Illustration of Santa posing with a family on a bench under string lights for a photographer (Santa's Grotto in the Jellycat Shop)

Santa's Grotto in the Jellycat Shop

Guests step into a festive setting for a personal one-to-one visit with Santa in his charming Grotto. Every guest or child with a full-price ticket receives a special Jelly soft toy to keep as a cuddly memento. The experience takes place in the Jellycat Shop located in the Stable Courtyard.

Map It Details Official site

Advertisement

Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Tickets are from £37.50.

Ages

All ages

Parking

£7.25 per car, pre-booked with your tickets. If you haven’t pre-booked you may be subject to higher charges on the day. Blue badge-holders park for free.

Accessibility

This event is fully wheelchair accessible.

Pets

Dogs on leads are very welcome.

Going?

Location

Castle Howard · Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and personal

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Pre-book your Christmas tickets; all Castle Howard Christmas event tickets must be booked in advance.
  • Arrive at Castle Howard at least 15 minutes before your Grotto entry slot, then meet outside the shop doors 10 minutes beforehand.
  • Add Gardens or House access before checkout if you want to visit them; the Grotto ticket covers the Grotto only.
  • Pre-book parking with your tickets; Blue Badge holders can park for free.
  • Bring proof of eligible carer status if booking a free essential-carer ticket.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free tickets are available for essential carers with appropriate carer status across all dates.
  • Free babe-in-arms tickets are available for babies 12 months and under; they must be booked with a With Gift ticket for the Grotto.
  • Gardens and House access can be added to the Grotto booking before checkout.
  • New for 2026: the Jellycat Shop is open daily.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Grotto booking include?

It includes a one-to-one visit with Santa in the Grotto. Gardens and House access are not included, but can be added before checkout.

How long is the visit with Santa?

Each booking is a 10-minute experience. Meet outside the Jellycat Shop doors 10 minutes before your booked slot.

Does everyone receive a take-home gift?

Every guest or child with a full-price ticket receives a Jellycat toy. Gifts are available for paid tickets only.

Is the Grotto wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Grotto in the Jellycat Shop is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a dog, and where can I park?

Dogs on leads are welcome. Christmas parking is pre-booked with tickets, and Blue Badge holders park for free.

Browse Christmas in York

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.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: