Christmas 2022: The best Santa’s caves and festive activities in and around Liverpool, including John Lewis

Christmas is coming and it’s time to start booking festive activities. Santa Claus will be visiting caves all over Merseyside to meet our children and spread the Christmas cheer.

Since Santa is a popular man, most places will ask you to book your visit in advance, so your little ones have the chance to give him their Christmas lists.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, we’ve created a list of the best caves and Christmas experiences in Liverpool and Merseyside.

Families can enjoy three hours of festive fun at Otterspool Adventuresas it turns into a winter wonderland.

Each ticket includes a meet Santa in his grotto, a festive show, gingerbread decorating with Mrs. Claus, and a chance to make a bear with the elves. Plus, there’s an amazing ice rink.

Where: Otterspool Adventure Centre, Otterspool Drive.

When and cost: November 19 and 20: £24.95pp. 26 and 27 November: £28.95. December 3 and 4: £31.95 per person. December 10 and 11: £34.95pp. December 17, 18 and 23: £39.95pp. Christmas Eve: £44.95 per person.

Under 1s cost £15, regardless of session date or time.

Santa’s Experience is a 60 minute trip around the beautiful farm with colorful characters, real reindeer, magical lighting, special effects, farm animals and a very special visit to see Santa Claus.

Each paying child will receive a chocolate gift from Santa Claus, as well as a tractor ride and a trip to the reindeer barn.

Where: Church Farm, Thursaston.

When: Saturday December 3, Sunday December 4, Saturday December 10, Sunday December 11, Saturday December 18, Sunday December 18, Tuesday December 20, Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22.

Cost: Prices vary between £15pp and £17pp depending on the date chosen.

Families can visit Dobbies to enjoy a wonderful Christmas breakfast. Each family can enjoy activities at their table and be visited by Santa Claus himself. The children will also receive a gift from Santa Claus.

Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Speke.

Cost: £13.99 per child and from £7.30 per adult.

Meet Santa Claus in his grotto AND leave with a Lego or Lego Duplo gift.

Where: John Lewis, Liverpool A.

When: Throughout November and December.

Cost: £15 per child plus accompanying adults.

Meet Santa Claus, visit his elves and get a Christmas present.

You can also walk through the winter wonderland, prepare food for the reindeer and help Santa decorate gingerbread cookies.

Where: Farmer Ted, Ormsirk.

When: Throughout the month of December.

Cost: £25 for children up to 13 years old – extra charge for activities.

Meet Santa Claus and receive a Christmas gift, all in the name of charity.

Where: Gordale Garden Centre, Neston, South Wirral.

Cost: £7 per child, £3.50 per infant (under 12 months) and £1 per adult. All profits are donated to the Hospice du Bon Pasteur.

Feed reindeer, watch a performance of Dancing Davina, attend elf school and meet Santa Claus himself. Each child will also receive a cone of sweets and vegan sweets are available.

Where: Shorrocks Hill, Formby.

When: From November 26 to December 10.

Cost: Prices start at £35 for a ticket for two.

Explore the beautiful winter wonderland and meet Santa Claus. Each paying child will also receive a Christmas present.

Where: Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Maghull.

When: From November 26 to December 24.

Cost: £11.99 for children, plus free for two adults and £3 for additional adults. Children under 2 years old are free.

St. John’s Christmas Grotto is the oldest in the world and is enjoyed by families every year. It is expected to open this year, however, details are not yet available.

Where: St John’s Market, Liverpool.

When: Details to be published.

Cost: Details to be published.

Enjoy lunch, hot chocolate and a delicious dessert in New Brighton. Children can meet Santa Claus, listen to a Christmas story and receive a gift.

Where: Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton.

When: From November 19 to December 18.

Cost: Ticket prices start at £12.

Take your puppies to meet Santa, take a photo and receive a doggie goodie bag.

Where: Unit 8, Chalon Way, St Helens.

When: December 18, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: £10 per dog – cash only.

Ten statues will be displayed across the city, and your mission is to find them all. If you manage to find all ten, including their names, post the card with your written answers to Santa’s mailbox in Marble Place for a chance to win an iPad. A digital map should be released in the coming days.

Where: Southport town centre.

When: From November 19 to January 2.

Visit Santa Claus and enjoy a magical day or night at the Knowsley Safari. Book a day experience and spend the whole day exploring Knowsley Safari in winter. Or combine your Santa Claus experience with an Enchanted admission ticket to enjoy the magical trail of Christmas lights.

Where: Knowsley Safari Park

When: From November 19 to December 23.

Cost: Santa’s grotto with photo upload and small gift: £10 per person. Santa’s Grotto with photo upload and premium gift: £18 pp. You will also need to book entrance tickets.

Take the family to the Philharmonic Orchestra for performances of the best children’s Christmas songs, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Even Santa Claus himself will join in the fun!

Where: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

When: December 17 and 18.

Cost: Adult: £30, £19, £1. Child: £19, £15, £11. Prices vary according to dates and times.

Listen to Christmas tales, read by Santa Claus and his elves, as well as some festive carols. Each child takes turns sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus, before receiving a special gift.

The intimate story hour sessions will accommodate 20 children at a time, making it a wonderful and intimate experience.

Where: Liverpool Town Hall

When: From December 3 to December 24.