Where to meet Santa in Northampton

Santa Claus is coming to town, and there are plenty of chances to enjoy an audience with the man in red…

Rudolph has been in touch with the folks at Northampton BID to confirm that his boss will be bringing his grotto back to the Grosvenor Centre in the town – opening the same day as the lights switch-on event.

Open: From November 23
Book in: discovernorthampton.co.uk/bid-events

At Delapré Abbey in Northampton, the man with the best beard bar none will be set up in his grotto ready to meet and greet kids of all ages.

Each family or group will be given their own private session with Santa, and will receive a special gift personally wrapped by one of his eager elves.

Visitors will also be able to take part in bauble biscuit decorating, and there will be other crafts to get busy with, too.

Open: Every Friday – Sunday, between November 29 & December 22
Book in: delapréabbey.org

Duston Parish Council had a call from Santa, who had such a good time with the team last year, that he has promised to return to them in Northampton this year – leaving Lapland early to visit believers.
Best of all, a meeting with the man at Duston Community Centre is free!

Open: Saturday, November 30, 11am-3pm

Near Daventry, Whilton Locks Garden Centre will be joined by Santa during weekends in December and over the Christmas holidays.
He will be in his grotto meeting children and presenting those on the nice list with a premium gift.

The garden centre will be running special toddler sessions, while the ‘bigger’ true believers are off at school!

A dog most certainly is for life, and not just for Christmas, and at Whilton Locks, our four-legged pals get to enjoy Crimbo too, with special dog friendly grotto sessions – where ‘good boys’ (and girls) will receive their very own pawsome plush gift from Santa Paws. Guaranteed to make them yappy. Erm, we mean happy!

Open: December 1, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 23 &24
Book in: wigv.co.uk

The Grotto will also be occupied at Stanwick Lakes this Yuletide. Children will enjoy a magical visit with the star of the season, and as part of the offering they will make their own natural Christmas decoration before meeting Santa in his traditional barn. There are sessions available for individuals, groups and quiet Santa opportunities.

Open: From November 30, and every weekend from December 14,
then every day until December 23
Book: stanwicklakes.org.uk

Wicksteed Park is offering an outdoor, festive experience which includes the opportunity to have a meet and greet with Santa – the chance to have a natter and share your Christmas wishes with the man in the know. After, children can pop to the Elf Workshop where they can choose their own present.

Santa aside, and you can explore all that the Park has to offer; hop aboard the Wicksteed Railway, which boards from the North Pole Station, of course, and pay a visit to Santa’s reindeer, in addition to all the usual attractions – from visiting the farm animals to playing a game of Crazy Golf.

Open: November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24
Book in: wicksteedpark.org

The Stanwick Lakes Santa Run is set for December 1, and you don’t need to be a Mo Farah in training to partake – this works just as well for those of you wanting to don a silly festive hat and enter into the spirit things, as it does for those of you who are established recreational runners, or competitive sprinters wanting to get an early start on the new year training.
The trail tracks are gentle and the nature reserve will be a picturesque feast for your eyes as your legs take you around the course.
Which one will you sign up for – the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon?

Register at stanwicklakes.org.uk