Families across Birmingham and the West Midlands are spoilt for choice this festive season with an incredible array of Santa's Grottos and festive experiences. From traditional meetings with Father Christmas to unique adventures aboard trains and boats, the region is brimming with yuletide magic for 2025.
Unique Festive Adventures: Trains, Boats & Castles
This year, you can find Santa in some truly extraordinary settings. The Polar Express experience returns to Birmingham Moor Street Station, offering a magical train journey inspired by the beloved film. Running from November 22 to December 23, the trip features characters, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa himself.
For a nautical adventure, head to the Dudley Canal and Caverns for the Last Letter to Santa Experience, available until December 23. Families join Post-Boat-Masters to deliver letters through tunnels and caverns, passing elf houses and a wrapping factory, before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto on dry land.
History meets holiday cheer at Warwick Castle, which offers both 'Stories with Santa' and 'Santa Sleepover' events. The sleepovers include festive accommodation, an elf wake-up call with gifts, and two days of castle entry.
Major Attractions with Festive Flair
Many of the region's top family destinations have pulled out all the stops for Christmas. At West Midlands Safari Park's Santa Safari, running on selected dates until Christmas Eve, guests are greeted by elves and travel via the enchanting 'Santa's Enchanted Elevator' to meet the man in red. The experience also includes the safari drive, play areas, and a new pantomime.
Alton Towers Resort brings back its popular Santa Sleepovers from November 28 to 30, December 5 to 7, and December 12 to 24. The package includes a grotto visit, festive shows, an overnight hotel stay, theme park entry, and access to the waterpark.
Over at Drayton Manor Park, festive weekends in December feature a new lakeside show, 'Drayton Manor's Christmas Miracle'. Children can enjoy story time with Mrs Claus, write letters to Santa, and meet Father Christmas. The park also offers a dedicated SEND-friendly Grotto for a calmer experience.
Classic Grotto Visits & Enchanted Trails
For a more traditional visit, Santa's Grotto at the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham is open from Saturday, November 29, through to Christmas Eve. After exploring the aquatic exhibits, children can enter the glittering grotto for a gift from Santa and his elves. Tickets are an additional £8.50 per person.
Cadbury World hosts a live Santa stage show in his magical workshop on weekends from November 22 to December 22, plus December 23 and 24. The performance features singing, magic, and incredible inventions.
The Enchanted Gardens light trail at Webbs Wychbold, inspired by the Wizard of Oz, runs on selected dates until Sunday, January 3. Alongside the theatrical light displays, families can visit Santa's snow-covered workshop for photos. Other notable grotto locations include Hatton Adventure World, with its Enchanted Christmas Kingdom and Land of the Elves.
Tickets for these popular events are selling quickly, so organisers strongly advise booking in advance to secure your spot. With options ranging from safari parks and historic castles to canal boats and steam trains, Birmingham's 2025 Christmas line-up promises unforgettable memories for all the family.
