Festive Fun Awaits as Santa Safari Returns!

We are excited to sprinkle a little extra magic this Christmas, with the return of our much-loved Santa Safari event and some new festive features.

On selected dates from Saturday 22 November until Christmas Eve, families can combine a winter visit to the safari along with meeting Santa in his magical grotto.

New for this year, Mrs Claus will be setting up residency at the Park and has her own special show - Storytime with Mrs Claus, where she will read an enchanting Christmas tale to families from her cosy cabin.

Also, brand-new this year is our very first Christmas Pantomime. For four days only, from 20–23 December, Treetops Pavilion will host a fabulous production of Aladdin.

Packed with sing-along songs, laugh-out-loud comedy and a few unexpected surprises, it’s the perfect way to round off a magical festive day.

Rochelle Zare, Head of Marketing, said, “Santa Safari is, without a doubt, my favourite time of year. Watching families create magical memories after our team has spent months planning and perfecting every detail is incredibly rewarding. This year's Santa Safari is set to be our most enchanting yet. From festive adventures through the Park to unforgettable moments with Santa himself, plus some exciting new features, we can't wait to welcome families back to celebrate the season with us.

“Our elves have been hard at work, transforming our Discovery Trail into a winter wonderland. We have hundreds of trees, beautiful snow-covered scenes and new lighting displays that will add an extra touch of sparkle - especially for those visiting Santa a little later in the day. We hope everyone has a magical time this festive season.”

With an allocated time to see Santa, guests will be greeted in the Discovery Trail by one of his helpful Elves, directing them to the North Pole seeing delightful characters and being dazzled by the Northern Lights on the way.

A highlight for many will be the return of Santa’s Enchanted Elevator, an immersive ride that whisks families up through the skies and to Santa’s front door, where little ones can then enter, to meet the man in red himself.

Once guests exit the enchanted elevator, they will be able to meet Santa, where they can tell him what’s on the top of their wish list and a friendly elf will take a picture of the experience for the family to take home.

After meeting Santa, children can pick their own present in the Elves’ Workshop and collect their photo. With a wide selection of gifts to choose from, children will be spoiled for choice.

Guests can then head to one of the festive food outlets, to pick up their complimentary festive treats, which include a freshly baked cookie and a drink.

Children can take part in some Christmas crafts at Mrs Claus’ Craft Club, where they can make some reindeer food, do some Christmas colouring and take part in a competition by writing a letter to Santa, to be in with the chance of winning a Gold Annual Pass for four people.

Also included is the four-mile Safari Drive, Safari Walk areas, Explorers' Play Park and all the animal talks and encounters.

Additionally, we will be hosting two ‘Relaxed Santa Safari Mornings’, on Wednesday 26 and Saturday 29 November, for neurodivergent guests who might find the full experience a little overwhelming.

The day will provide a magical experience but will have a slightly altered atmosphere to make all guests feel safe and comfortable.

The singing and animatronic figures will be silent on this day, lighting will be either static, or have minimal twinkling, the background music will be softer and the enchanted elevator experience will be optional.

Santa understands that every guest’s needs are different and will be more softly spoken on this day and is happy to chat to guests, or they can just pass through and give him a wave.

Capacity on these mornings will be reduced, so queues will be reduced and sounds around the Park will also be quieter.

Guests can access a special social story on our website, for those who may be anxious about their visit and to help them prepare.

We open daily for winter from 21 November until Christmas Eve, with Santa Safari on selected dates.