Subterranean Santa in Gough’s Cave, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Cheddar

Santa’s elves sort children’s letters and make toys in their subterranean workshop – guess who stops by? The elves’ workshop is included in a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket; you pay a £5.99 extra to meet Santa and receive a small gift. Selected dates until 20 Dec and then daily until 24 Dec.

Pinocchio-inspired Father Christmas, Taunton Brewhouse

Wander through a landscape inspired by Pinocchio (which is the panto on at the theatre) filled with giant flowers and colourful fir trees made from recycled stuff, make a tree decoration with a forest elf before meeting the big red man in his Somerset workshop. You get a make-at-home- gift to take away. Selected dates from 4–23 Dec.

Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacey, near Wimborne

Explore the Italianate mansion, each room showcasing tales from around the world, before discovering Santa in a hidden nook for a cosy Christmas story, a gift and a photo opp. Normal admission charges to non-members, plus £25 per child (one adult free per child). Dates left: 30 Nov, 18, 19 & 20 Dec.

Santa – and shop, Milsom Place, Bath

Santa and his elves in a grotto, very handily positioned for the best Bath shopping. Your tenner gives you a 20-min Father Christmas Experience, a meet and greet with the man himself, photo opp, gifts for kids and adults alike. From 28 Nov–24 Dec, although no shows Mon to Weds between 28 Nov and 19 Dec. Got that? Take a look at their website.

Santa in a garden folly at Hestercombe House & Gardens, near Taunton

Follow an elf through the pretty winter gardens to reach Santa in his folly grotto, complete with roaring fire, sparkling Christmas tree and gifts (of course). There’s a garden trail to follow afterwards. Only 30 Nov left.

Santa on a pier and The Grinch grotto takeover, The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare

Step inside an Enchanted Elevator – whatever will they think of next – to take a trip up to Santa’s grotto for a little story time, photo and gift with Santa – or on certain dates – The Grinch. He’s promised to spread Christmas cheer (bring him an onion and you might be lucky). Santa 23 Nov–24 Dec; The Grinch 30 Nov 14, 15 & 21 Dec. Ticket includes entry to the pier.

Father Christmas in a palace, Bishop’s Palace, Wells

Have a mooch around the decorated rooms of the palace, some colouring in before meeting FC in his grotto. You get to see the illuminated trail too. Selected dates in Dec, SEN day 18 Dec.

Santa goes subtropical, Abbotsbury Gardens, near Weymouth

Meet Santa in his cabin and then explore the gorgeous subtropical gardens. Selected dates between 7–23 Dec.

All aboard the Santa Express, West Somerset Railway, near Bishops Lydeard

Through West Somerset’s winter woodlands to Williton and back by festively decorated steam train, with presents and refreshments at your table and Santa along for the ride. Selected dates between 1–24 Dec.

Sparking caves and a Christmas circus at Wookey Hole, near Wells

Caves sparkling with 100,000 tiny lights, a visit to Santa’s North Pole Grotto (and a Ty Toy to take home), a Christmas-themed circus show – and all the other Wookey Hole stuff, including a 4D Christmas film. Weekends from 23 Nov; daily from 21 to 24 Dec.

Santa by starlight, East Somerset Railway, Cranmore

A trip through the dark on the heritage railway all the way to the North Pole Station, where Father Christmas and his elves await. There’s a goody bag for the journey, mulled wine and hotdogs when you arrive at the Pole and gifts from Santa for those who’ve been good. Selected dates 20 Nov–23 Dec.

Adults get a gift too, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol

An interactive experience which starts in the Great Hall of the historic Victorian Manor house and ends with Father Christmas making a surprising entrance and handing out gifts (including something small for adults). Every weekend and selected weekdays from 28 Nov to 23 Dec.

Ho! Ho! Go! Where to meet Santa in Somerset & Dorset

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