The Big Man has been spotted all over Norfolk, here’s my top spots of where to find Santa’s in Norfolk this year. Is there a Father Christmas near you? let me know in Comments.

Wroxham Barns

 We Visited Wroxham Barns last Saturday if your looking for more than just a chat with the big man this is the place. Its an  immersive and very special ‘Santa Experience’ lasting about 1.40 mins and NO QUEUES!  Our two were enlisted in Elf Academy with some lively North Pole Elves. They enjoying singing, dancing and games. As well as Daddy being pulled up for a bit of audience participation. The Diploma and Elf Hat to take away was a nice touch and there’s Christmas crafts too where the children can decorate a lovely memento to take away. The man in red himself helped out with the crafts and the kids received a lovely gift. As part of the admission price you are free to explore the rest of the farm which is obviously not as busy as summer months but the Animal Nativity Barn is exclusive to the Santa’s experience. The Boy especially enjoyed time with Santa’s real reindeer and donkeys.

Prices range from £10.25 per child (aged 2 and above), from £7.75 for Under 2’s and include all of the above PLUS all-day unlimited access to indoor play and all the other Junior Farm activities. Discounts available for Season Ticket Holders and Adults. I felt this was very reasonable considering you can make a day of it when accompanied by a visit to Wroxham barns shops and crafts.

Roarr Dinosaur Adventure 

As season pass holders we’ve been coming here every year for five years. I can hand on heart say that if you want to meet a proper Norfolk Father Christmas this is where he hangs out. Hes charming and magical with the kids and spends time with them no matter how busy they are. The magical grotto area has had a massive facelift for 2019 and includes some happy elves who take you past their rooms and into the magical lift to meet Santa. All the team are more than happy to pose for photos but there is an option for a Professional one,  which is half price for season ticket holders. I later found out that my nose wasn’t playing tricks on me and the different smells were in fact part of the experience, I liked the peppermint in the ice tunnel.

When and where

Father Christmas will be with them from 11am to 3pm on Saturday’s and Sunday’s over the following weekends: 30th November–1st December, 7th–8th December, 14th–15th December and then every day between the 19th–24th December. It costs just £6.95 per child to visit Father Christmas – and this includes a ROARR-some gift too! They have gifts suitable for different age brackets.Vouchers must be purchased in advance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. You can book online in advance, for your selected date, or purchase tickets/vouchers on admission on the day of your visit £9.95 winter opening price .

Taverham Garden Center 

We live close to Taverham nursery and they always go all out for Christmas in store, lighting, trees gifts and decorations. You name it they have it! They have also got a little elf photo op stand in store as well as their Polar bear bench this year. If you don’t want to have to pre-book your Santa experience this ones for you just turn up on the dates below. Its £10 which includes present and £5 voucher to use in store. We’ve not been to this one yet but his grotto looks cute and great if your already out shopping.

Elveden Forest 

As I’m writing this Ive just checked and Elveden is all booked up this year. I’m still going to add it here as according to my mate Lauren this is where the ‘real’ guy hangs out and shes not easily swayed by a few strategic fairy lights. Oh well maybe next year check out the website though for other seasonal offerings.

Jarrolds 

You’re not a proper Norfolk girl if you don’t love Jarrolds and it seems year on year they just keep getting better with their products and services. Its like the Harrods of Norwich. Ive been told Since the 1880s Father Christmas has paraded through Norwich city center on his way to take up residence at Jarrolds until he has to leave on Christmas Eve. We’ve been to see Father Christmas here a couple of times and there’s always a lovely gift. Its just £5 PER CHILD which is available from the car till on floor 3 and hes
in store every day from Sunday 24 November until Christmas Eve!

Thursford

Santa’s Magical Journey at Thursford is back you cannot deny the place is absolutely beautiful we visited a few years ago with The Boy and it was a lovely day out. Your journey takes you past the penguins and polar bears to see all the giant sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh, past the busy elves, hard at work in the toy factory taking in the wonderful wrapping machine. I also really like that they have included a relaxed morning for children with additional needs.

Do you feel a ‘BUT’ coming? Well there is, it’s the price. At £18.50 for Children and £11.50 for children its a massive wedge. You must book and they didn’t like us taking a photo at the end as they sell professional ones at an additional cost. In my opinion its lovely but overpriced!

Bure Valley Railway 

Another local attraction to me is the fabulous Bure Valley Railway you can Roll up to Santa’s Grotto, at the station which is always festively decorated. You receive a personalised Christmas present from Santa as well as entertainment and festive refreshments. Its a 45 min Train Journey (each way) and 1 hour 30 mins at Santa’s Grotto (approximately). Which is a lot of bang for your buck. Although we have not done the Santa trip in the last few years we do the Spooktacular express so can vouch that the kids will have a great time on the mini railway. Tickets are £17 each.

Banham zoo 

Every Saturday evening each Saturday evening from 30th November to 21st December the zoo will stay open until 7.00pm for our visitors to enjoy The Snowman™ and The Snowdog Official BRICKLIVE Tour under their festive illuminations. The Boy is desperate to go to this one as he’s Lego mad. As Roarr season ticket holders we also get money off our Banham Zoo admission I just hope we can squeeze it in.  Father Christmas is also in residence in his Workshop a voucher to visit Father Christmas is £6.95 per child, in addition to standard Zoo Admission charge

Notcutts Garden Center

Another great Garden center this time in central Norwich. This grotto is more likely to be busy so do book in advance, I couldn’t bare hearing that your little ones have been dissapointed. The restaurant at Notcutts is always a good shout too as is the free Zoo as we like to call it. Tickets are from £7.50 – £9.50 depending on when you visit and hes in store daily until the 24th. All children will receive a Christmas gift, personally given to them by Santa himself. They also do a Santa breakfast and Tea, check their events page for more details.

Strangers Hall

I wouldn’t be a very good ambassador for Norfolk Museums if i didn’t mention the fabulous Strangers Hall. I think every local school child has enjoyed trips here. On Saturdays 1, 8, 15 and 22 December father Christmas and his friendly elves will be visiting too from 10am-4pm. Children will meet the man himself in his workshop –  and receive a gift, and a chance to snap a Santa selfie.
You can meet Father Christmas only, or include a visit to the museum where the magic of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas awaits you…
Stroll around the halls to take in the splendid interiors, bedecked with traditional greenery, decorations and trees. See the stockings “hung by the chimney with care” and seek out Chris Mouse and his furry friends hidden around the museum. 
Meet costumed characters, join in with festive preparations in the kitchen and immerse yourself in Victorian entertainment in the undercroft; along with storytelling and Christmas crafts. Don’t forget to take a peek at Father Christmas’s sleigh too, tucked away in the coach-house. 
A magical Christmas scene greets you in the front courtyard, then make your way to the wintry garden where you can sup warming punch and try seasonal treats.

(source: Norfolk museums)

Tickets are available on the door for all dates,
Father Christmas only – Child £8 (accompanying adult free)
Father Christmas + Museum entry – Child £10
Museum entry – Adult £5.20
Museum entry – Concession £4.95

Have lots of festive fun Crumblers!