Where to see Santa in Birmingham and beyond this Christmas 2022: meet Father Christmas at these events

As little ones get ready to send their Christmas lists off to Santa, they might be wondering if they’ve been good enough to take a trip to his magical grotto.

And, with Christmas now in full swing, there are plenty of festive events taking place across Birmingham and beyond, where Santa will be leaving his workshop ready to meet lots of boys and girls on his nice list.

From grotto’s decked out from head to toe, to magical Christmas shows and even story times with Santa, there are so many ways that little ones can meet the man himself.

So if you fancy a festive trip that will be fun for all the family, here are seven places you’re guaranteed to meet the man himself this Christmas!

Sea Life Birmingham

Get ready for the ultimate Christmas adventure this November, as Santa and his Elves are flying back into Birmingham to spread some festive cheer at SEA LIFE Birmingham.

Running from now right through to Christmas Eve, Santa will be setting up camp in the award-winning attraction where guests can enter a glowing grotto full of Christmas spirit.

They’ll have the chance to meet Santa and his Elves, where they’ll receive a special gift and have their photo taken. Guests can also explore the SEA LIFE Centre, where they can marvel at 2,000 amazing creatures, including penguins, sea otters, and more!

To book your trip to see Santa at Sea Life Birmingham click here.

Bullring

Afternoon tea with Santa - Friday 2, 9 & 16 December, plus Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 December 2 – 4pm

Join Santa for a festive afternoon tea. There will be plenty of seasonal recipes and your favourite carols sung by a live choir.

You can book your tickets here and specify any allergies when booking your tickets so your afternoon tea menu is tailored to you. Tickets are £20 per person.

He will also be available at Selfridges onSaturdays and Sundays: 26 & 27 November and 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 December, Thursdays: 1 & 15 December, and Monday 19 - Friday 23 December 2-5pm. No booking needed.

Breakfast with Santa - Saturday and Sundays 3 – 18 December, 9 – 10.30am and 10.30am –12pm

This is a family experience and everyone needs to buy a ticket. It is suitable for children aged 2-10 years. You can state any allergies when booking your tickets and choosing your breakfast menu. If you arrive 10 minutes early you can see Santa’s big entrance.  Tickets are £30 per person and bought as a table. There is a minimum of 2 people per table. Tickets are available here.

The Polar Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to Vintage Trains again in 2022 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ being theatrically re-created so all passengers can enjoy the classic children’s tale. You will get to meet Santa, who will arrive in your carriage and you will receive a magical sleigh bell. They will also be serving hot chocolate and cookies. This amazing train experience starts on November 27.

• Approximate departure and arrival times:

  • Birmingham Moor Street 14:45 returning at 15:45
  • Birmingham Moor Street 16:35 returning at 17:35
  • Birmingham Moor Street 18:25 returning at 19:35
  • Birmingham Moor Street 20:15 returning at 21:15

Tickets start from £29. You can book your tickets here.

Cadbury World

Dive into a chocolatey Christmas this year at Cadbury World, where it’s all hands on deck for Santa and his cheeky elves!

As well as running a pantomime, Cadbury World is welcoming Santa for a festive Storytime.

Packed with magic and festive cheer, five shows will run every day, and each child will receive their very own gift from Santa to take home.

Cadbury World is also hosting Christmas Celebration Weekends in December, where guests can catch Santa in his very own stage show and get involved in a host of chocolate-filled activities, including the attraction’s 4D unique cinema experience.

Tickets to the Santa Show must be pre-booked before your visit.

Find out more about Christmas at Cadbury World by clicking here.

Villa Park

Step into Christmas at Aston Villa Football Club this December, as families are invited to join in at this wonderful time of the year.

On Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December 2022 , Santa and his elves will join for a special buffet breakfast.

Various slots are available to visit Santa, but must be pre-booked in advance alongside tickets. Click here for more details.

Touchwood Shopping Centre

Christmas is back at Touchwood this year, with the Solihull shopping centre going all out to get shoppers into the holiday spirit.

