Santa’s Journey Across Cheshire and Warrington: Where to Meet Him in 2020

Santa seems to have taken a liking to Cheshire and Warrington this year, making stops at a number of our award-winning venues and attractions before embarking on his magical journey around the world on Christmas Eve. Find below a list of his stops across the county so that you have the best chance of meeting* him this year!

*Please adhere to each event’s restrictions.

The Ice Cream Farm

The 30+ flavours of ice cream on offer at The Ice Cream Farm appealed to Santa so much that he has ALREADY arrived! The Ice Cream Farm’s drive-thru Christmas experience, open every day until (and including) Christmas Eve, sees visitors searching for Santa’s mischievous elves whilst completing a festive activity pack and, at the end of the trail, speaking to Santa in his outdoor grotto*! All children will receive a gift from Santa, as well as a Christmas mug filled with their favourite ice cream**, for just £10 per person. No need to book, just turn up!

*Participants are to stay inside their vehicles at all times.

**Ice cream orders are collected and delivered by the elves.

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

Attracted due to it being the UK’s only Shire Stud Farm open to the public, Santa is visiting Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre on December 12^th and 13^th. All children who meet Santa* at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre will receive a gift, and there will be opportunities for photographs too. Advanced booking is essential: Book Here

*Santa will not be wearing a face covering but WILL be behind a protective screen. Adults and children aged 11 and over must wear a mask, and visits are limited to 6 people per bubble in line with Government Guidelines.

Hickory’s Smokehouse Chester 

A little robin has told us that Santa will be stopping off at Hickory’s Smokehouse Chester between 10.30am and 3pm on 20^th December… It mentioned that, as long as your group has a table booked between these times*, he will happily meet your little ones! Book Here  

*Please adhere to Government Guidelines when booking this event.

Gulliver’s World

Santa heard that Gulliver’s World in Warrington offered days out so incredible that even Lampo and Milady from 44 Cats have decided to visit for Christmas, and so thought it would be the perfect place to meet some of the many children on his ‘nice list’! Aboard the North Pole Express, visitors will journey through the Winter Wonderland, passing special festive sights and even having the chance to give their Christmas Wish Lists to Santa*, followed by exploring the Elf Workshop and choosing a unique gift! Pre-booking** is essential for this event: Book Here

*It will not be possible to leave the train carriage during this section of the journey.

**If you need to cancel up to 5 days before your visit, you will be eligible for a full refund. You can also transfer to a different day if you need to.

Dunham Massey

Wandering beneath stunning tree canopies, discovering giant luminescent sculptures, and strolling beside colour-changing lakeside reflections, Dunham Massey’s annual Christmas event continues to promise a night to remember – for all of the right reasons. Plus, we have heard that Santa is planning to visit this outstanding after-dark, illuminated trail*! Book your tickets for selected dates in December and January here

*Santa is very busy, so will be unable to meet children individually.

**Click here for detailed Covid-19 guidance: https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/trail/christmas-at-dunham-massey/  

Oddfellows Chester

Talk of a luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea inspired Santa to dedicate the 13^th and 20^th December to seeing the lovely boys and girls on his ‘nice list’ at Oddfellows, Chester*. All children participating in the event will receive an early Christmas gift from Santa himself, plus the aforementioned afternoon tea! Call 01244 34 54 54 or email events@oddfellowschester.com to book your place.

* Must be pre-booked, with a £5 deposit per person required to secure the booking.

Blue Planet Aquarium

Santa heard all about Blue Planet Aquarium’s largest collection of sharks in Europe and just had to check it out for himself… by swimming in the tank with them! That’s correct, Scuba Santa will be making an early-morning appearance on 19^th, 20^th, and 20^th December to all of the boys and girls at Blue Planet Aquarium! Each ‘Breakfast with Scuba Santa’ session includes a full English Breakfast, VIP seating with your own Porthole into the Ocean Exhibit, all-day access to the aquarium, and a Christmas gift*. Book by calling 01513758804**!

*Christmas gift only for children under 12.

**Bookings are strictly for between 3 and 6 people, and doors will open at 9am-9.30am on your chosen date. For a full list of Covid-19 restrictions and procedures in place, please click here

Chester Cathedral

Santa has decided to take a trip to the stunning 13^th-century monks’ dining hall at Chester Cathedral, known today as the Rectory Café, on the 6^th, 13^th and 20^th December! Recommended for 2-10-year-olds, the event offers children (£7 each) a breakfast buffet and delicious fruit juice and, for the grown-ups (£15), a full English breakfast plus filter coffee. And of course, each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a festive selection box!  Booking is essential

* Provide your details for NHS Track & Trace at the point of booking, as well as any known allergies.

Chester Visitor Information Centre

As well as being home to an iconic selection of Chester gifts, and expert city guides, Chester Visitor Information Centre will also be home to Santa on 12th December, 11am-2pm! Centrally located, why not explore the historic city of Chester and its Rows before or after meeting Santa himself? 

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

Rumour has it that Santa is making a special visit to The Mere Golf Resort & Spa on Sunday 13th and 20th December. When meeting him in his magical grotto, you will receive an early Christmas present, and then enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea. Prices are £25.50 per adult and £20.00 per child, and places must be pre-booked.

So where are you hoping to meet Santa and his elves in Cheshire and Warrington this year? Let us know in the comments below and tag us in any photos on social media with #YourCheshire!