Frequently Asked Questions
Opening Dates & Times
The Christmas Experience runs from 25 November to 7 January. The Christmas Experience will be closed on 25 & 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024.
The Santa visits, Mrs Claus & Elf Crafts are only on in the lead up to Christmas Day.
After Christmas as well as, the Festive Woodland Walk, Fairy Dell, decorated hall, gardens, Wildlife World & Yurts, will also be pop up performances from our cheeky elves that have somehow been left behind!
Please see below for timings between the 27 Dec – 7 Jan
The Christmas Experience opens daily at 9am and closes at 7pm Monday to Thursday and 8pm Friday to Sunday (except for Sunday 26 Nov and Christmas Eve). For full times visit the ‘Opening Times’ page.
Please see below for timings between the 27 Dec – 7 Jan.
Santa’s North Pole
- Monday to Friday from 3pm, weekends from 9.30am. Closing times for Santa In The North Pole vary. Please check the ‘Opening Times‘ page for more information. Tickets for Santa must be pre-booked.
Santa’s Cabin in the North Pole (pre-schoolers)
- Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm from 27 November to 22 December. For full times visit ‘Opening Times’ page. Tickets for pre-schooler Santa must be pre-booked.
Monday to Friday from 3pm, weekends from 10am. Closing times for Mrs Claus vary. Please check the ‘Opening Times‘ page for more information. Tickets for Mrs Claus must be pre-booked.
The Festive Woodland Walk opens daily at 9:30am
Last admission is Monday – Thursday at 6.30pm, and Friday – Sunday at 7.30pm (Except for Sunday 26 Nov & Christmas Eve).
Please check the ‘Opening Times‘ page for more information.
TIP! The best time to go on the walk is when the light dims and into the evening!
Please see below for timings between the 27 Dec – 7 Jan
The hall is open during the Christmas Experience and shall be decorated in all it’s festive glory.
The hall is closed on the 25 & 26 Dec & 1 Jan
Please see below for timings between the 27 Dec – 7 Jan
Please check the ‘Opening Times‘ page for more information.
We reopen the estate on the 27 December until the 7 January. We are closed on the 25 & 26 December as well as the 1 January.
On these dates you can visit the Festive Woodland Walk, decorated house, cafe, Fairy Dell, gardens, Wildlife World and Yuletide Yurt. As well as this there will be pop up performances from our cheeky elves in the enchanting Elf Village, that have been left behind after Christmas!
Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elf Crafts will not be at Lotherton on these dates.
Please check the ‘Opening Times‘ page for more information about these dates.
Tickets & Bookings
Yes, pre-booking for all ticket types is essential. To ensure comfort and safety we are operating The Christmas Experience with a strict capacity, this means all visitors (including members) must pre-book tickets.
If you are planning to visit Santa please book as early as possible as tickets will sell out prior to The Christmas Experience opening.
You must book an entry slot if you are a member as the estate will be at a limited capacity until 7 January 2024.
- Please select the ticket you wish to purchase from the BOOK NOW page
- Log in with your Ticket Hub account details associated to your membership
- Choose your entry date
- Choose your entry time slot
- Choose the amount of adults and children attending (only members covered by your membership can be booked free members entry tickets)
- Continue to checkout, you will not need to pay for gate entry tickets.
- Please remember to bring your membership card and email confirmation of this booking
Members can only purchase tickets under membership for the quantity the pass covers eg family membership allows general entry tickets for two adults and two/three children (depending on your membership). Single adult membership allows one adult ticket only. This only covers general estate entry tickets, Santa visit tickets, Mrs Claus, Elf Craft & Magic Show tickets must be bought in addition.
Booking can be done online on the ‘Book Tickets’ page or by calling Box Office on 0113 376 0318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm)
Pre-sale tickets for Lotherton members and Breeze Pass members will be on Wed 13 Sept. General public sale from Fri 15 Sept.
