Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.

Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the historic surroundings of Colchester Castle. As part of your festive day out, children can step into a magical grotto, meet Father Christmas and his Castle helpers, share their Christmas wishes and receive a special festive gift.

Designed to create memorable family moments, this enchanting experience brings the spirit of the season to life within one of Colchester’s most iconic landmarks. Each child will have the opportunity to speak with Father Christmas and enjoy a magical start to Christmas.

What to expect
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A personal visit with Father Christmas
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Time to share Christmas wishes
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A special festive gift for each ticket-holding child
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A magical grotto experience within Colchester Castle

Babies and younger siblings are welcome to accompany families visiting the grotto. Gifts are provided for children with a grotto ticket.

Adults must accompany children throughout the experience.

We want every family to enjoy their visit. The grotto is created at the beginning of December, and photographs will be available for visitors who would benefit from seeing the space in advance. If a member of your party has a sensory impairment, please email museums@colchester.gov.uk after booking and we will be happy to help.

For answers to common questions, please see our Q&A. Information on facilities, accessibility and how to find us can be found on our Colchester Castle Access page.

Don’t miss this much-loved festive tradition and add a touch of Christmas magic to your Castle visit.

Tickets cost £12.95 per child and £1 per adult for the grotto experience.

Grotto tickets are sold separately and do not include admission to Colchester Castle. You’re welcome to visit Father Christmas without purchasing Castle admission, but if you’d also like to explore the Castle, you’ll need a valid admission ticket or annual pass for each visitor.

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