Returning from November 21st
More Than a Christmas Grotto...
The Father Christmas Experience

A Magical Experience

More than just a visit with Father Christmas…

Your Little Explorers Are Invited to the North Pole!

Step into a magical North Pole adventure at Marsh Farm, where little explorers can meet mischievous Elves, enjoy enchanting shows, get creative with festive activities and make special memories along the way.

With 2 hours of festive fun, including gingerbread decorating, teddy making, Christmas bauble making, farm attractions and children’s rides, there’s so much to discover before the magical moment of meeting Father Christmas himself!

One magical journey. So many unforgettable memories.

Book Your Magical Journey

Find the Perfect Day to Visit

Limited Availability Remaining!

Our Father Christmas Experience is always popular and dates will sell out, with November dates already almost completely full and December sessions filling fast!

Take a look at our availability calendar to see which dates still have tickets available and find the perfect time for your family’s magical journey to the North Pole.

Don’t leave it too late – your favourite date could disappear before you know it!

Choose Your Date

What Is Included in the Father Christmas Experience?

Here is a breakdown of what is included in your Father Christmas Experience booking.

2 Hour Christmas Tour

  • Your Own Magical Passport
  • Ticket to the North Pole
  • Magical Shows
  • Meet Father Christmas
  • Decorate a Gingerbread Person
  • Make Your Own Teddy
  • Festive Photo Ops
  • Make a Personalised Bauble
  • Loads of Elf Mischief

+ Stay and Enjoy the Farm

  • Fairground Rides
  • Upside Down House
  • Train Ride
  • Outdoor Adventure Play
  • Indoor Soft Play
  • Bouncy Pillows
  • Adorable Animals
  • Roleplay Village
  • Mini Adventure Golf

Gift Them An Experience They’ll Never Forget!

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating Rated 4.2/5 Stars | Loved by 1000s of Happy Families
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Passport Control

Your North Pole Adventure Begins Here!

Your North Pole journey begins at Passport Control, where the elves check your papers before sending you on to the Elf Academy. There, children can learn festive spells and discover whether they have what it takes to become honorary elves on Father Christmas’s team.

 

Mother Christmas stirring her magical cooking pot

Decorate delicious treats in

Mother Christmas’s Kitchen

Make it snow in the Enchanted Forest, before continuing on to Mother Christmas’s Kitchen! Your tummies are probably starting to rumble now, especially with that yummy smell filling the air, I wonder what she’s got in the oven today?

Roll up your sleeves, get creative and decorate your very own festive gingerbread treat. A little taste of Christmas to enjoy along the way!

 

The moment they’ve been waiting for

A Very Special Meeting with Father Christmas

Now sit tight and listen carefully for your name… it’s time to see who is on the Naughty and Nice list at the Grotto. When you’re called, step inside Father Christmas’s magical grotto and meet the big man himself! Enjoy a special moment together, share your christmas wishes, and make sure he’s got your letter ready for the big day.

It’s the moment they’ve been looking forward to, and a memory you’ll treasure long after Christmas is over.

Secure your spot on the nice list

Your Journey Continues

Teddy Bear Market and Elf Emporium

The magic doesn’t end after you meet Father Christmas! Next, you’ll visit the Teddy Bear Market, where you can choose and make your very own furry friend to take home with you. Carefully fill your chosen bear with the cuddliest filling (and don’t forget their special wishing heart!), then zip them up, fill in their birth certificate and bring them to life!

But before we head back to the farm, your visit to the North Pole wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Elf Emporium to put your new elf skills to the test, where you’ll get to make a personalised bauble to take home and hang on the tree!

Two special keepsakes to remind you of your magical journey to the North Pole

Packed with Fun

Festive Rides and Farm Fun

Safely back at the farm, you can still stick around to enjoy our fairground rides, soft play, bouncy pillows, upside down house, meet the animals, and indulge in treats from our special Yuletide menu!

The best part? Everything is included with your Father Christmas Experience tickets!

 

The Elves Are Waiting. Are You Coming?

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating Rated 4.2/5 Stars | Loved by 1000s of Happy Families
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The Best Christmas Experience in the UK

We visited the Father Christmas today at Marsh Farm. It was far the best Father Christmas experience I have visited over the years in the UK. Excellent value for money I would have paid a lot more for my ticket.