As well as giving you the chance to cross some Christmas shopping off your list with a host of stores offering fantastic gifts for your family and friends, Touchwood has also welcomed Santa and his festive post train back to town. You can also visit the Grinch’s Grotto and other amazing Christmas events planned.

Tickets for both attractions must be booked in advance. Click here for more details.

West Midlands Safari Park

Families can embark on a magical journey this Christmas at West Midlands Safari Park.

The Santa Safari is back for 2022 and it’s set to be a truly festive day out for all the family, running right through to Christmas Eve.

Families will be able to enjoy an enchanting four-mile safari tour before being whisked off to the North Pole to visit Santa in his grotto.

Children can tell Santa what’s on top of their Christmas list, pick their very own present to take home and also enjoy a fantastic range of attractions at the Safari Park, including the unmissable sea lion show!

To book your tickets to see Santa at West Midlands Safari Park click here.

Blakesley Hall

Come along and meet Santa in the Great Hall and see Blakesley dressed for Christmas! Each child gets an activity pack to make a Christmas card at home.

Write a letter to Santa and post it in our Christmas Polar post box. All children receive a small present when meeting Santa.

Family ticket £25 – admits up to 6 people per ticket.

Timeslots available at:11.00am-4.30pm at 10 minute intervals. Book your tickets here.

Winter Funland at NEC

The festive indoor Winter Funland at NEC will have Father Christmas there. You can enjoy 4 hours of unlimited funfair rides, skate on our gigantic ice rink and visit our amazing festival circus – all included in your ticket price.

It’s going to be a complete Christmas experience at the indoor market.

To book, click here.

Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOland

Running from 19th November - 24th December 2022, this LEGO land experience includes a Santa meet up as well.

There are so many magical activities to join in with as well as two awesome rides, lots of LEGO build & play zones and a 4D cinema experience at the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground!

To book, click here.

Erdington

Santa is doing a tour of Erdington starting at the Erdington Fire Station on November 24. The sleigh will visit routes in Erdington, Kingstanding & Wylde Green and details of all the local routes can be found here. You can also see the Erdington’s Lights Switch-on in Central Square, between 4-7pm on November 24, where children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive free gifts.

Meriden

Santa will be visiting Meriden on multiple days and routes. Here is the complete route:

December – Millisons Wood: From 5.45pm. (Albert Road, Grace Road, Bonneville Close, Olympus Close, Daytona Drive, Thebes Close, Armana Drive, Luxor Lane, James Dawson Drive, Main Road)

December 7 – Meriden 1: From 5.45pm. (Maxstoke Lane (The Green), Wyatt Way, Letitia Way, Jubilee Close, Main Road, Strawberry Fields, Glovers Close, Waterfall Close, Main Road, Old Road)

December 8 – Meriden 2: From 5.45pm. (Archery Road, Fillongley Road, Kittermaster Road, Highfield Road, Fillongley Road, Alspath Road, Arden Close, Fairfield Rise, The Croft, Leys Lane, Centenary Drive, St Laurence Close, Mons Avenue, Leys Lane, Fillongley Road)

December 12 – Hampton-in-Arden Lower: From 5.45pm. (Lapwing Drive, Nesfield Close, Corbett’s Close, Hampton Green, Meriden Road, Diddington

Lane, Meriden Road, The Crescent, Old Station Road)

December 14 th – Kingshurst (Routes to be confirmed near the time)

December 15 th – Kingshurst 1 (Routes to be confirmed near the time)

December 16 th – Hampton-in-Arden Upper: From 5.45pm. (Fentham Green, Engine Mews, Fentham Road, Meadow Drive, Fentham Close, Fentham Road, Marsh Lane, Elm Tree Rise, Marsh Lane, Bellemere Road, Solihull Road)

For more information, click here.

Brewers Fayre Great Park

Join Santa on a fun family day at Brewers Fayre Great Park. You can join him for breakfast which is available every Saturday & Sunday in December plus every day from 19th-24th December.

You can also book a 60 minute slot between 9-11:30am. The restaurants with play areas include 30 minutes of play and a meeting with Santa for just £9.99 per child. You can book your visit here.