Please note: Members also need pre-booked tickets and will be asked to show their valid membership card on arrival
Christmas Experience Admission Ticket
Gives you a specific date and time entry into:
- The estate, gardens and play areas
- The Festive Woodland Walk
- The Enchanting Elf Village
- The Hall
- Wildlife World (when open, last entry 15:15, closes at 16:00)
- The Fairy Dell
Santa’s North Pole
- Your pre-booked 30 minute experience with the elves ending with a one to one Santa visit with present.
- A Christmas Experience Admission Ticket must also be purchased for everyone visiting.
Important information: due to space and comfort for yourself and those around you a max 2 adults per group of children allowed in the North Pole.
Santa’s Cabin in the North Pole (pre-schoolers)
- Your pre-booked shorter one to one Santa visit with a present.
- A Christmas Experience Admission Ticket must also be purchased for everyone visiting
For little people aged 4 and under
No, we will not be selling any tickets at the event – everyone must pre-book for Christmas Experience Admission, Santa and Mrs Claus visits too.
Yes, there will be set arrival times during the day to make sure all our visitors can make the most of the event in comfort and safety. These times are hourly from 9am. You can arrive anytime within the hour of your entry ticket time.
See below full list of prices, or visit the ‘Pricing’ page
Christmas Experience Admission Ticket
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adult | £9.50 |
| Child (4 yrs +) | £4.75 |
| Adult Lotherton member | Free |
| Child Lotherton member & Child under 4 yrs | Free |
| Child Breeze Pass member | £3.80 |
Santa’s North Pole
| Child | Breeze Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Sat & Sun 25 – 26 Nov | £14.95 | £13.45 |
| Mon – Fri 27 Nov – 15 Dec | £14.95 | £13.45 |
| Sat & Sun 2 Dec – 23 Dec | £17.95 | £16.65 |
| Mon – Fri 18 – 22 Dec | £17.95 | £16.65 |
| Christmas Eve | £24.95 | £23.45 |
Santa’s Cabin (pre-schoolers)
| Child (under 4) | |
|---|---|
| Mon – Fri 27 Nov – 22 Dec | £9.00 |
Yes, Members also need to pre-book their set date and arrival time for all ticket types due to limited capacity. You can book by visiting the ‘Book Tickets’ page.
Breeze Pass holders get discount at The Christmas experience. Choose the date you wish to visit, and when directed to the Ticket Hub website make sure to login using your account associated to your Breeze Pass membership and any discounts will be automatically deducted at checkout.
Max Card holders must book over the phone by calling the box office on 0113 376 0318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm). Max Card holders are allowed free entry onto the estate for the card holder and one carer. The Max Card admission ticket includes 1 free ticket for the card holder plus 1 free ticket for a single carer. Any extra tickets for siblings and additional adults must also be booked and paid for. A valid Max Card must be presented upon arrival. All Santa and optional add on tickets are charged at standard rate
Max Card holders must book over the phone by calling the box office on 0113 376 0318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm).
This ticket includes 1 free ticket for a single carer. Any extra tickets for siblings and additional adults must be booked and paid for. A valid Max card will be required on arrival.
Paid tickets are non-refundable and non transferable. If you have questions about your booking please contact the ticketing team. The ticketing team is open Monday – Saturday, 10am-4pm. The box office can be contacted on 0113 376 0318
All Santa’s North Pole and Santa’s Cabin for pre-schoolers’ tickets are available on the day they go on sale – 15 September. If times are not showing as having any availability this means they are fully booked. No further tickets will be released for Santa’s North Pole. Booking as early as possible is advised to avoid disappointment.
Members also need pre-booked tickets to visit the Christmas Experience.
Everybody attending must have a booked Christmas Experience Admission Ticket. This is your admission ticket to the event and estate.
If you want to come along and enjoy The Christmas Experience without visiting Santa please book ‘Christmas Experience Admission’. This ticket allows you to visit the Festive Woodland Walk, the Fairy Dell, The enchanting Elf Village, the House and Wildlife World (during its opening hours – closes at 4pm, last entry 3.15pm)
If you wish for a child to visit Santa then you need to also add either a Santa’s Cabin ticket (for preschoolers during the daytime on weekdays) or Santa’s North Pole (full 30 minutes experience). Children require both the Santa ticket and Christmas Experience Admission tickets.
