When does Santa arrive?
Santa arrives on 15th November in spectacular style, joined by all his friends for ‘Santa’s Parade’. The Parade makes its way through the Centre before finishing outside the Grotto.
When do Santa and his elves finish for the year?
This experience closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve - 24th December.
How much does it cost?
Child - £5.00 (including a 50p booking fee). This price includes a wrapped present suitable for the child’s age and gender.
Adult- There is no charge for an adult but a restriction of two adults per child applies.
What will my visit consist of?
As you enter the magical grotto, you will be greeted by our elves who will show you through to the queuing area where you will meet ‘Snow Flake’ the snow princess and her snowy furry friends. There will be fun interactive games to keep you entertained and you can even take the ‘naughty or nice’ test before going through to see Santa to receive your Christmas gift!
Why should I book in advance?
We recommend that you pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment. We anticipate there will be tickets available for some slots on the day, but we cannot guarantee.
If I choose not to book in advance, how can I obtain a ticket?
If you chose not to book in advance, it may be possible to purchase a ticket on the day at the grotto box office however, availability is not guaranteed.
Will I receive a ticket once I have booked?
Yes, you will be emailed an e-ticket if you book in advance either on-line or at the ticket office.
Can I book a special needs group and School party visits?
We welcome pre-booked parties. Please contact our call centre on 0843 178 1305 to discuss your visit and special requirements.
What is involved in your Autism Friendly sessions and how do I book?
Meadowhall are pleased to offer Autism Friendly sessions which are open to all families with children under the Autistic spectrum. Our sessions have been adapted to cater for the needs of these children as well as providing families the opportunity to meet other families who face similar day to day challenges. The grotto will be closed to the general public and opened exclusively to the Autistic community on 27th November at 11am and 11.15am sessions and 28th November 3.45pm and 4.00pm sessions
Please call the grotto call centre to book on 0843 178 1305
When should I arrive?
We recommend that you arrive at the event no earlier than 5 minutes before your pre-booked time slot.
Is there somewhere to put buggies?
There will be an allocated area for buggies. Please note that you leave them at your own risk.
Is there access for wheelchairs?
There is full disability access.
Can we bring food and drink into the Experience?
No. We would ask that you refrain from eating and drinking please.
Can we take photographs?
No, but your magical moment will be captured with professional photography and a memento will be available to purchase including glitter globes, frames and Christmas baubles at the end of the experience.
Where will I find Santa's Magical Kingdom?
Santa's Magical Kingdom is situated outside at the entrance to the Oasis Dining Quarter, but the ticket desk is located inside the centre at the opposite entrance to the Oasis Dining Quarter.
Are there baby change facilities?
Meadowhall provides baby change facilities in all toilets. The closest to Santa's Magical Kingdom are located in the Oasis Dining Quarter.
Will Santa giveaway a toy?
Each paying child receives an age/gender appropriate gift from Santa.
Will my child have a one to one visit or a group visit?
Each child/family with have a personal one to one visit with Santa.
How many people can I book in a ticket?
There is no limit to how many tickets can be booked at once, but we recommend that groups should book via the telephone so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Will Santa be made aware of my child’s disabilities and act accordingly if necessary?
Yes, if you enter the details of your child’s disabilities when booking your tickets, our staff will be made aware.
Have all staff been CRB checked?
Yes, all staff are CRB checked.
Will a photo be taken of my child’s visit?
Yes, a photograph will be taken during the visit with Santa. And customers are advised they are not allowed to take photographs on their own cameras or phones.
You will also be able to re-order photos after the event; you will be given information as to how to do this at the time of purchasing your photo.
Where can I park?
There are 12,000 free parking spaces and direct access via rail, road and tram.
Parking at Meadowhall is free for all customers.
Is there disabled access and parking?
Yes the Santa's Magical Kingdom has disabled access and we have 350 disabled access spaces, please head to the Pink car park for those nearest the Shopmobility Desk outside Marks and Spencer. There are self-drive scooters and wheelchairs available for your use. These can be pre-booked by calling the Meadowhall Careline on 0333 313 2000 before you arrive.
I don't have a car – where is the nearest public transport?
The centre is easy to reach thanks to the Meadowhall Passenger Transport Interchange (PTI).
By Bus - 120 buses arrive here every hour.
By Train - Up to 400 trains come to our interchange.
By Tram - Every 10 minutes a Supertram arrives. Take a look at the Travel South Yorkshire website for times and fares.
