Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas
Visitors can browse gifts at the marquee craft market and enjoy free showings of The Sleigh Incident alongside impromptu variety acts from local singers, dancers, and actors. Children can explore funfair rides in the arena and visit Santa in a cosy grotto setting or for an enchanting group storytime. Festive food stalls serve seasonal favourites including Yorkshire pudding wraps, and families can tackle an actor-led escape game.
What to Expect
Free festive event featuring craft markets, shows, and Santa grottos.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (babies under 1 free)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Crawley Borough Council
Food & Drink
Yorkshire pudding wraps return alongside the event’s other usual festive food options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry.
- Hours: 10am to 6pm for all dates.
Tips & Advice
- Book Santa's Grotto or Storytime with Santa as early as you can, because Santa tickets must be bought in advance and are expected to sell out quickly.
- Choose Storytime with Santa if your children want more time with him and individual photos, or the Grotto for a shorter, more personal visit.
- Keep the Tilgate Zoo voucher each child gets from Santa, because it gives discounted zoo entry and stays valid until 28 February 2027.
- Visit the zoo earlier in the day, because it closes well before the Christmas event and hosts festive animal talks through the day.
- Keep an eye out for wreath workshop and escape room bookings, because both are booked separately and their booking had not opened yet.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: The Sleigh Incident, a free show four times a day in the marquee, featuring the elves Nistle and Nostle.
- Christmas wreath-making workshops on 11 or 12 December in The Barn next to the zoo, booked separately.
- An actor-led family escape game by Plot Twist Events, booked separately through Plot Twist Events.
- New children's funfair rides join the arena line-up for 2026.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book to see Santa?
Yes. Entry to the event is free, but Santa visits need tickets bought in advance, and they are expected to sell out quickly.
What's the difference between Storytime with Santa and Santa's Grotto?
Both are grotto visits where children meet Santa and get a gift. Storytime is a shared group session with more time, a story and individual photos afterwards. Santa's Grotto is a more traditional, private visit, but shorter.
What is there for children to do?
Children can ride the funfair rides in the arena, which have some new additions for 2026. They can also watch the free show The Sleigh Incident in the marquee and catch the variety acts by local performers each day.
What food is there?
There are festive food stalls, and the Yorkshire pudding wraps are back again along with the usual favourites.
Can we visit Tilgate Zoo on the same day?
Yes. The zoo is open during the event and has festive animal talks through the day. You can book zoo tickets online or buy them at the door, but the zoo closes earlier than the Christmas event.
More Christmas Events Near Crawley
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.