Meet Father Christmas

7th & 8th December:
Morning Sessions: 11-11:30am, 11:30am-12 noon, 12 noon-12:30pm, 12:30-1pm
Afternoon Sessions: 2-2:30pm, 2:30-3pm, 3-3:30pm

21st & 22nd December:
Morning Sessions: 11-11:30am, 11:30am-12 noon, 12 noon-12:30pm, 12:30-1pm
Afternoon Sessions: 2-2:30pm, 2:30-3pm, 3-3:30pm

Christmas at the Mansion is a special time, and this year is no different. Join Father Christmas in his grotto for this festive family occasion.

Help Father Christmas audition his new elves before each child enjoys a short individual visit with Father Christmas and receives a special gift.

Make the most of the day and discover the rest of the Mansion, admiring the decorated Christmas trees and festive music. You can also try our Christmas Trail, which can be purchased separately from the gift shop. Seasonal refreshments will be available in the tearoom (charged separately). Families can join in the other activities before or after visiting Father Christmas.

This is a family activity for children accompanied by parents/ carers, who must remain with their children throughout. Due to space limitations, only two adults are allowed per child booking.

The sessions are suitable for children aged 4+ and are located on the ground floor. For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Christchurch Mansion has, we recommend reading our Access information online before visiting.

We like to keep our magical grotto a surprise, but we appreciate some visitors need to know exactly what to expect for an enjoyable time on the day. The grotto will be created ahead of the event. If a member of your party has a sensory impairment and would benefit from familiarising themselves with the space before visiting, please email museums@colchester.gov.uk after booking, and we can share photographs.