Illustration of a family walking past houses covered in colourful lights with a sleigh on a rooftop (Santa's Magical Journey)

Santa's Magical Journey

Visitors journey through Fantasy Land past penguins, polar bears, giant teddy bears, and busy elves in a toy factory before meeting Santa in his cosy grotto. Children receive a wrapped present before venturing outside into the Enchanted Journey of Light, a festival of glowing lantern sculptures from the North Pole to underwater worlds. Along the way, guests can meet fantasy characters like the snowman's family and purchase festive drinks and treats.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

For entry slots up to 2:15 pm: children (includes a gift) £25; adults £18. For entry slots from 2:30 pm: children (includes a gift) £32; adults £25. An additional £3 transaction fee applies per booking. Children under 12 months may enter free with an ‘Infant under 1yr’ ticket and do not receive a present; they must be accompanied by at least one paying adult and one paying child with gift. Essential companion tickets may be available subject to eligibility and availability; the companion discount applies to general adult tickets only and must be booked through the Box Office. A 10% Armed Forces discount is offered to eligible regulars, reservists, veterans and their immediate military families, subject to the stated conditions. Tickets include the Enchanted Journey of Light and a visit to Santa, but not Adventure Play Fair.

Hours

Entry slots: 10:00 am–2:15 pm (lighter outside) and 2:30–8:00 pm (darker outside). Relaxed afternoon: 1:30–4:15 pm on Sunday, November 29.

Ages

All ages (maximum recommended age 12, but older children with additional needs are welcome)

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate, drinks and Christmas treats are available to purchase.

Parking

There is a large free on-site car park and adjacent overflow parking, which is not hard-standing but is accessible. Blue Badge or disabled spaces are limited and cannot be pre-booked; ask a car park attendant on arrival. The walk to the venue is roughly 2–3 minutes, depending on ability.

Accessibility

The site is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with matting over grass areas, but wheelchairs are not available to hire.

Pets

Dogs and pets are not allowed beyond the car park, except registered assistance animals.

Going?

Location

Thursford Collection · Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0AS Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Magical and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book ahead because tickets cannot be bought on the day, and include at least one paying adult and one child-with-gift ticket in each booking.
  • Arrive at the time printed on your ticket; latecomers are not guaranteed entry, and the full journey must be completed in one visit.
  • Allow about one and a half to two hours and be prepared to walk roughly a mile over the combined route.
  • Tell the team about access requirements when booking and again on arrival; bring your own wheelchair if needed, as none are supplied.
  • Bring your ticket ready for scanning and allow for bag checks at the main entrance during the 2026 trial.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children under 12 months enter free with an infant ticket; they do not receive a present and must attend with a paying adult and a paying child with gift.
  • Eligible essential companions may receive a companion ticket, subject to availability and eligibility; book by phone with a qualifying Nimbus Access card or Thursford Digital Access Pass.
  • A relaxed afternoon on Sunday, November 29, has reduced visitor numbers, lower music volume and softer lighting.
  • Earlier entry slots, when it is lighter outside, are priced lower than darker-time entry slots.
  • Adventure Play Fair tickets are sold separately on the day, subject to availability.

Links & Contact

Run by Thursford Enterprises

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

What ages is Santa’s Magical Journey best suited to?

The recommended maximum age is 12, though some older children with additional needs are welcome. Adult-only bookings without a child receiving a gift are not accepted.

Should I book ahead, and can I buy tickets at the door?

Booking is essential, and tickets cannot be bought on the day. Tickets are reported to sell out; arrive at the time on your ticket, as late entry is not guaranteed.

What is included, and can we add another activity?

The ticket includes the Enchanted Journey of Light and a visit to Santa. Adventure Play Fair is separate and its tickets are sold on the day, subject to availability.

Can we buy food, and may we bring our own?

Hot chocolate, drinks and Christmas treats are available from catering outlets. Outside food is not allowed except for severe allergies or medical needs agreed with staff in advance.

Is the route accessible, and are dogs allowed?

The event is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with matting over grass; visitors may walk about a mile, and wheelchairs are not provided. Pets are not allowed beyond the car park, except registered assistance animals.

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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.

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