Where to find a Santa in York
Father Christmas can be found in lots of place in York this year.
I’m not sure how this works but Santa seems to be appearing at a variety of places in York.
I’m starting to think that he may not be real. I spoke to my wife and she says that he is very magical and can appear in lots of places at once. So, as the festive season is nearly upon us (my Sainsbury’s local has mince pies and chocolate bunnies). I thought I should tell you where you can find Santa this year.
So, here’s a few places where you can find the man in red:
Santa’s Grotto at Beetle Bank Open Farm
Visit Santa in his magical grotto at Beetle Bank Open Farm. Each child gets time with Santa and an early Christmas present.
• Location: Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
Storytime with Father Christmas at Beningbrough Hall
Join Father Christmas in the Victorian laundry at Beningbrough Hall for a new tale, ‘Shrunk in the Wash.’ This group experience includes storytelling, a chat, and a gift from Santa, plus a festive photo.
• Location: Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard
Christmas songs and a bit of time with Santa, with each child receiving a gift. The ticket includes access to ‘Alice’s Christmas Wonderland’ in the main house and the gardens
.
• Location: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Enjoy a short show by Story Craft Theatre before meeting Santa in his grotto at the Castle Howard Boathouse. Each child receives a gift, and the ticket includes access to the gardens.
• Location: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
York’s Santa Experience with City Cruises
Embark on a cruise along the River Ouse with Santa aboard City Cruises. Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto and enjoy the festively adorned boat with Santa’s elves.
• Location: The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DP
Dobbies Santa’s Grotto
Experience a Little Seedlings train-themed journey at Dobbies Garden Centre, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa. Children receive a gift after sharing their Christmas wishes.
• Location: Dobbies York, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton, North Yorkshire, YO26 6QE
If you are coming to York and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
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This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.