Santa Experience, Christmas at Cantref
Families step into a magical winter wonderland grotto to meet Santa, check the Naughty or Nice list, and use a golden key to pick a toy in the present room. Festive activities include making reindeer food, sliding down Santa's chimney, decorating gingerbread, and attending the Elf Academy. Visitors can also watch Mr Ev's Christmas show, meet animals during pet handling, and enjoy indoor soft play and outdoor sledge rides.
Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
28–29 November, 5–6 December, 12–13 December and 18–20 December: 10:30am–5:00pm; 21–23 December: 10:00am–5:00pm; 24 December: 9:30am–4:00pm.
Food & Drink
Optional extra-cost marshmallow toasting and s’mores are available.
Accessibility
Essential Companion tickets and adjustments such as queuing assistance are available for Access Card holders.
Pets
Dogs are welcome. They must be kept on a lead at all times and away from the farm animals.
Location
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Tips & Advice
- Book your tickets early because Christmas at Cantref often sells out, and pick your Santa time slot when you book.
- Pick up an elf passport when you arrive and complete the activities while you wait for Santa, such as making reindeer food and sliding down the chimney.
- Plan around the show programme so you catch Mr Ev's Christmas Show, Elf Academy and the gingerbread decorating, which each run more than once a day.
- Don't count on the outdoor paddocks, swamp ride or tractor rides, because they are closed in winter, but the sledge ride runs at intervals all day.
- If you also want a Christmas Night, book it separately from your daytime ticket, because the evening events don't include Santa or the present room.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa Paws on 4 December: an evening for adults and dogs, with a dogs-only grotto visit, a present from Santa and dog treat decorating (separate ticket).
- Christmas Nights – Open to All on 29 November, 6 December and 12 December, with live Christmas music, pizzas, mulled wine and marshmallow toasting (separate ticket, no Santa visit).
- Adults Only Christmas Night (18+) on 13 December, with live music from Mark Vivesh, street entertainers and a Silent Disco (separate ticket).
- Optional pay-extra activities during the day include Build-a-Bear, marshmallow toasting and s'mores.
- Santa Breaks: stay in a holiday cottage or camping pod with a wood-fired hot tub and get free entry to the Christmas Experience.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Santa Experience suited to?
It's a family day out for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Grown-ups can warm up with a glass of mulled wine while the children enjoy the festive fun.
What else is included besides seeing Santa?
Your Christmas visit includes the farm park. There's soft play, pedal tractors and ball cannons indoors, plus pet-handling shows, the Big Animal Barn, outdoor play areas and the sledge ride. The outdoor paddocks, swamp ride and tractor rides are closed in winter.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome. Keep them on a lead at all times and away from the farm animals. There might even be a treat for them in the Present Room.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended because Christmas at Cantref often sells out. When you book, you pick a time slot for your visit to Santa's Grotto.
Do the Christmas Nights include a visit to Santa?
No. The Christmas Nights are evening-only events and don't include the grotto, the present room or any daytime activities. To see Santa, book a separate daytime Christmas Experience ticket.
Browse Christmas in Merthyr Tydfil
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.