- Santa's Grottos
- All Ages
Santa Experience at Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park · Polegate, East Sussex · 21st November to 23rd December 2026
About this event
Christmas at Drusillas runs from 21 November to 23 December 2026 at Drusillas Park, the zoo on Alfriston Road near Polegate in East Sussex. The Santa Experience runs on weekends only from 21 November to 13 December, then every day from 14 to 23 December. Drusillas is open 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
Santa is in Santa's Christmas Cottage in the Events Arena. The Santa Experience is a personal one to one meeting with Santa, with a photo opportunity and a Christmas gift for each child. The cottage holds a maximum of 4 children at a time, so a party with more than 4 children needs a second slot. Drusillas has several Santas over the season and cannot say which one you will meet.
The time on your ticket is an allocated queuing time rather than the exact moment you meet Santa, so expect a short wait, and arrive at the cottage at that time or you may miss Santa. Santa gives presents only for the number of children shown on the ticket.
The rest of the day is a normal Drusillas visit with festive additions included in the day ticket: a 24ft Christmas tree, a singing reindeer trio and festive photo opportunities around the park. Festive food and drink is available at an extra charge. The Santa Experience is an add-on, so everyone in the party also needs a Drusillas Day Ticket or membership.
One to one time with Santa
Santa's Christmas Cottage takes no more than 4 children at a time, and the Santa Experience is described as a personal one to one meeting. Each child gets a Christmas gift and there is a photo opportunity, all for £19.50 per child on top of entry.
A zoo day around the grotto
Because the Santa visit is an add-on to a Drusillas Day Ticket, the rest of the day is spent at the zoo itself. The park is open 10:00 to 17:00, so a Santa slot fits into a full day out rather than being the whole visit.
Festive extras in the day ticket
The 24ft Christmas tree, the singing reindeer trio and the festive photo spots around Drusillas are all included in a standard day ticket, so families without a Santa booking still see the Christmas side of the park. Festive food and drink costs extra.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
21st November to 23rd December 2026
Christmas at Drusillas 21 November to 23 December 2026
Santa: weekends 21 November to 13 December, then daily 14 to 23 December
Park open 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00
Santa tickets show an allocated queuing timeAges
All Ages
Parking
Free parking is available.
Getting there
By Bus
You can take the following: 125, 39, 11X, 25, 26, 47, 42, 126, 40, 43, 44 and 44A.
By Train
The closest train station is Polegate station, which is a 20-minute taxi ride away.
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
