special appearance! There will be music and food, and then Santa will bring each child a present.
When: 9th December 10am - 1130am
Where: Hucclecote Community Association
Cost: £6 per child (£3 per additional adult includes bacon roll)
Click here for more information!
Father Christmas will be greeting shoppers at Kings Walk Shopping Centre. These are free of charge. Be sure to get here early to see him as it is his busiest time of year and he has to check his list twice!
When: 7th, 20th & 24th
Where: Kings Walk Shopping Centre
Cost: Free!
Click here for more information!
Triscape Garden Centre
Magical Mornings at Trioscape Breakfast with Santa Every Saturday in December, join us for a festive treat that the little ones won't forget! Capture the memories as your children share their wishes and dreams with Santa. Treat the whole family to a delicious breakfast with the big man himself, with your children picking a quality gift of their choice (if they're on the nice list!).
Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for this event.
Tickets can be purchased in-store or online
When: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd December
Where: Trioscape Garden Centre, Highleadon, Newent, GL18 1HQ
Cost:
Adult with breakfast - £12.95
Chid with breakfast – £14.95
Click link to check menu and book!
Stories with Santa at Gloucester Waterways Museum
Stories with Santa at the National Waterways Museum
When: 9th December 11am - 11.30am
Where: Gloucester Waterways Museum
Cost: £12.50 per child
Click here for more information!
Father Christmas at Llanthony Secunda Priory
Come and join us at Llanthony Secunda Priory for a magical encounter with Father Christmas! The priory will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer and excitement. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself! Share your Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and capture the moment with a memorable photo. Don't forget to bring your camera!
When: 2nd December
Where: Llanthony Secunda Priory Priory Junction Gloucester GL2 5FA
Cost: £12 + booking fee
Click here for more information!
That’s all folks! We hope you enjoy your time with Santa and get everything you wish for! Stay tuned for more festive events around town, and don't forget you can browse the site any time and find activities by day, age, cost, distance and more
- Click the image below to find out more!
