7 of the best places to meet Santa in Nofolk in 2024

Here are seven of the best places in Norfolk to meet Father Christmas in 2024. 

1) Santa Special trains

Where: North Norfolk Railway, Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA

The train will run from Sheringham to Holt before stopping at Weybourne Station for a special grotto visit (Image: North Norfolk Railway) Santa Special stream train rides will be running on the North Norfolk Railway every weekend from November 23 to December 15 and then daily between December 20 and 23.

Guests will be able to enjoy a "magical" journey across the entirety of the line from Sheringham to Holt while being served complimentary refreshments by elves.

On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station where guests can then explore a Christmas tree forest before entering the grotto, meeting Santa and receiving their gift.

Tickets range between £26.00 and £33.50 per person depending on the date you travel. 

2) Christmas visits at Bressingham

Where: Bressingham Steam and Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, IP22 2AA

Guests can enjoy a magic show after meeting Santa in Bressingham (Image: Bressingham Steam and Gardens) Christmas visits will be running at Bressingham Steam and Gardens on November 24 and 30 and then every weekend until December 24.

Both Santa and Mrs Claus as well as their elves will all await guests in an "enchanting" grotto with special gifts up for grabs for children aged up to 12 years old.

A variety of Christmas-themed games and activities - including a magic show - will also be available to be enjoyed following their Santa encounter.

Tickets for children aged one and over cost £8 and adults don't have to pay if their child has a ticket.

3) Norwich Puppet Theatre

Where: St James Court, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN

Guests can receive their very own puppet gift from Santa's magic tree at Norwich Puppet Theatre (Image: Simon Finlay)

Father Christmas will be visiting his festive toy workshop at the Puppet Theatre in the run-up to the big day.

Children can visit the spot and choose a puppet gift from his magical tree to take home.

Santa will be at the theatre on selected dates between December 7 and 23 and tickets cost £12 per child.

4) Elveden 

Where: Elveden Courtyard, London Road, Elveden, IP24 3TJ

Santa will be waiting for guests in his cosy log cabin in Elveden Courtyard (Image: Elveden Courtyard) Just across the border in Suffolk, Santa will be in his little log cabin at The Elveden Courtyard every weekend from December 7 to December 22.

He will be there with his mischievous elves between 10.30am and 3.30pm, telling stories of their adventures from the North Pole, taking pictures with his guests and giving out presents.

Tickets cost £10 per child and can be prebooked online.

5) Santa's Magical Journey at Thursford

Where: Thursford Collection, North Lane, Thursford, NR21 0AS 

Santa's Magical Journey boasts multiple festive scenes and plenty of Christmas characters (Image: Thursford Christmas Spectacular) Santa's Magical Journey guides guests down an "enchanting" path jam-packed with quirky Christmas characters from teddy bears to toy-making elves and snowmen before meeting Santa.

After their grotto visit, guests can then enjoy the Lantern Light Extravaganza - the Enchanted Journey of Light - a trail full of luminous sculptures best enjoyed in the dark. 

Tickets cost £23.50 for children and £16 for adults during lighter hours, rising to £29.50 and £23 when it is darker.

Santa's Magical Journey will take place on selected dates between November 23 and December 23.

6) Jarrolds

Where: London Street, Norwich, NR2 1JF 

Children can post a letter to Santa before meeting him in his grotto at Jarrolds (Image: Jarrolds) Father Christmas and his elves will be visiting his new grotto in the toy department on the third floor of the store on weekdays between December 1 and 24.

Children can even post their wish lists in Jarrolds' festive postbox to ensure Santa receives them before Christmas Day.

Those who meet Santa will also receive their very own special gift.

Tickets can be booked for £10 and the department store is also offering a 'Very Festive Breakfast' full of treats which costs £20 per person.

7) Church Farm 

Where: Lynn Road, Stow Bardolph, PE34 3HT

Guests will be able to meet Santa and then enjoy animals in traditional nativity scenes at Church Farm (Image: Church Farm) Church Farm will be hosting its Santa's grotto on selected dates from November 30 to December 23.

Guests will be able to meet Santa before seeing farm animals in traditional nativity scenes, taking photos in Santa's sleigh and browsing a mini festive food market.

The farm's animal encounters and play areas will also be open as usual throughout the event.

Joint tickets for one adult and one child are priced at £31.