This year, the excitement starts with some much-loved familiar faces stopping by, as well as Santa himself, to make your family day out merry and bright!
Santa’s Woodland Grotto and Meet & Greet Christmas Character appearances take place on the following dates only*:
Saturday 6 December - Elfy Shelfy | Sunday 7 December - Festive Pup Fun
Saturday 13 December - Green Grouch & Cindy Lou |Sunday 14 December - Blue Alien Buddy
Saturday 20 December - Festive Pup Fun | Sunday 21 December - Ice Queen and Jolly Snowman
Monday 22 December - Blue Alien Buddy | Tuesday 23 December- Green Grouch & Cindy Lou | Wednesday 24 December - Meet our Merry Mice
The Magical Meet and Greet Christmas Characters appearances take place between 11am - 3pm – perfect for festive family photo opportunities and making dreams come true!
Capture a moment of wild winter wonder as you wander along the woodland walk to meet Santa and his helper in his enchanting Woodland Grotto. Everyone can see Santa as part of their admission but don't forget to include the special 'add ons' available when booking for your child to receive a magic snowflake token from Santa to exchange for a gift of their choice at Santa's Toy Shop.*
There’s so much fa-la-la fun waiting for you at the BRAND NEW Elf’s Workshop, stuffed full of festive crafts, activities and sparkles! Decorate a gingerbread cookie, gather some scrumptious reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve and write and post a letter in Santa's singing post box!**
Where will your ‘Elf Explorer’ passport take you? Pick up a trail sheet and embark on a festive journey through the park, discovering fascinating facts about animals and habitats from around the world! Complete fun challenges and collect the stamps to unlock a sweet treat reward!
Don't miss more Christmas crackers around the park – jingle all the way on board the tractor-trailer ride and take a ‘elfie selfie’ on the festive sleigh or in a flurry of snow at the giant Polar Bear! Enjoy tinsel and tails in the amazing animal encounters and keeper talks. Find one of many special hidden ‘Christmas Puddings’ to win a merry prize and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumpers to make spirits bright!
Warm up at Lottie’s Coffee Lounge where festive favourites are on the menu, from glorious Gingerbread Lattes to luxurious Irish Cream Hot Chocolates! Fun themed children’s picnic boxes are available to add-on to your online booking (pre-booking essential).
‘Tis the season to be jolly - for magical memories you won’t forget, come back time and time again during the festivities and beyond with the ‘Visit & Save Card’ return visit offer.***
Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park | Woodsetts Road, North Anston, nr Sheffield S25 4EQ | 01909 569416 | [email protected] | www.butterflyhouse.co.uk
Book here for Magical Christmas Experience dates https://butterflyhouse.digitickets.co.uk/category/67042
Find out more https://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/whats-on/events/2025/09/26/santas-woodland-grotto-and-christmas-characters
Normal park admission applies: Adults £17.95, Child / Senior / Student £16.95, Under 2s and Members FREE. Family tickets available. Park open 10am – 4pm on event days.
* Woodland Grotto and Meet and Greet Christmas Character dates and times: 6 -7 December, 13 – 14 December, 20 – 24 December | 10am - 3pm. See signage on the day for full schedule and break times.
Every child can see Santa as part of their admission to the park. You may visit the grotto at any time during grotto advertised opening hours. Age-related gifts can also be purchased in advance online with your admission tickets or on the day for just £8.50. When purchasing a gift, your child will receive a magic snowflake token from Santa to then exchange for a gift of their choice in Santa’s Toy Shop.
**Elf’s Workshop: Some activities in this area may be charged for.
***Visit and Save Card promotion terms apply, see https://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/whats-on/news/2025/10/23/visit-and-save-offer for details.
Booking online in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Normal park admission prices apply. Magical Christmas Experience event days are included in Annual Membership and Visit and Save card advance bookings made online (subject to availability). See website for non-event day winter opening days and times.
5. Contributed
Meet the Merry Mice on Christmas Eve at the Tropical Butterfly House. Photo: Submitted
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Post a Letter to Santa in the Elf's Workshop at the Tropical Butterfly House. Photo: Submitted