Arrival of Santa
Visitors can watch Santa make a grand entrance down Lime Tree Avenue in a parade featuring the Rother Valley Working Newfoundlands and elves. Families can enjoy a vintage funfair with attractions like the Sea on Land ride, Hook-a-Duck, and a penny arcade, alongside live music and a character sing-along show. A variety of festive food and drink is available across the grounds, including stone-baked pizza, hot chocolate, street food, and mulled wine.
What to Expect
Welcome Santa with a festive parade, vintage funfair rides, and live entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Food & Drink
Event food and drink includes hot chocolate at the Coach House Café, treats at the Mill Tea Shop, stone-baked pizza, mulled wine, and street food.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry; parking charges apply.
- Hours: 10am–4pm each day; Santa’s Parade: 12:00pm; Children’s Musical Performance: 2:15pm–3:00pm; Meet and Greet: 3:00pm; other entertainment ongoing throughout the day.
- Parking: Parking charges apply; early arrival is recommended.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early because parking charges apply and the event page recommends an early arrival.
- Bring wish lists and cameras to capture Santa’s parade and a photo by the Courtyard Christmas tree.
- Use bus service 33 or the Sherwood Arrow, which stop near the end of the main drive.
- Plan around the noon parade and the afternoon children’s show and meet-and-greet to catch the main moments.
- Dress for outdoor conditions so you can comfortably enjoy the parade and fairground attractions.
Special Events & Promotions
- Entry is free.
- Santa’s parade and meet-and-greet take place on both event days.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event suitable for children and families?
Yes. The event is described as a celebration for all ages and families, with a children’s musical performance and a Santa meet-and-greet.
What can visitors do at the event?
Watch Santa’s parade, enjoy vintage fairground attractions, see the musical performance, meet Santa and catch live music and entertainment.
What food and drink are available?
The Coach House Café serves hot chocolate, the Mill Tea Shop offers sweet and savoury items, and vendors serve stone-baked pizza, street food and mulled wine.
Is parking available, and how can visitors arrive without a car?
Parking charges apply, and early arrival is recommended. Bus services 33 and the Sherwood Arrow stop near the end of the main drive; the nearest train stations are Mansfield, Newark and Nottingham.
What happens during Santa’s visit?
Santa arrives in a parade led by local voluntary groups, including the Rother Valley Working Newfoundlands and elves. Visitors can meet him after the children’s musical performance.
More Christmas Events near Mansfield
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