Join us from 24th Nov – 24th Dec for a magical festive day out for the whole family, combining a four-mile winter Safari and a visit to Santa in his Grotto…
Santa’s Grotto
With an allocated time to see Santa, you will be greeted in the Discovery Trail by one of his helpful Elves who will show you to the sleigh where you will be magically transported to the North Pole & into Santa’s Grotto!
Santa’s Grotto is a wonderfully decorated log cabin with its own Christmas tree, festive fireplace and of course Santa himself! You can tell him what’s on the top of your Christmas wish list and a helpful Elf will take a picture of you together!
After meeting Santa, you will make your way to the Elves’ Workshop where children can pick their own present. With a wide selection of gifts to choose from, the children will be spoiled for choice!
Head to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to pick up your complimentary refreshments and don’t forget to pop along to the Sea Lion Theatre to watch a show!
Check out last year’s promo video:
Please note: The Adventure Theme Park rides will be closed throughout winter.
Santa’s Grotto Admission Prices 2023
All tickets include access to the Safari Drive-through and walk-through exhibits. Prices are dynamic and subject to change*.
Adults (16+yrs) – From £26.00 – £36.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a hot drink and festive treat).
Children (3-15yrs) – From £26.00 – £36.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home, own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop, a drink and a cookie).
Under 3’s – £13.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home, own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop, a drink and a cookie).
Plus, entrance includes a Free Return Visit! (Valid for six months. T+Cs apply.)
* Due to dynamic pricing on our ticketing system, prices will vary depending on availability and peak days. Please note, we cannot guarantee prices will remain the same for any set period.
Santa’s Grotto Upgrade Prices 2023
For those with Annual Passes, Valid Free Return Codes*, or Complimentary Tickets.
Adults (16+yrs) – £13.00
Children (3-15yrs) – £13.00
Under 3’s – £13.00
*Free Return Codes cannot be used during the school holiday period – from 23rd December 2023 – 7th January 2024.
Twilight Santa Prices 2023
Enter the Safari Park from 5pm to enjoy an evening Santa’s Grotto time slot and the walk-through areas*.
Adults (16+yrs) – £14.00
Children (3-15yrs) – £14.00
Under 3’s – £13.00
*Guests will be able to visit Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Ice Age, Reptile House, Aquarium and Creepy Crawlies during the evening. Red Panda Retreat and Penguin Cove are open exhibits, however, there is limited lighting.
Please Note:
- We will admit an essential companion free of charge to the Park and in the Grotto if the guest they are accompanying holds a valid Access Card with a +1 symbol. Guests who require additional support in order to visit will need to apply online, at least 7 working days in advance of your first visit, with our partner Nimbus Disability. Applications are free, or you can choose to pay £15 to upgrade to an Access Card which can be used at other venues. Should your application be successful (assessed for an essential companion with a +1 symbol), you will be able to book your Santa Safari companion ticket online by clicking here.
- If an essential companion would like refreshments from Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, they can be purchased at a discounted rate of £3.00
- Pushchairs and prams are not permitted inside the Santa Safari Grotto.
- Babies 0-12 months can visit Santa ‘Free of charge’ however, they will not receive a gift, photograph or treats from Mrs Claus’ Kitchen. If these are required, please book as an ‘Under 3’. If your baby does not require a gift, photograph, or treats, you do not need to add them onto your booking.
Please note: The Adventure Theme Park rides will be closed throughout winter.
Safari Skating
Get your skates on this winter and join us for our brand-new festive experience. Safari Skating allows you to try out your skating skills on our very own Glice® rink. This eco-friendly ice rink alternative is suitable for all of the family and doesn’t require any water or energy, meaning it’s more sustainable (and not a soggy bottom in sight!).
Traditional ice skates are included in the cost to be worn on the rink and skating aids can be hired for smaller skaters.
As this is an outdoor event, we recommend wrapping up warm and wearing thick socks that cover your ankles!
