If you’ve got children, the run-up to Christmas isn’t complete without a visit to Santa. This guide is for you if you’re looking for the most magical Santa experiences in Sussex. Don’t forget to book tickets in plenty of time and double-check the rules for any place you go to.

Visit Santa At Drusillas

When? 25th November – 23rd December

Where? Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS.

Visit Santa and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at Drusillas Park (near Eastbourne and Brighton) from 19th November to 23rd December 2020. Watch little eyes twinkle with wonder as they experience the glistening magic of Christmas at Drusillas. Come and meet Santa snuggled in his cosy cottage, get nose-to-nose with our cuddly huskies in the Ice Cave, join in with our jolly singing reindeer trio, stroll through twinkling decorations, and marvel at our spectacular 24ft Christmas tree.

Visit Santa’s Grotto at The Tulley’s Christmas Experience

When? 25th November – 24th December

Where? Unit 4 Turners Hill Rd, Crawley RH10 4PE

Undoubtedly one of the most well set-up family-friendly venues in Sussex. This experience has been created by the same award-winning team that bring you the Tulley’s Halloween Festivals and Escape Rooms. The Christmas Experience is set within the beautiful woodland grounds of Tulleys Farm. There is so much incluided in each ticket price, for different ages of children, we love this experience. See more info here.

Visit Santa at The Royal Pavillion

When? Friday 1st Dec 2pm-5pm, Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd Dec 9am-6pm, Fri 8th Dec 2pm-5pm, Sat 9th & Sun 10th Dec 9am-6pm, Fri 15th to Sat 23rd Dec 9am-6pm, Sun 24th Dec 9am to 4pm

Where? The Royal Pavillion, Brighton

Come and meet jolly Father Christmas in his magical grotto as he returns to the Royal Pavilion Estate. Little ones can tell Father Christmas what they’re most looking forward to this Christmas and receive a present.  Forget the queues and long waits, this year you can book a private time slot and enjoy an exclusive experience. For 2024, there are winter wonderland activities for kids to keep everyone happy before or after meeting the man himself.

Christmas at Hever Castle

When? 18 & 19 November, 24, 25 & 26 November, 1, 2 & 3 December & 6 – 24 December

Where? Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Hever always makes the cut for the ‘Santa experiences in Sussex’ guide. There’s so much to choose from! From their Christmas Light Trail to meeting Father Christmas himself. Travel through the land of Christmas, meet cheerful elves and wander along the paths until you get to Father Christmas’ toy workshop to meet the big man himself!

Find out more here.

Fly with Santa on the i360, Brighton

When? Saturday 2nd to Sunday 24th December

Where? BA i360 Brighton

Escape to 450ft above the city with Santa and his Elves in the i360 festive viewing pod this Christmas! Meet Santa’s cheeky Elf Experience hosts before capturing the magic and posing for a photo with the big man himself! At the end of the journey, every child will receive an early Christmas gift from Santa.