Venue: Various venues across Devon
Website: https://www.primarytimes.net/devon/news/2017/11/where-39-s-santa-in-devon-
Where's Santa in Devon?
2017
Thankfully the elves from the North Pole have kept us reliably informed of Father Christmas’s whereabouts this November and December.
Gosh, he really is an incredibly busy man, but he will always find time to listen to your wish lists and learn how good you’ve been this year!
Santa is super magic, and he can whizz from here to there, all over the county, often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, on trains, in sparkly grottos, on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, in shopping centres, garden centres and sometimes, he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a carrot for Rudolf and a mince-pie for Santa on Christmas Eve!
Where’s Santa in Devon?
November
Saturday 25
From 25 November
Also, 26 November; 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December
House of Marbles Christmas Grotto
House of Marbles, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS
www.houseofmarbles.com
Santa's Grotto is returning for Christmas 2017 and it is going to be ‘Out of this World’! Grotto entry costs just £6.99 per child and includes a free balloon, badge and gift from Santa. To make a booking call 01626 835285
From 25 November
Other dates in November and December
Santa’s Grotto at Otter Nurseries
Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LZ
www.ottergardencentres.com
Santa’s Magical Kingdom returns and includes photo opportunities with the singing reindeer Rudy and Judy in the snow-filled Arctic Circle. Every child visiting Santa’s Grotto receives a gift and magical reindeer food. Pre-booking essential. Many dates already sold out. Call 01404 816845
From 25 November
Also, 26 November, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Christmas Nativity Plays at Pennywell
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Watch a magical Nativity performance with real animals before visiting Father Christmas in his festive grotto. All children will receive a very special gift. Booking essential. For more details 01364 642023
From 25 November
Also, 26 November
Santa at the Donkey Sanctuary
10am to 4pm
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Pay a visit to see Santa and his reindeers, who look like donkeys! at the sanctuary all weekend. For details call 01395 573156
Various Dates
Various Venues in Devon
Santa Experience with Boo to a Goose
www.bootoagoosetheatre.co.uk
Interactive children's theatre company Boo to a Goose return to Devon libraries with their new festive show Christmas Past and Present. In addition, book their Santa Experience for a personal visit from Mother and Father Christmas to your home. Watch Father Christmas reading a story at http://bit.ly/2zuTn09. Call 01395 233874
December
From 1 December
Also 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 to 24 December
The Polar Express™ on Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway, Seaton, EX12 2NQ
www.tram.co.uk
Journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express by tram. Sing along to the songs, drink hot chocolate and meet Santa and his happy bunch of elves. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. Pre-booking strongly advised. Call 01297 20375
From 2 December
Also 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December.
Santa's Magical Christmas
10am to 5pm
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, EX5 1DR
www.crealy.co.uk
See Santa at this very special festive show where every child will receive a free gift from Santa and can have the chance to grab an ‘elfie’!
From 2 December
Also, 3 December
Christmas Festivities and Santa Visit
Quince Honey Farm, South Molton, EX36 3AZ
www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk
Make the Santa visit extra special with a donkey ride to the Grotto. Be ready with your Christmas present list to give to Santa. Christmas fun at the farm includes a festive Play Hive and plenty of mince pies.
From 2 December
Also 9 and 16 December
All Aboard to visit Father Christmas
Greenway, Galmpton, near Brixham, TQ5 0ES
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Father Christmas will be parking up on his retro 1950’s bus to greet children and share out presents from his sack. Plus, there will be story telling in the House Kitchen with his elves. Call 01803 842382
From 2 December
Also 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December.
