Meet Santa in Chesterfield
The bells are jingling so it’s time to book your most magical meeting of the year – Santa Claus is coming to town!
If you’re looking for somewhere special to meet Santa in Chesterfield, we’ve put together our top list of places he will be visiting across the town.
From twinkling grottos to festively adorned canal boats, festively spiced breakfasts or even steaming vintage trains, there’s a brimming stocking full of events to choose from. Grab your letter, seal it with a kiss and hand it to the Big Man himself!
Santa’s Grotto
New for 2026, Santa’s Grotto will be jingling into New Square from 27th November – 24th December. A cosy cabin adorned with twinkling lights and festive features, this brand-new seasonal experience is a treat for families and furry friends alike!
Children will have the chance to meet Santa and receive a special gift suitable for their age, along with a magical wishing coin to take home. Capture the moment with your own photographs, or choose to purchase a professional image of your unique visit.
Open to all the family, the grotto is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved four-legged Fidos to meet Santa too – have they made the nice list or did their shoe-chewing antics earn them a spot on the naughty list…?!
Booking, including relaxed SEN sessions, can be made by visiting www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/ChesterfieldMarket
This event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Santa Special Cruises
Santa will be jumping on board two of Chesterfield Canal’s most legendary vessels this Christmas season, from Saturday 28th November to 23rd December.
Treating children and adults alike to a festive cruise to remember, the Santa Special Cruises will welcome Santa Claus on board two decorated boats, taking a 30 minute trip down the canal.
In addition to meeting the jolly man himself, all children will receive a special gift and sweets, with adults enjoying a seasonal drink and mince pie.
The Santa Special Cruises run from either Tapton Lock or Hollingwood Hub at various times. Tickets can be purchased online at https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-special-cruises/
Puffin’ Billy Santa Train Rides
Join Santa as he trades his sleigh for Puffin’ Billy, Queen’s Park’s very own miniature train.
Santa himself will be driving the festively adorned train as it chugs its way around the track. All young riders will receive a special prize or sweet treat.
There’s no need to book, just come along to the station at Queen’s Park miniature railway to wait for your departure.
The Santa rides will be running throughout the day on Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December.
Santa at Matlock Farm Park
Santa’s sleigh will be making an extra special visit to Matlock Farm Park this year, with two opportunities to meet the man himself!
Breakfast with Santa – Settle in for a festive breakfast in the cosy café, where St Nick will join diners at their tables for an individual chat. Every child will receive a gift, then can gather with Mary Christmas to enjoy a festive story. Available on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December.
Santa’s Grotto Experience – Step into a world of festive fun, beginning in the Christmas Craft Workshop. Visitors can meet Chief Elf, write a letter to Santa and post it in the magical North Pole Post Box, before creating a beautiful keepsake to take home. Experience the Naughty or Nice-O-Meter, then continue through the sparkling Ice Tunnel to the enchanting grotto. Meet Santa, share Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Available on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December.
A Relaxed Santa’s Grotto Experience is also available for those with additional needs, offering a personalised approach, calmer setting and one-to-one small animal petting. Available on 29th November and 18th December.
All Christmas events must be pre-booked, and include access to the rest of the farm park for the rest of the day. Book online at https://matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
Breakfast with Santa at Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa
Santa will be flying in to Ringwood Hall Hotel on the 5th, 12th, 19th and 24th December, when he hosts Breakfast with Santa from 10:00am until 12:30pm.
Families can enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast, before visiting Santa in his magical grotto. Expect plenty of festive photo opportunities, jolly children’s disco, exciting games and fun quizzes!
Find out more and how to book at ringwoodhallhotel.com/christmas/breakfast-with-santa/
Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth
Father Christmas and his elves have taken time out of their busy schedule to drop into the festive farmyard at Chatsworth for Storytime. In Oak Barn, Father Christmas will be sharing one of his favourite seasonal stories with young visitors at various times throughout the day, with the opportunity to meet the man himself and take a photo.
Afterwards, make some reindeer food with the elves, ready to leave out on Christmas Eve, before receiving a small gift to take home.
Relaxed sessions are also available for children with autism or special educational needs. All tickets include access to the farmyard and adventure playground, as well as a hot drink voucher for adult ticketholders. Storytime will be available from Friday 18th to Wednesday 23rd December, with British Sign Language interpretation available at the session on Monday 21st December and a relaxed session taking place on Monday 21st December at 10:15am and Tuesday 22nd December at 2:00pm.
Book tickets online at https://www.chatsworth.org/events/storytime-with-father-christmas/