Virtual Reality (VR) Santa Sleigh Ride – A magical 4D adventure to the North Pole!
While visiting us this winter you can experience our Virtual Reality (VR) Santa Sleigh Ride experience! This extra special feature enables you and your family to help Santa test out his sleigh led by D.A.S.H. You’ll be transported across the globe to give the sleigh a trial flight before Christmas Eve exploring all the wintery wonderland. Hold on to your hats and antlers everyone, this could be a bumpy ride!
To enjoy this fully immersive 4D experience all you need to do is add how many people you would like to go on this sleigh ride in the extras section when booking tickets online. Tickets are priced at £4.00 per person. The full experience lasts five minutes, giving you and your family an unforgettable magical Christmas treat!
Please note:
– All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
– Children 3 years and under cannot wear the VR Headsets, but they will see a video on the screen at the front of the ride. We advise adults responsible for these children to also not wear the VR Headsets.
– All guests must be seated correctly whilst on the ride. Children must be able to sit upright by themselves on the sleigh, unaided.
– We advise you not to wear the VR Headsets if you suffer from dizziness, epilepsy, headaches, motion sickness or are pregnant.
– Please be aware you can remove the VR Headset at any point if you feel necessary.
– Guests will be seated in groups, up to a maximum of 8 people.
– VR Headsets will be disinfected after every use.
Groups & Schools
Special discounted prices are available to groups of 10 or more people arriving in one vehicle.
Please note that large groups may have to be re-formed into smaller groups to see Santa. School Groups will receive 1 free supervisor per 5 pupils.
School Prices:
Adult (16+) – £14.50 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto)
Child (3-15yrs) – £14.50 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home and own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop)
Under 3 – £13.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home and own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop)
Group Prices:
Adult (16+)- £19.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a hot drink and a festive treat)
Child (3-15yrs) – £19.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home, own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop, a drink and a cookie)
Under 3 – £13.00 (includes a visit to Santa in his Grotto, a photo with Santa to take home, own choice of present from the Elves’ Workshop, a drink and a cookie).
Groups: Email groups@wmsp.co.uk
Schools: Please email education.team@wmsp.co.uk with your phone number and booking enquiry and one of our elves will call you back at a time convenient to you.
Please note:
- All groups must confirm their final numbers at least 14 days in advance. Full payment is then due 7 days in advance.
- Groups and Excursions bookings will be able to exchange their vouchers for drinks and snacks at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen.
- Groups and Excursions bookings will be automatically assigned to a 9am – 10am Santa’s Grotto time slot on weekends and during school holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Safari?
Santa Safari is your chance to meet Father Christmas at West Midland Safari Park. Admission also includes entry into West Midland Safari Park to be able to see all our animals on the 4-mile Safari Drive-through. Your tickets also give you access to our walk-through exhibits such as Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Penguin Cove and Lorikeet Landing.
Do I need to pre-book?
It is essential to book in advance to guarantee entry into our Santa Safari experience.
What does my Santa Safari ticket include?
Santa Safari Grotto Admission Includes:
Adult Package
- Access to the Safari Drive-through & walk-through areas
- Santa Visit
- Hot Drink
- Festive treat
Child Package (up to 15 years)
- Access to the Safari Drive-through & walk-through areas
- Santa Visit
- Photo with Santa to take home
- Own choice of present
- Drink
- Cookie
*Please note, School Santa Safari bookings do not include the drink, mince pie or cookie.
Twilight Santa Admission includes:
Adult Package
- Reptile House, Aquarium and Creepy Crawlies during the evening. Red Panda Retreat and Penguin Cove are open exhibits, however, there is limited lighting.
- Santa Visit
- Hot Drink
- Festive treat
Child Package (up to 15 years)
- Reptile House, Aquarium and Creepy Crawlies during the evening. Red Panda Retreat and Penguin Cove are open exhibits, however, there is limited lighting.
- Santa Visit
- Photo with Santa to take home
- Own choice of present
- Drink
- Cookie
Is the Grotto accessible?
