Where to meet Father Christmas in Sussex
From a quick grotto visit to a full morning of elves, workshops and a personalised meeting with Father Christmas, Sussex has a wide range of Santa experiences. We have compared what each one includes, who it suits and what it costs, using the organisers' own published details.
Prices vary a lot because some experiences include a gift, activities and several hours of entertainment, while others are a short visit. Compare what is included as well as the headline price.
5 events we have checked
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Christmas at Drusillas
Drusillas Park, Alfriston · 21 November to 23 December 2026
Drusillas adds a festive layer to its family zoo, with Santa in his cottage, a singing reindeer trio and a 24ft Christmas tree. The Santa Experience includes a one-to-one visit, a photo opportunity and a gift.
- Price:
- From £19.50
- Ages:
- Santa tickets are only needed for children meeting Santa. Under 2s with older siblings can go in free without a gift.
- Dates:
- Christmas season 21 November to 23 December 2026. Santa visits weekends only from 21 November to 13 December, then every day from 14 to 23 December.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Tulleys Christmas Experience
Tulleys Farm, Near Crawley · 21 November to 24 December 2026
A full Christmas day out on Tulleys Farm, with a tractor sleigh ride to Father Christmas, shows, crafts and a real ice rink. Allow four to five hours to do everything.
- Price:
- Prices are shown at booking. The Santa Experience ticket includes the sleigh ride to Father Christmas and all activities except ice skating, which is extra. A Mother Christmas ticket covers the other activities and a toy workshop gift but not the sleigh ride.
- Ages:
- Children must be with an adult over 18. Babies under 1 are free without a gift; a tiddler ticket adds one.
- Dates:
- 21, 22, 28 and 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026. Open 8.45am to 6pm or 8.45am to 4pm depending on the date.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasHeritage railways
Bluebell Railway Santa Specials
Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park station, Sheffield Park · 28 November to 24 December 2026
A festive steam train ride from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, where Santa hands every child a collectable toy. Activity packs wait at your seats, and tickets include the Christmas Fair at Horsted Keynes with classic fairground rides.
- Price:
- From £10
- Dates:
- 28 and 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026. Departures at 10am, 11.05am, 1pm and 2.05pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
A Family Christmas at Borde Hill
Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath · 5 December to 3 January 2027
Borde Hill's garden turns festive for December, with a Christmas story trail and letters to Santa for children. Booked grotto sessions start with Elf Training Camp before a visit to Santa in the decorated Garden Marquee.
- Price:
- From £19
- Ages:
- Christmas trail for ages 3 to 8.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, 10am to 3.30pm; closed 24 to 28 December. Santa's Grotto on 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 23 December.
Questions people ask
What age is a Santa experience best for?
Each experience sets its own recommended ages, and many are aimed at primary school children and younger. We show the organiser's recommended age range on each listing where it is published.
Do adults need a ticket?
Often yes. Many experiences charge separately for adults and children, and some include a gift only with a child ticket. Check the booking page for the exact ticket types.