What would the run-up to Christmas for any Christian child – or atheist child who enjoys Christmas anyway – be without a trip to Santa’s Grotto?
For kids who believe in Father Christmas, meeting Santa is a magical experience. For those who don’t and who realise it’s a bloke wearing a red and white suit, it’s still enjoyable. After all, it’s the chance to get a present before Christmas in earnest – although it probably won’t be that PS5 you’ve been mithering Dad for.
Here is a selection of Santa’s grotto events and events with Santa’s grottos in and around Huddersfield. There’s a chance to meet Papa Noel after a themed ride on a miniature railway or an opportunity to see the Bearded One 140 metres underground at the National Coal Mining Museum.
Read more: 10 Yorkshire Christmas events and attractions you have to book now to avoid disappointment
Some events are free, some are inexpensive and some require deeper pockets. Generally, the more you pay the more there is to see and do. Prices don’t always include a gift and you may have to pay extra so Oliver and Olivia don’t leave empty-handed. Christmas is all above giving, right?
Here there are in date order.
Mirfield Christmas Fair
When: November 21
Where:Mirfield Community Centre, Water Royd Lane, WF14 9SG
Cost: free
What to expect: Christmas market
More info:here
Santa Underground
When: November 26 to December 24
Where: National Coal Mining Museum, New Road, Overton WF4 4RH
Cost: From £8
What to expect: Meet Santa in a unique, atmospheric grotto 140m underground. They’ll be plenty of presents for good children – and even more coal for naughty nippers.
More info:here
Santa Express
When: November 26 to December 24
Where: Whistlestop Valley, Park Mill Way, Clayton West HD8 9XJ
Cost: From £12.95
What to expect: A return trip onboard the Santa Express from Clayton West to ‘Shelley North Pole’ plus a one-on-one meeting with Santa plus a gift for an extra £12. Fairground rides, ice cream, hot food and edible gifts for children.
More info please:here
Santa at Eureka!
When: weekends from November 26 to December 23
Where: Eureka!, Discovery Rd, Halifax HX1 2NE
Cost: £6 including gift
What to expect: The ‘snuggliest grotto in town’ and Father Christmas himself.
More info please:here
Victorian Fair
When: November 27 (from 11am)
Where: Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, HD5 8DJ
Cost:
What to expect: Craft stalls, unique gifts and refreshments.
More info please:here
Santa’s Magic Button
When: December 3 to 24
Where: Cannon Hall Farm, Bark Lane, Cawthorne, S75 4AT
Cost: From £11 incl booking fee. Babies go free.
What to expect: Help Father Christmas find his lost magic buttons and receive a toy from his toy factory. Meet the famous farm’s reindeer including Prince and Roger.
More info please:here
Holmfirth Civic Hall Christmas Extravaganza
When: December 3 (from 10.30am)
Where: Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3AS
Cost: £5.50 incl booking fee
What to expect: Meet Santa and receive a present. Gifts and crafts at Fleur and Grey’s Christmas Market and food at the festive café.
More info please:here
Santa in Honley
When: December 3 (10am – 4pm)
Where: Honley Conservative Club, 8 St Mary’s Square, Honley HD9 6BA
Cost: £3
What to expect: Gift, ‘elf selfie’, face painting, teddy tombola, street entertainment and sweets giveaway
More info please:here
Oakwell Hall
When: December 3 – 4 (from 10am)
Where: Oakwell Hall, Nova Lane, Birstall WF17 9LF
Cost: £5
What to expect: Visit Santa in the hall. The barn and courtyard will be filled with a variety of unique gift ideas, decorations and treats.
More info please:here
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