When visiting the North Pole only 2 adults are allowed to accompany per booking, this is due to safety and comfort of yourselves and others in the same time slot.
If you wish to visit Mrs Claus in the hall to decorate gingerbread people, please add on tickets for the children after selecting your admission tickets.
If you wish to take part in Elf Crafts, please add on tickets for the children after selecting your admission tickets. You can visit the Elf Village without an elf crafts tickets as this is open to everyone with their admission ticket.
All tickets must be booked in advance via the ‘book tickets’ page – all adults and children will need a Christmas Experience admission ticket
Please print your tickets out and bring them with you or have them ready on your phone on arrival.
If you are an annual membership holder, you also need pre-booked tickets and your valid card, ready to present to the kiosk when you arrive.
Please note that tickets will be sent out via email from the first week of October onwards.
Please check your junk mailbox to see if the email has gone in there. Failing that send an email to tickets@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 376 0318 and we will do our best to find your booking and resend the email.
You can also access your tickets through your Leeds Ticket Hub account. 7 days prior to your visit these will appear in the ‘upcoming events’ tab on your account on Leeds Ticket Hub.
Santa
Santa’s North Pole
Children – from £13.45
Two adults per group booking can accompany children into the North Pole, spaces are limited due to comfort of yourselves and other people during the timed booking slot.
Santa’s Cabin in the North Pole
Children under 4 – £9.00
This activity is for pre-schoolers. Available Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm from 27 Nov to 22 Dec.
Families are greeted by one of our head elves at the North Pole. You will be taken on a journey through the snow filled wonderland, where you will meet Dizzy Bells inside the wonderful elf workshop, here you can create and take home your very own magical Christmas Eve key. Pop by to see Pippin McJingles for stories and fun at the mysterious wishing well.
You will then get to visit the main man himself in his cabin and receive a gift for the journey home.
The experience takes approximately 30-35 minutes.
This experience is aimed at all ages, however if you feel your child will not engage with the experience we do provide pre-schooler Santa’s Cabin visits in The North Pole. These must also be pre-booked and run Monday to Friday 10am– 2pm from 27 November to 22 December. This is a shorter visit just to see Santa himself, and receive a small gift.
A visit with Santa on Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm, from 27 November to 22 December is designed for pre-schoolers and is more of a grotto style experience for younger children who simply want a shorter visit with Santa and not the longer 30 – 35 minute interaction with all the elves. It is priced at £9.00 and must be pre-booked via the ‘Book Tickets’ page
Santa’s North Pole experience itself with the elves and Santa takes approximately 30-35 minutes. We ask people to arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to their booking time but do our best for there to be no additional waiting time.
A grotto style experience for younger children who simply want a short visit with Santa and not the longer interaction with all the elves is available on weekdays, and must be pre-booked. This is Santa’s Cabin.
When booking for Santa you will be asked to book Christmas Experience Admission tickets at a set time, if you are given an option of times please allow at least 40 minutes prior to your Santa time slot.
This gives you time to park, and make your way through the estate to the North Pole.
Elf Crafts and Mrs Claus
The Elf Village is back open again to everyone!
We are running crafts in the elf village where you can select a Christmas themed ceramic bauble, ceramic tealight to decorate or reindeer feed to make and take home.
Mrs Claus has taken over the Kitchen in the hall and will be running sessions with the children decorating gingerbread people.
Yes, booking is advised as not to be disappointed. You can book your elf craft or Mrs Claus tickets online when you are buying your admission tickets. You can also add them on after booking your tickets by visiting our ‘What’s On Elf Craft and Mrs Claus’ page
Some tickets maybe available on the day but we cannot guarantee, especially on peak times.
Everyone is welcome to visit the enchanting Elf Village, even if you are not doing elf crafts, as this is included in your Christmas Experience Admission Ticket.
The Elf crafts and gingerbread decorating are just for the children. Adults can assist without having a token if they want but they are children’s activities.
