Christmas grottos are taking place in and around Merseyside this festive period
Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts Winter Wonderland features a grotto experience
There are plenty of Christmas events taking place in and around Liverpool this festive period. From markets to pantomimes, families can enjoy a variety of Christmas activities this year. One activity that will be on many family’s calendars is a visit to see Father Christmas.
Fortunately, the region has lots of venues offering children the chance to see if they’re on the naughty or nice list and tell Santa what they want this Christmas.
Below the ECHO has rounded up some of the Christmas Grottos in and around Liverpool in 2025.
Croxteth Park Farm Grotto
Visitors to the Croxteth Park Farm grotto will get to meet Santa and his friends. Visits include farm entry, meeting Santa, a gift and time in its new indoor farm barn play area with a bouncy castles.
Start date: November 29
Address: Main Car Park off Muirhead Avenue, L11 1EH
Booking information: Here
Dobbies
From Saturday, November 23 until Christmas Eve, visitors will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies. Visitors will be welcomed by Santa’s elves before they’re taken on a North Pole adventure. This will take place at the Dobbies stores in Speke and Southport.
Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself. The experience will have photo opportunities and every child will receive a wrapped gift suitable for their age.
Start date: November 23
Address: 1a Speke Hall Avenue, Liverpool , L24 1UX / Benthams Way, Birkdale, Southport , PR8 4HX
Booking information: Here
Gordale Charity Santa’s Grotto
Gordale’s Charity Santa’s Grotto 2025 is operated by the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, who will receive 100% of the ticket price. The Christmas event starts on Saturday, November 29 and runs until Tuesday, December 23.
Start date: November 29
Address: Chester High Road, Burton, Wirral, CH64 8TF
Booking information: Here
Gulliver’s World
Gulliver’s World will transform for the Christmas period with plenty of festive events planned for families to enjoy. From November 15 to December 24, families can experience the Santa’s Enchanted Elevator, an immersive experience to enter Santa’s grotto.
After entering the ‘elevator’, families will get a view through its windows of the North Pole and arrive right outside his home where they will get to meet him. Other packages are available.
Start date: November 15
Address: Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
Booking information: Here
John Lewis Liverpool
John Lewis in Liverpool One will run its Christmas grotto from Saturday, December 13 until Christmas Eve. Children will get the chance to meet Santa, “share Christmas dreams and wishes,” before receiving a special LEGO set to take home.
The Liverpool ONE store will also run its Santa Paws grotto, where the store’s dog-friendly Santa will meet your four-legged friend. This experience is currently sold-out.
Start date: December 13
Address: 70 South John St, Liverpool L1 8BJ
Booking information: Here
Otterspool Adventure The North Pole Adventure
Visitors to The North Pole Experience will enjoy up to three hours of festive activities plus unlimited play on the venue’s ice rink. The experience includes lots of magical experiences such as the Snowtrail Express, where visitors will journey back in time at Liverpool Victoria Railway Station.
They’ll also visit the Elf Workshop, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen and Father Christmas’ Grotto. Children will pick out a special toy to take home from Santa’s Toy Shop.
The experience runs from Saturday, November 22 until Christmas Eve.
Start date: November 22
Address: 37 Otterspool Drive, Liverpool, L17 5AL
Booking information: Here
Santa’s Secret Forest
Santa’s Secret Forest, a new immersive Christmas experience located in Hightown, will span across 40 acres of woodland. The festive attraction will take visitors on a magical journey through Santa’s Christmas Hub – a 2,700sqm interactive walkthrough experience with 10 immersive rooms.
After embarking on the magical journey, visitors will arrive at Santa’s home where they can share wishes and take a photo.
Santa’s Secret Forest will open on Friday, November 21 and run until Wednesday, December 24. General admission tickets which include the light trail and Christmas Hub start from £34 plus booking fee.
Start date: November 21
Address: Santa’s Secret Forest, Orrell Hill Lane, L38 5DA
Booking information: Here
Sefton Meadows Garden Centre Christmas Grotto
The Christmas grotto at Sefton Meadows Garden Centre is open daily from Saturday, November 22 until Christmas Eve. The garden centre will also host breakfast with Santa sessions and have a 4D VR Sleigh Ride.
Start date: November 22
Address: Sefton Lane, Maghull, L318BT
Booking information: Here
The Liverpool Winter Festival
A huge new festival will arrive in the city next week. The Liverpool Winter Festival will take place at the Pier Head from Friday, November 21 until Monday, January 5 with markets, ice skating, a GRINCHMAS grotto takeover and Christmas tales with Santa.
The magical Christmas event will be in front of the stunning backdrop of the Three Graces and city’s waterfront. There is set to be a 65m star flyer offering incredible views of the city centre and neighbouring River Mersey.
Start date: November 21
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP
Booking information: Here