There is wheelchair access through our Santa Safari Grotto.
I have tickets for the VR Santa Sleigh Ride, where do I need to go?
Our VR sleigh ride is located opposite the entrance to the Grotto. If you need assistance, please ask one of our elves.
What are your opening times in November and December?
To see our calendar, please Click Here.
Can I take my own photographs?
You are more than welcome to take your own, but we do give you an official photo as part of the experience package.
Can I use my free return to come and see Santa?
An upgrade fee of £13.00 is applicable when purchasing a Santa Safari ticket in conjunction with a free return.
Please remember to check the expiry date of your free return codes. Codes are also not valid during school holiday periods (23rd December 2023 – 7th January 2024)
What do I do if I’m an Annual Pass holder?
An upgrade fee of £13.00 is applicable when purchasing a Santa Safari ticket in conjunction with an Annual Pass. Please use the ‘I already have a ticket or Annual Pass’ section when reserving your visit online, and add Santa Safari as an extra.
Is the Theme Park open?
The Adventure Theme Park is closed during our Winter Season.
What time do I need to arrive?
Guests can choose a time slot to visit Santa in the Grotto when booking, subject to availability. You can enter the Park in our normal opening hours.
I have a time slot that's before the Safari Park is scheduled to open - what do I do?
Guests with a 9.00am – 9.30am or 9.30am – 10.00am Grotto slot on selected dates, will be able to enter the Park earlier than the advertised opening time, in order to attend their Grotto slot. Please note that guests will not be permitted to enter the Safari Drive-through earlier than 10.00am.
I have complimentary tickets, can I visit Santa Safari?
If you have valid complimentary ticket codes, you can use these for general admission to the Park, but would need to pay the upgrade fee to add-on tickets to see Santa on the day.
On the day upgrades for the grotto will be subject to availability, on a first come first serve basis, please head to the Ticket Office on arrival to enquire. We cannot guarantee there will be grotto timeslots available on your visit date.
Can I use my Tesco Clubcard Vouchers for Santa Safari?
Unfortunately, Tesco vouchers cannot be used to book Santa Safari or Twilight Santa tickets or to prebook.
You will be able to purchase your admission to the park on the day using your vouchers only. Upgrades for the grotto will be subject to availability, on a first come first serve basis, Tesco vouchers cannot be used against the purchase of upgrades. We cannot guarantee there will be grotto timeslots available on your visit date.
What do I need to bring for a free carer/essential companion ticket?
We will admit an essential companion free of charge to the Park and in the Grotto if the guest they are accompanying holds a valid Access Card with a +1 symbol. Guests who require additional support in order to visit will need to apply online, at least 7 working days in advance of visits, with our partner Nimbus Disability. Applications are free, or you can choose to pay £15 to upgrade to an Access Card which can be used at multiple venues across the UK. Should your application be successful (assessed for an essential companion with a +1 symbol), you will be able to collect a free Essential Companion Ticket from the Ticket Office on the day of your visit. The ticket will need to be shown again at the Grotto for entry. Please click here to apply.
If an essential companion would like refreshments from Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, they can be purchased at a discounted rate of £3.00.
Can I use my Blue Light/Kidspass/DOWTK discount code?
Unfortunately, Blue Light, Kidspass and Day Out With The Kids discount codes cannot be used to book Santa Safari or Twilight Santa tickets.
You will be able to purchase your admission to the park online using your discount codes. On the day upgrades for the grotto will be subject to availability, on a first come first serve basis, please head to the Ticket Office on arrival to enquire. We cannot guarantee there will be grotto timeslots available on your visit date.
If you would like to reserve the grotto, you will need to book the tickets via our website, but will not be able to use your discount codes.
Do I need to purchase a grotto ticket for adults when accompanying children?
Yes, any guest who wishes to enter the grotto must have a Santa Safari/Grotto Upgrade ticket. Please note that children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.
