Take a look at last year’s experience;
Get ready to step into a magical Christmas adventure deep within the woodland at Coolings Lifestyle.
Where to find us
Santa’s Woodland Grotto is hosted at Coolings Lifestyle, Knockholt, Kent.
Address:
Coolings Lifestyle
Main Road
Knockholt
Kent
TN14 7LJ
Please note: Santa’s Woodland Grotto is not located at Coolings The Gardener’s Garden Centre on Rushmore Hill. The experience is hosted at Coolings Lifestyle, which is just 5 minutes further up the hill, through Knockholt.
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your booked time slot. Your booking time is the time you should arrive at the entrance to the experience, not the time you will meet Santa.
Please allow extra time for parking and walking through the shop. Toilets are located in the main building, approximately 5 minutes from the Grotto entrance, so we strongly recommend using them before making your way to the experience.
Your Journey Begins
Once using the facilities – Follow the signs through Coolings Lifestyle and towards Willow’s Birds of Prey & Wildlife Trail, where you’ll find the entrance to Santa’s Woodland Grotto.
One of Santa’s friendly elves will greet you in our waiting area. Simply show your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy with you.
At the start of your time slot, your elf guide will lead you into the magical woodland, where your Christmas adventure begins.
Before entering, you’ll receive a short welcome and important “Elf & Safety” briefing. This is also where buggies and pushchairs can be left in the designated buggy park.
Explore Santa’s Magical World
As you journey through the experience, you’ll visit a series of enchanting festive rooms, each with its own Christmas magic.
The Woodland
Step into a twinkling winter woodland and begin your festive adventure.
Santa’s Post Office
Every child will have the opportunity to write and post their very own letter to Santa.
Mrs Claus’ Kitchen
Discover where Mrs Claus prepares festive treats and food for the reindeer. She keeps Christmas running smoothly behind the scenes.
The Toy Rooms
As your journey continues, you’ll arrive in Santa’s Toy Rooms, where children can play amongst a wonderful collection of festive toys while awaiting their turn to meet Santa.
With plenty to discover and explore, the Toy Rooms help build the excitement before the most magical moment of all.
The Woodland
Santa's Post Office
Mrs Claus’ Kitchen
The Toy Rooms
Meeting Santa
After exploring the enchanting festive rooms of Santa’s Woodland Grotto, your magical journey will lead you to the most exciting moment of all – meeting Santa himself.
Each family is welcomed into Santa’s cosy woodland cabin for a private visit, giving you plenty of time to chat, share Christmas wishes and soak up the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture those magical moments, whether it’s a little one’s first visit or a cherished family tradition.
Santa’s Toy Shop
After your special visit with Santa, your woodland adventure continues into Santa’s Toy Shop, where even more festive magic awaits.
Every child will be invited to browse Santa’s wonderful collection of toys and choose their own age-appropriate gift to take home. All gifts are included in your ticket price and have been thoughtfully selected to ensure there’s something exciting for every age group.
Before your visit comes to an end, don’t forget to climb aboard Santa’s beautifully decorated sleigh – the perfect setting for one last magical family photo and a wonderful keepsake from your day at Santa’s Woodland Grotto.
Capture the Magic
We love seeing families create special Christmas memories and actively encourage photography throughout designated areas of the experience.
To help keep the experience running on time for all guests, we ask that photos along the woodland route are kept to a minimum.
We’ve created three dedicated photo opportunities for your visit:
- A festive photo backdrop in the waiting area
- Your family photo with Santa
- A photo opportunity in Santa’s sleigh within the Toy Shop
Please feel free to share your photos on social media – we’d love to see your magical moments.
When taking photographs, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of other guests and avoid including other children or families in your pictures where possible.
Included With Your Ticket
Your Santa’s Woodland Grotto ticket also includes free entry to Willow’s Birds of Prey & Wildlife Trail.
Meet meerkats, alpacas, ferrets, birds of prey and many more fascinating animals as you explore the beautiful seven-acre trail.
You can choose to visit the trail on the same day as your Grotto booking or on another date during December 2026 or January 2027.
Guests with Santa bookings after 3pm will need to visit the Wildlife Trail on a separate date.
Your complimentary Wildlife Trail voucher code will be included in your booking confirmation email.