Visit Santa at the Victorian Christmas Experience
World of Country Life, Sandy Bay, Exmouth, EX8 5BY
www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
Stroll down the Victorian Street to Santa’s Cottage Workshop to meet the man himself. Receive a special gift, then visit the animals, make a Christmas card with the elves and explore the museum. Booking essential. Call 01395 274533
From 3 December
Also 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Santa in the Caves
Kents Cavern, Torquay, TQ1 2JF
www.kents-cavern.co.uk
Join Santa in this hour long Panto style adventure around the caves. Includes a promenade performance, a visit with Santa and a Christmas present for all children aged 2-12 years. For details call 01803 215136
Friday 3 December
Santa visits Clovelly
5pm
Clovelly, EX39 5TA
www.clovelly.co.uk
Father Christmas will be making a surprise visit to Clovelly.
From Tuesday 5 December
Also 12 and 19 December
Santa visits Totnes
3.30pm to 9.30pm
Market Square, Civic Hall, Totnes, TQ9 5SG
www.totnesnightmarket.co.uk
Visit Father Christmas in his splendid festive grotto as part of the town’s Christmas market. For details ring 01803 863168
From Saturday 9 December
And 10, 16 and 17 December
Father Christmas at Bernaville Nurseries
Bernaville Nurseries, Cowley, Near Exeter, EX5 5EU
www.bernaville.co.uk
Breakfast with Santa – enjoy a cooked breakfast at 9am, then visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift. Plus, from 12.30pm visit Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift. Booking online is essential. For details call 01392 851326
From Saturday 9 December
Also 10, 16 and 17 December
Father Christmas visits Castle Drogo
11am to 4pm
Castle Drogo, Near Drewsteignton, near Exeter, EX6 6PB
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Father Christmas will be making a very special visit to Castle Drogo. Follow the trail through the garden to find him and receive a special present. Cost: £2.50 plus normal admission applies. Call 01647 433306
From Saturday 9 December
Also 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December
Father Christmas visits Knighthayes
Knighthayes, Bolham, Tiverton, EX16 7RQ
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Father Christmas will be handing out presents in the library to the visiting boys and girls. Learn all about Christmas traditions and don't forget to write a letter to the North Pole. For more details call 0344 249 1895
From Saturday 9 December
Also, 10 December
Living Coasts’ Festive Weekend
Living Coasts, Torquay, TQ1 2BG
www.livingcoasts.org.uk
Follow the signs to meet the happy elves, take an 'Eflie Selfie' and receive a prize. Meet Batman, Captain America and Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Watch Santa’s elves feed the penguins and get your face painted. Call 0844 474 3366
From Saturday 9 December
Also 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Santa by Steam
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/santa-by-steam
Enjoy entertainment and refreshments onboard Santa's special grotto train. Each child will be able to meet Father Christmas in his wonderful grotto and collect a Christmas present. All the trains start and finish at Buckfastleigh. Advanced booking is essential. Ring 01364 644370
Sunday 10 December
Santa at Cricklepit
10.30am to 4pm
Cricklepit Mill, Exeter, EX2 4AB
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Pay Father Christmas a visit in his special grotto. Cost: £3 per child and £2 per adult. For details call 01392 279244
From 16 December
Also 17, 18 and 19 December
Father Christmas
Arlington Court, Near Barnstaple, EX31 4LP
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Visit the festive grotto in the stables at the carriage museum and meet the traditional green Father Christmas. Plus, enjoy the festive decorations and be inspired to make your own. Booking essential. Call 0344 249 1895
From 16 December
Also, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Meet Santa at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo, Paignton, TQ4 7EU
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
Meet Santa in his magical cabin and receive a great present. Hop aboard the Christmas train to spot the hidden elves and take the snowball throwing challenge. Pick up some chocolate coins and magical reindeer dust as you leave. Pre-booking is essential. Call 01803 697500
From 16 December
Also 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 December
Pecorama Santa Special
Pecorama, Underleys, Beer, EX12 3NA
www.pecorama.co.uk
Ride on the Pecorama Santa Special before meeting santa in a winter wonderland and receiving a special Christmas treat. Afterwards children can use the indoor soft play area. Cost: £6. Pre-booking strongly advised. Call 01297 21542