Santa is loading his sleigh, and he won't be late! To celebrate this Christmas in style, we've compiled the top places in Medway to catch Santa on his travels!
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like taking your children to see Father Christmas in his twinkling Santa’s grotto. You don't have to travel too far to see the great man himself, as there are plenty of magical experiences available nearer home. And this year, he has recruited the help of Mrs. Claus and her elves to give him a hand to bring Christmas joy to Medway.
Make sure you book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment!
Tucked just behind our new run of stalls in Rochester Christmas Market, under the impressive silhouette of Rochester Castle Keep, Mrs Claus and some of Santa’s most trusted elves have been busy working hard to bring a tiny slice of Christmas splendour to share with children aged 4 to 11 years old.
On arrival, children and their adults will be greeted by Santa’s elves, who will guide them to Mrs Claus’ snug, where they will be told a magical Christmas story. They will then visit the elves’ workshop. With the help of the elves, they will choose and decorate a Christmas tree decoration to sprinkle with some Christmas magic to take home with them.
Finally, they will enter Mrs Claus’ kitchen, where the elves are baking up a storm of gingerbread people, ready for the children to decorate with their choice of toppings, to then be wrapped and taken away for a festive treat. Tickets £10 per child (4-11 years). Click here for more details and to book.
It just wouldn't be Christmas without a few traditions.
From Monday, 18 to Saturday, December come along to Eastgate House and listen to stories about the mice that live in the house with Father Christmas dressed in his green robes. You may even discover why he is dressed in Green!
No pre-booking is required and the admission fee includes visit to the house.
The FREE SANTA'S GROTTO in Eastgate Christmas Village IS BACK!
Last year, the businesses in the Eastgate Quarter came together to provide a FREE visit to see Santa for children across Medway.
This year, they're doing it again - providing 500 children with the opportunity to see Santa FREE OF CHARGE.
If you do wish to leave a donation, we will have a collection bucket for The Rochester Christmas Lights Legacy Fund at the exit door to the Grotto. If you would like to contribute to the fund that secures Christmas lighting in our High Street into the future, you can. For more information, click here.
Discover the heavily guarded secret at The Historic Dockyard this Christmas.
On selected dates between Saturday, 25 November until Sunday, 24 December visitors can join a magical, interactive journey into Santa's substation, hidden deep in The Historic Dockyard, and uncover the secrets of how every child is found on Christmas Eve.
Mission Christmas is a Christmas experience unique to The Historic Dockyard Chatham. The family-friendly experience, created within the historic Mast House and Mould Loft, takes children into the secret location used by Father Christmas, his raindeer, and elves as a navigation centre to plot the locations of any child not at home on Christmas Eve.
Discover the secret by booking your slot online.
Climb aboard our Santa Safari, we will whisk you away through the zoo and down to our magical winter wonderland where you can meet the main man himself, Father Christmas.
Have you been good this year? If so, he may just have a present for you. Your Santa Safari ticket includes admission to the Fenn Bell Zoo!
For bookings visit the Fenn Bell website.
This year, Fenn Bell will be hosting a whole day dedicated to SEN Children. This day has been created to offer an inclusive and relaxed experience for SEN children. Throughout the day will have quieter music and no over stimulating acting from our elves. We are aware that not all guests will be comfortable going on the Safari ride, let the elves on the day know and they can escort you to the Grotto. To book you SEN Safari tickets, click here.
Christmas on the farm is a magical time.
Our Christmas experience lasts around 40 minutes during which you can meet, feed and pet our wonderful, friendly alpacas before heading into the grotto to meet Santa where your child will receive a special gift.
Adults will receive mulled wine and mince pies!
For bookings and more details, click here.
Discover how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War at The Royal Engineers Museum on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 November.
Immerse yourself in the festivities and get a vintage makeover, watch live demonstrations or browse the market for festive handicrafts and last minute treats.
You could even learn to Lindy Hop before a trip to meet Sapper Santa in his grotto and workshop.
For more details and to book, click here.
On Saturday, 11 November, Santa will take up residence in his traditional grotto outside M&S at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
The grotto will be open every day until Christmas Eve.
Entrance to the grotto to visit Santa costs from £6 per child and includes a wrapped gift.
To book your slot, click here.
The magic of Christmas is heading into town on Saturday, 18 November at 12pm. We're rolling out the red carpet for Santa and the stars of this year's Central Theatre Pantomime, 'Aladdin'.
Witness the sparkle of the season come to life with Santa and his entourage, including festive friends and enchanting characters, parading down the High Street. It's more than a parade; it's a start to our festive season!
Santa's log cabin will be magically transported to the Pentagon Shopping Centre, where he will be in residence from Sunday, 19 November. Then every weekend till Christmas.
Bookings slots now available until Christmas Eve. Tickets from £7.
If you wish to come and see Santa, please click here and book a slot.
Santa is coming back to Elm Court this year! To make your visit to the Grotto more special, why not visit the Christmas shop?
Santa’s elves will lead you on a fun journey through our Winter Wonderland to find Santa. After your chat with Santa, his elves will take you to his toy shop, where you can select a gift. Each session lasts approximately 25 minutes.
To book your visit, click here.
Join us this December for a truly magical Christmas at our Skate and See Santa event.
Explore Santa's enchanting realm at Planet Ice. You will see Santa and his elves, receive a special gift and enjoy a corresponding public skating session.
Santa and his elves will be at Gillingham's Planet Ice every weekend from Saturday 2 December from 11am until 4pm and then every day from Thursday 21 December until Christmas Eve.
To book your slot, click here.
Santa's sleigh will be making its way around the streets of Medway before children are tucked up in their beds this Christmas Eve.
The annual fundraising event by the Rotary Club of Gillingham will be visiting soon. Every year Father Christmas tours the streets of Gillingham and Rainham on his brightly lit up float, bringing delight to youngsters.
Rotary members will be rattling their collection buckets as they go, to raise money for local good causes.
More details on the route and timings will be published shortly.
Fancy helping to raise money for local charities this Christmas?
This year the Rotary Club of Medway is pleased to invite participation in the 5km / 10km / Santa Fun Run around the ancient Chatham Historic Dockyard.
The backdrop to all these events combines the River Medway and the ships and buildings that did so much to make Britain great.
The event will take place at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on Sunday, 3 December.
When Mrs. Claus' back is turned, can you find her naughty elves and tell us what they have been doing in the Guildhall Museum?
You can also write a letter to Santa for the elves to take back to the North Pole.
For dates, times and further information, click here.
Once you've discovered where to see Santa, why not visit our Christmas in Medway page to find out more things to see and do during this festive period.
