Father Christmas at The Firs 2026
Step into a magical festive world at The Firs – Elgar’s Birthplace this Christmas!
- Booking essential
Your journey begins in the Visitor Centre, transformed into Father Christmas’s Elves’ Workshop. Here, families can:
• Help in the sorting office, organising letters and parcels ready for their magical journey around the world.
• Write a letter to Father Christmas
• Get crafty in the Elves workshop, create your own festive craft to take home.
Reindeer Rescue in the Gardens
Father Christmas has lost his reindeer! Head outdoors and explore the gardens to help find them all. Don’t forget to:
• Snap a festive photo in Father Christmas’s sleigh.
Meet Father Christmas
The highlight of the visit is a special 10‑minute meeting with Father Christmas in his Christmas cottage. Families will enjoy a magical, personal visit with Father Christmas and his elf in a festive room, specially prepared for this Christmas moment. During your visit:
• Families will enjoy one to one time to chat with Father Christmas where they can share their Christmas wishes in a warm and intimate setting.
• Each child will receive a present, ready and waiting just for them.
A heart warming Christmas experience full of magic, memories, and festive fun for the whole family.
Dates: Father Christmas is at The Firs on 5–6, 12–13, and 18–23 December.
Tickets: £22.50 per child (includes up to two accompanying adults).
Booking is essential, please note you are booking the time to see Father Christmas.
Come early or stay after your visit to Father Christmas to enjoy all the festive activities.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult Additional Adult | £5.00 |
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| 1 Child up to 2 Adults | £22.50 |
| 2 Child up to 2 Adults | £45.00 |
| 3 Children up to 2 Adults | £67.50 |
| 4 Children up to 2 adults | £90.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
This event is suitable for children
- Meeting point
Visitor Centre
- What to bring and wear
Many of the activities will take place inside however, please note you will need to go outside to take part in activities in the gardens and to visit Father Christmas.
- Accessibility
Designated mobility parking in main car park. Wheelchair access to visitor centre and garden. Father Christmas will be on the ground floor of the cottage which is accessible. Accessible toilet located in visitor centre.
- Other
£22.50 per child with up to two accompanying adults. Additional adults £5. Up to 4 additional adults per booking. 1 child with up to 2 accompanying adults - £22.50 2 children with up to 2 accompanying adults - £45 3 children with up to 2 accompanying adults - £67.50 4 children with up to 2 accompanying adults - £90 Additional adults - £5 (up to 4 additional adults per booking) Opening Hours: 9:45am to 5:00pm, come early or stay after your visit to Father Christmas to enjoy all the festive activities in the visitor centre and gardens.
Upcoming events
Extra Open Days over May Half-Term
We’re thrilled to announce that The Firs will also open on Tuesday and Thursday this week as part of our Elgar Festival celebrations! Don’t miss the chance to join in.
Elgar Festival Event - This Fragile Beauty Recital
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Elgar's Macabre Quintet. A Talk by Richard Westwood-Brookes
Join us for a special one-hour talk with renowned Elgar expert Richard Westwood-Brookes, offering a fascinating insight into the story behind one of music’s most intriguing masterpieces.
Nimrod and Elgar's First Symphony. A Talk by Richard Westwood-Brookes
Join Elgar expert Richard Westwood-Brookes for a special one-hour talk uncovering the powerful story behind “Nimrod” and Elgar’s First Symphony.