About
Step into a sparkling world of festive wonder as you enter Mother Shipton’s award-winning Christmas Experience, voted Best Christmas Experience in Yorkshire. Follow the glow of the woodland lights as Santa prepares for his journey through the starry skies to meet you.
From the moment you arrive, Santa’s elves will welcome you into their enchanted Christmas Village, where every child with a Santa Experience Ticket receives a festive activity pack to unlock the magic of your visit.
As you enter the heart of the Christmas Village, Chief Elf Chestnut will be there to begin building excitement ahead of your special visit with Santa himself.
The main attraction is your personal family meeting with Santa in his beautiful, authentic and cosy Christmas grotto, where each child will receive a special soft toy gift to take home and treasure.
As you continue through the woodland, meet Holly Berry, our enchanting storyteller, who shares festive tales from within a beautifully lit tipi. Along the way, children can also fill their own bag of reindeer food to take home and sprinkle on Christmas Eve, helping guide Santa safely to their door. In the Snowy Owl Sorting Office, families can also send their Christmas wishes directly to Santa by owl mail, adding a touch of magic to every message. Be sure to pause for magical photo opportunities throughout the woodland, capturing memories along the way.
You’ll also discover the Christmas wishing trees, glowing with handwritten hopes and dreams, before exploring the natural wonders of the Cave, Petrifying Well and Wishing Well (subject to weather conditions).
Throughout your visit, the Christmas Village offers a place to pause and enjoy seasonal treats including hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, winter drinks, mince pies and warm, cosy seating inside a heated tipi and rustic log gazebos. Let your spirits soar as you embark on a Christmas experience that will leave you spellbound and brimming with holiday cheer.
Please note that dogs are not permitted during the Christmas event.
Mother Shipton’s Cave Opening Hours
Open every day from 28th March to 1st November (excluding 13th June for the Knaresborough Bed Race):
Events*/Weekends/Bank Holidays: 9:30am – 5:30pm (last admission at 4:00pm).
Term Time Weekdays: 10:00am – 4:00pm (last admission at 3:00pm).
Online booking is recommended for events, essential for bank holidays and Christmas.
Access to the Adventure Playground is subject to weather conditions.
*Events 2026:
Easter: 28th March – 19th April
May Half Term: 23rd May - 31st May
Summer Holidays: 18th July - 6th September
Halloween: 24th October - 1st November