Mrs Claus will be in the house from 3pm on weekdays and from 10am on weekends.
Elf crafts are running in the Elf Village from 11am on weekdays and from 10am on weekends.
Here is a list of the ingredients within the gingerbread. All of our gingerbread is vegan and we have vegan options for toppings.
Ingredients:
Gingerbread: WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT fortified with calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamine), Sugar, Margarine (vegetable oil (rapeseed & palm oil (RSPO sourced) in various proportions, water, salt, Emulsifier (polyglycerol esters of fatty acids), colours (curcumin, annatto, flavouring), Ground Ginger (1%) Partially inverted syrup, Bicarbonate Soda, Water
Relaxed Santa Visits
Yes, families who have children with additional needs can book a more relaxed visit with Santa and the Elves on Thursday 7 Dec and Tuesday 12 Dec. You can book a 30min arrival window between 3pm and 6pm. You can then explore the Elf Village at your own leisure.
Please make sure you book via our Relaxed Santa Visits page.
There are also quieter Mrs Claus visits on these dates for a more relaxed chance to visit Mrs Claus and decorate gingerbread people.
These two dates are specifically for children with additional needs. On these dates the estate will be quieter and the group size will be smaller when visiting Santa. You will be greeted in the North Pole by our top elves, where you will meet Snowy Flake and his friends in this magical wonderland. Visit Dizzy Bells inside the wonderful elf workshop and take home your very own magical Christmas key for Christmas Eve. Pop by to see Pippin McJingles for stories and fun at the mysterious wishing well. Finally meet the main man himself for a special Christmas one to one, and a little present for the journey home.
Although you can explore the North Pole at your own leisure, there will be one way systems in place for everyone’s safety.
Yes, during your relaxed visit to see Santa you also have access to wander the rest of the event, including the Festive Woodland Walk, Enchanting Elf Village, Fairy Dell, House and grounds.
Also Mrs Claus which also have relaxed sessions on these 2 dates.
You can book online by going to our Relaxed Santa Visits bookings page.
You can also book over the phone directly with box office by calling 0113 3760318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm).
To book with a Max Card please call the ticketing team.
Let the ticketing team know when booking that you have a MAX Card, this gives free entry to the card holder and 1 adult. The Santa ticket will then need to be purchased. Any extra adults and children will also need to purchase entry tickets.
Yes, a radar key is needed to access the accessible toilets – this can be requested at the café. If you have your own radar key we would advise bringing that with you for easier access.
The Hall
Unfortunately you cannot bring pushchairs into the hall
Yes there is a limit on numbers in the hall. We will have a maximum of 200 people inside at one time.
Bags are allowed into the hall if they are under A4 size. So a small handbag is fine but not a large ruck sack
The hall is accessible to manual wheelchairs. Unfortunately within the hall we are not able to allow motorised and electric wheelchairs because of the floors and the space to manoeuvre through the rooms. We do offer manual wheelchairs to use though.
Upstairs of the hall, including the Fashion Galleries, is open on a seasonal basis from March to mid-October each year.
The Festive Woodland Walk
Including the Fairy Dell the walk is just short of a mile and takes 30 – 40 minutes as you stop along the way to look at things or play with the interactive elements.
Yes, the paths around the walk are fairly flat, solid and wide, making it easy to access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is one part of the walk that is a short slight incline, we do have electric scooters on site which you can borrow if available.
The walk is lit with fairy lights along the paths and special lighting around each festive installation making it bright enough to see your way around the paths easily. Should you have children who maybe particularly nervous in the darker areas it might be worth bringing a torch or using the light on your phone. However we feel this may spoil some of the magic but we want visitors to feel safe and comfortable.
Not all the installations are interactive, but over half of them are. Some are just enjoyable to look at and some are great to play with. But please follow the safety notices and treat our installations with care as not to break anything and spoil it for other visitors.
Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times, they are not allowed in the cafe, house, Wildlife World, North Pole or Elf Village.