Sarah – Tripadvisor

A Dad and Toddler enjoying a Christmas Show
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Best Father Christmas experience ever!

Just a message to say we went to your Father Christmas experience today and it was BRILLIANT! Really impressed with the set up, your staff were very helpful. He was so lovely. You guys were very generous with the teddy and gift also. I’m so glad we booked up to come to you for this. It really has set my 5 year old daughter up ready for Christmas.

Essex Mom – Tripadvisor

Know Someone Who Deserves a Spot On the Nice List?

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating Rated 4.2/5 Stars | Loved by 1000s of Happy Families
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Plan Your Visit: FAQs

Planning your visit to the North Pole? Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about tickets, arrival times, accessibility and what to expect from your magical visit.

How long does the experience last?

The Father Christmas Experience lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the North Pole, enjoy magical shows and activities, and meet Father Christmas himself.

Are Rides Included?

Yes! All our children’s rides are included in your Father Christmas Experience ticket. You can enjoy even more festive fun around the farm after your North Pole adventure.

What’s included in my ticket?

The Father Christmas Experience is an all-inclusive* ticketed event. Your ticket includes the full guided Christmas experience, including all the magical activities, shows, gingerbread decorating, teddy making, your own Christmas bauble to take home and a special meeting with Father Christmas.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Your ticket also includes access to our farm attractions and children’s rides, so you can make a whole day of your visit.

*photographs and make-a-bear outfits are optional extras.

Can we buy extra teddy outfits?

Absolutely! Your teddy-making experience is included, and you’ll also have the option to purchase additional outfits and accessories to dress up your new cuddly friend.

Is there food and drink available?

Yes! There are food and drink options available at Marsh Farm, including festive treats to enjoy during your visit. Keep an eye out for seasonal favourites along the way!

Do babies need a ticket?

Please check the booking page for the current ticket categories and age requirements.
Under 1’s are typically free as observers only. Even where a child qualifies for free entry, you may still need to include them within your booking so we can safely manage visitor numbers.

Is parking available?

Yes, free parking is available at Marsh Farm for visitors.
Please follow the signs and instructions from our parking team when you arrive. We recommend allowing plenty of time to park and make your way to the event entrance before your booked arrival time.

Where are you located?

The Father Christmas Experience takes place at:

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
Marsh Farm Road
South Woodham Ferrers
Chelmsford
Essex
CM3 5WP

Is The Father Christmas Experience suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

The majority of Marsh Farm is located on hard-standing pathways, and much of the site is accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs.
However, some sections may include grass, uneven surfaces or areas that become wet and muddy. Suitable outdoor wheels and footwear are recommended.
Guests with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact our team before booking so we can provide the most appropriate information.

What accessible facilities are available?

Marsh Farm has accessible toilets and an adult changing facility.
The changing facility includes a lifting hoist, adapted toilet, adult-sized changing area, adjustable sink and privacy screen.

What should we wear?

The Father Christmas Experience is based on a farm and will include some walking outdoors, so please dress warmly and prepare for the weather.
We recommend:
Warm and waterproof clothing
Comfortable outdoor footwear
Wellies or walking boots following wet weather
Hats, gloves and extra layers on colder evenings
Some pathways may become wet, muddy or slippery during poor weather.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No. You can display your tickets on your smartphone.
Please make sure your phone is charged and that the barcode or QR code is clearly visible when you arrive.

Is there food and drink available?

Yes! A selection of food and drink will be available to purchase during your visit. The outlets and menu available may vary depending on the date of your visit.

Can adults visit without children?

The Father Christmas Experience is a family experience for children and their grown-ups. Unfortunately, for safeguarding reasons, adult-only bookings are not permitted.

Do Marsh Farm members get a discount?

Yes! Marsh Farm membership can holders receive up to 20% off. Please note, you must show your proof of membership upon entry, and your membership must be valid on to the date of your visit. Failure to show proof of an active membership may result in you being required to pay the difference in price before you can start your experience.

Pre-book online & save!

General

(2 years+)

£TBA

Toddler

(6 months to Under 2)

£TBA

Disabled

Carers - £5 off admission price

£TBA

Under 6 Months

The little tots

FREE

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating Rated 4.5/5 Stars | Loved by 1000s of Happy Families

A booking fee of £0.50p will be applied per ticket, this covers processing and ticketing administration.

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