Yorkshire is set to experience an early wave of Christmas cheer this month as popular family attraction, Lotherton, reveals that seasonal sensations Santa and Mrs Claus will return this Festive season, along with a new look Elf Village and North Pole.
From 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, families will make memories to last a lifetime as they enjoy a magical day out at the Edwardian stately home just outside of Leeds, embarking on adventures with fairies, elves and Father Christmas himself.
After a record-breaking start to the festivities last year, Santa’s diary is expected to fill up fast when tickets go on sale on Friday 15 September 2023.
Getting set to once again be the best festive day out in Yorkshire, Mr & Mrs Claus are dusting off their suits and boots, while the elves are busy preparing the festive fairydust and Christmas crafts to enchant and entertain tiny tots and big kids alike.
And this year promises exceptional value and more magic than ever before, with returning favourites and new additions.
Santa and his most trusted elves will take up residence in a truly magical new look snow-filled North Pole. Little ones can adventure through the winter wonderland to find Dizzy Bells in the elf workshop and collect a very special Christmas key for Christmas Eve, they can then visit Pippin McJingles at the mysterious wishing well, before seeing the main man himself.
Santa will be waiting to greet boys and girls, where he will hear their yuletide wishes and give them a special early Christmas present before the big day. Pre-school children will also have the opportunity to visit Santa in his cabin during the day.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of Christmas past in the Hall, being transported back in time to explore the lives of the Gascogine family from the late 1700’s and marvel at the festive finery of an Edwardian Christmas. And family favourite, Mrs Claus will return to the hallowed Hall’s kitchens for dashings of festive fun decorating freshly baked gingerbread, all liberally sprinkled with Christmas cheer.
Venturing outside, festive revellers will quite literally step into Christmas on the mesmerising woodland walk around the Estate’s stunning grounds. Exploring the winding paths filled with twinkling lights and enchanting larger than life installations of Christmas traditions, families will celebrate pulling a giant cracker, racing reindeer, and playing hide and seek amongst towering presents! Tread carefully and they may even hear the fairies giggling and whispering in the enchanted festive Fairy Dell.
No Christmas would be complete without some mischief with the cheeky elves, who will take up residence in the enchanting Elf Village in Lotherton’s stunning grounds.
Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts and make their own reindeer food to take home and sprinkle on Christmas Eve, or be enthralled by a magic show in the Yuletide Yurts while grown ups enjoy a festive tipple.
The Christmas Experience will open on 25 November 2023 and is run by Lotherton and Breeze. There are a number of visit options available, including after school sessions and the chance for pre-school children to visit Santa in his cabin during the day.
Tickets are available now from just £4.75, early booking is essential as spaces are limited and strictly on a pre-booking only, time-slotted system.
Opening times for Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience 2023:
Monday - Thursday - 9.00am - 7pm, last entry 5.30pm
Friday - Sunday - 9.00am - 8pm, last entry 6.30pm unless otherwise specified
Santa visits & Mrs Claus visits available via pre-booked slots only, Elf Crafts booking preferred but can be purchased on the day.
The Christmas Experience and the House will be closed on 25 & 26 December 2023 and 1st January 2024.
Santa and Mrs Claus’ last day at Lotherton is 24 December after which they leave to prepare for Santa’s very important journey around the world on Christmas Eve.
Prices: Full details can be found on the website https://thechristmasexperience.co.uk/pricing/