The Elf Village
We are very pleased to be once again opening the Elf Village to all visitors as it was pre-pandemic.
The Elf Village is included in your Christmas Experience Admission Ticket.
Come on down to our enchanting elven village filled with Christmas trees, elf cabins and yuletide yurts. The perfect place to pause for a moment and take in the festivities whilst the children explore. Join the elves in the cabins for Elf Crafts where children can decorate Christmas ceramics or make their very own reindeer feed for Christmas Eve. Book onto one of our mysterious of our magic shows that take place in the Yurts within the Elf Village. Discover the collection of Christmas tree decorated by local schools or enjoy a festive tipple and take in the beauty of the Yuletide Yurts.
The Elf Village is included in your Christmas Experience Admission Ticket and is open to everyone.
We are very pleased to be once again opening the Elf Village to all visitors as it was pre-pandemic.
Food and Drink
The Stables café is open during full opening times of the estate. This serves hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks.
The Courtyard Takeaway Kiosk will be open at weekends for hot drinks and cold snacks / sandwiches.
The Shepherd’s Hut will be open on weekends in front of the hall serving hot drinks and snacks.
The Yuletide Yurts will be open when the Elf Village is open and serving hot drinks, beverages and snacks.
Accessibility
We aim to make each area of the site as accessible as possible for wheelchair users and those who need assisted walking. The only area where it is an issue is inside the Fairy Dell as this is situated in the sunken rock garden, however you should be able to view elements of it from the outside path around the Fairy Dell.
There are three electric scooters on site which can be hired, however we cannot guarantee availability. You must have undertaken a safety induction for the scooters to be able to hire one.
Electric wheelchairs/scooters will not be allowed access to the Hall
Yes, a radar key is needed to access the accessible toilets – this can be requested at the café. If you have your own radar key we would advise bringing that with you for easier access.
Lotherton Members
Yes, members need to pre-book for Santa and for General Estate tickets (at Christmas this is called your Christmas Experience Admission Ticket). You can book by visiting the ‘Book Tickets’ page.
Members also need to book for any of the extra activities such as Mrs Claus and Elf Crafts.
You must book an entry slot if you are a member as the estate will be at a limited capacity until 7 January 2024.
- Choose your selected entry date on the ‘Tickets & Times’ tab
- Choose your entry time slot
- Choose the amount of adults and children attending
- Once selected please log in with your account details and your ticket prices will be discounted
- Continue to checkout, you will not need to pay for gate entry tickets.
- Please remember to bring your membership card and email confirmation of this booking
Members can only purchase tickets under membership for the quantity the pass covers eg family membership allows general entry tickets for two adults and two/three children (depending on your membership). Single adult membership allows one adult ticket only. This only covers general estate entry tickets, Santa visit tickets, Mrs Claus, Elf Craft & Magic Show tickets must be bought in addition.
During this busy time we ask all visitors to pre-book to secure their visit. Tickets are still free to access the estate to members but booking is essential.
Yes, however you must pre-book your date and arrival time for the General Estate ticket – no cost will be added when this ticket is added to your online basket.
Members can only purchase tickets under membership for the quantity the pass covers eg family membership allows general entry tickets for two adults and two/three children (depending on your membership). Single adult membership allows one adult ticket only. This only covers general estate entry tickets, Santa visit tickets must be bought in addition.
Please print your tickets out and bring them with you or have them ready on your phone on arrival.
As an annual membership holder, you also need to have your valid card, ready to present to the kiosk when you arrive.
If you are experiencing problems with the online booking system please call 0113 376 0318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm)
Paid tickets are non refundable. If you are unable to attend your booked members visit, please contact the ticketing team to allow the ticket to be released for others to use.
The ticketing telephone line is open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm and can be contacted on 0113 376 0318. Bookings may be able to be rescheduled, subject to availability.
Guest passes are not accepted during The Christmas Experience.
General
Dogs are allowed on the grounds, gardens and covered front of the cafe as long as they are on leads and well behaved. They are not allowed in the hall, Wildlife World, North Pole and Elf Village.