Elf Training:

As you enter the Grand Hall, the castle sparkles with twinkling lights and the sound of joyful singing and dancing. The air is filled with the sweet scent of Christmas cocoa and freshly baked cookies, welcoming every guest into a world of Christmas wonder.

Guided by Santa’s cheerful, twinkling elves, young adventurers discover magical surprises around every corner of the castle. In the Toy-Making Workshop, little helpers add finishing touches to gifts destined for children all over the world. Ribbon curls, glitter sparkles, and every tiny hand contributes to bringing Christmas magic to life.

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In the Music-Making Room, Santa’s extraordinary music machines spring to life, filling the air with sparkling notes. Children join in a special Christmas music spell, creating melodies that dance like snowflakes around the room.

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Nearby, the Enchanted Wishing Tree glows softly, inviting children to whisper their wishes for themselves and for others. Fairies flit through the branches, catching wishes in their shimmering wings, while the cheerful robin flits about, carrying tiny sparks of magic on every flutter.

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When you arrive, each child is presented with their very own Elf Wellbeing Journal, a special companion for the day’s adventure. Through playful, sparkly activities, little elves explore kindness, creativity, and joy, earning a special elf stamp along the way. The journal is theirs to take home, so the magic can continue long after the castle gates close.

The journey leads to the glittering Ballroom, where Santa, Tinsel, and their merry friends host a lively Elf Training Show. Laughter, applause, and twinkling lights fill the room as children join in the fun. Afterwards, every child has a magical moment to meet Santa and capture a keepsake photo, before discovering early gifts tucked under the Castle Christmas Tree.

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Outside, the enchantment continues with a photo on Santa’s sleigh, framed by the castle’s sparkling winter glow—a perfect ending to a day of festive wonder.

Relaxed Show:

As above, but with a flexible schedule and reduced sound and lighting, giving children with sensory conditions or additional needs a more relaxed experience all round.

Codebreakers:

As above, but aimed at older primary aged children and their families, with codes and puzzles to solve as a family or whole audience in order to complete a secret mission.

Yes, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

All tickets must be purchased online prior to the event start time. Any spaces available on the day can be purchased online prior to arrival.

Yes, all adults and children attending require a ticket.

This includes ‘babes in arms’ up to 18 months old who are welcome to come along for free but will not receive a gift. (NB, if you would like your baby to receive a gift and certificate, please purchase a child ticket for them.)

All tickets must be purchased online prior to the event start time. Any spaces available on the day can be purchased online prior to arrival right up until the start time of the event.

We like to go above and beyond to make sure the show is accessible to everyone who would like to attend.

Wheelchair users:

You will be asked if you require wheelchair or adapted pushchair access on your booking form. Please ensure you fill this in correctly as space is limited in some areas of the experience and we need to be aware in advance. If you have any further special requests, please do contact us and our elves would be delighted to help you.

Relaxed / Quiet Shows

The first show on Sunday 14th December is reserved for families with children with sensory or special educational needs, along with their siblings and grown ups.

Please follow the separate link on the page above to book this show.

We are also working with local Harrogate charity The Unity to spread the Christmas magic to as many families as we can this year who may not normally be able to access the show.

Babes in arms up to 18 months of age are welcome free of charge with a sibling and will be able to join in your family photo with Father Christmas. However, if you would like your little one to receive a gift and personalised visit with Father Christmas, please purchase a child ticket for them.

Yes. There are facilities on site at Allerton Castle.

We are unable to accommodate pushchairs inside the venue. All babies and younger children will need to be carried in arms or in suitable carriers as required throughout the experience.

There will be a sheltered area to leave pushchairs and prams outside the venue, however, these are left at your own risk.

If you can leave your pushchair at home or in your car we would strongly recommend this.

Please arrive promptly at your experience start time as stated on your ticket. If you arrive before this time, you will be asked to queue up in the Elf School Line. At your start time, Elf School registration activities commence. This takes place in the Elf Cocoa Cafe where you will also have the opportunity to enjoy drinks and cookies and also use the facilities before moving through to Elf School itself.

Yes, absolutely! The main entrance is stairs, however there is also an accessible entrance! Please let us know ahead of time and we will be able to give you all the information you need to have a magical experience with us!

If a child in your party is unable to attend please let the Elves know and they can arrange for gifts to be taken away with family/friends who are attending. Where possible Father Christmas will be able to record a greeting on a device for family/friends to pass on to any children unable to attend.

There is free parking available at Allerton Castle

Your tickets will be emailed to you once purchased. You will need to show your tickets on arrival so that our elves can scan them to register you.

You can show your tickets on your device, or print them out if you prefer.

If you’ve lost your tickets or can’t find your email, please contact us before the event. On the day, please bring along some form of ID for the booker and our elves will be pleased to help you.

You’ll be able to purchase drinks and snacks at the Elf Cocoa Cafe during your Elf School registration activities. These are supplied by Allerton Castle, dietary alternatives are provided. If you have a specific allergy or intolerance please check with staff before purchasing.

No photography or filming is permitted during the show. However, there will be opportunities to take photographs with the characters and Father Christmas at the end of the experience.

Information coming soon…

Please select the T&Cs option at the top of these FAQs to read all our terms and conditions for booking and attending the Harrogate Father Christmas Experience.

Our Christmas Community Fund helps us to run our Christmas Community Projects in Harrogate. 

If you wish to make an optional donation, you can do so at checkout when purchasing your tickets. 

Donating in optional and you can select zero as the amount to opt out.

You can find out more about our projects here.

Yes! We are at the beautifully magical Allerton Castle this year! Join us for another amazing year of magic!

We use Ticket Tailor as our ticket selling platform. All ticket sales and payments are managed by Ticket Tailor. We chose Ticket Tailor because their ethos matched ours. For every ticket sold, they donate 1p to their climate charity partners. You can find out more about this here.

Contact us and our elves will get back to you as soon as they can.