Storytime with Father Christmas - Relaxed Session
Children gather for a festive story with Father Christmas, take photos, and help elves make reindeer food. Designed for small groups, this relaxed session features reduced background music and lower lighting levels. Each child receives a small gift, and tickets include admission to the farmyard and adventure playground for the day.
What to Expect
Autism-friendly festive storytime with Father Christmas and elves in the farmyard.
Event Details
Food & Drink
Adult ticket holders receive a hot drinks voucher, redeemable at a Chatsworth catering outlet.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Autistic children and children with special educational needs, with their families
Vibe
Quiet, festive, supportive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: £23 per child; £19 per adult. All children aged 1–16 years require a ticket.
- Hours: Monday 10.15am; Tuesday 2pm.
- Parking: Tickets include parking for one vehicle per transaction. The page advises allowing plenty of time to travel to Chatsworth and reach the farmyard, and notes that Christmas parking arrangements may differ from usual.
- Accessibility: Oak Barn is on the farmyard's upper level and accessible via lift, with accessible toilets available.
Tips & Advice
- Meet at the farmyard entrance 10 minutes before your session; latecomers may not be admitted and refunds are not given.
- Allow plenty of time to travel to Chatsworth and reach the farmyard, as Christmas parking arrangements may differ from usual.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes or wellingtons, and bring access to a torch.
- Check the farmyard's opening and last-entry arrangements so you have enough time to use the included admission.
- Email the farmyard team beforehand if a description of the setting or session structure would help your child prepare.
Special Events & Promotions
- Relaxed, small-group, autism-friendly sessions with reduced music and lighting run on 21 and 22 December for autistic children or children with special educational needs and their families.
- Father Christmas leads the storytime on 21 and 22 December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the relaxed session intended for, and what ages need tickets?
It is for autistic children or children with special educational needs and their families. Every child aged 1–16 needs a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
What happens during the session?
Children hear a festive story with Father Christmas, have a photo opportunity, make reindeer food with the elves and receive a small gift suitable for children up to age 11.
What is included with admission?
Tickets include farmyard and adventure playground entry on the visit day, a hot drinks voucher for adult ticket holders and parking for one vehicle per transaction.
How does the relaxed setting differ?
The session has fewer tickets and a smaller group, with reduced background music and lighting to support a quieter visit.
How can visitors prepare for accessibility needs?
The session is in Oak Barn on the farmyard's upper level, accessible by lift, and accessible toilets are available. Email the farmyard team about access, the session setting or a carer ticket.
More Christmas Events near Derby
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