New Festive Features for all at Santa Safari
We are excited that our annual, family-favourite Christmas event is back, and this year, there are some brand-new, exciting features, as well as a ‘relaxed’ first day.
Starting this Friday 22 Nov and running until Christmas Eve, Santa Safari is a festive day out for the whole family and this year will be even more magical, with the addition of a new enchanted elevator ride and Mrs Claus’ Craft Club.
With an allocated time to see Santa, guests will be greeted in the Discovery Trail by one of his helpful Elves who will magically transport them to the North Pole. Guests can encounter some delightful characters and be dazzled by the Northern Lights.
Guests will then arrive at Santa's Enchanted Elevator - a magical journey transporting families to the heart of the North Pole.
As soon as the doors close, the elevator comes to life and will travel up, up and away on a fantastical flight across snowy landscapes and festive scenes. Finally, it will arrive at Santa's Grotto, so all that's left to do is ring the doorbell and meet the big man himself.
PR & Events Executive, Bethan Davis, said, “Christmas is our favourite time of year at West Midlands Safari Park, as the elves have been hard at work, transforming it into a winter wonderland, with lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and even layers of snow. This year, under Santa’s orders, there have been some changes in the grotto, including the introduction of the enchanted elevators, which really are spectacular and a truly unique way of travelling to Santa’s home!
“What’s even more exciting, is that Mrs Claus will be joining us this year too, telling stories to children and helping them make reindeer food in Mrs Claus’ Craft Club. Families can even help make Christmas presents for our animals and we will be sharing their gifts being given to them on our social channels, over the festive period.”
Once guests exit the enchanted elevator, they will be able to meet the big man himself, where they can tell him what’s on the top of their wish list and a friendly elf will take a picture of the experience for the family to take home.
After meeting Santa, children can pick their own present in the Elves’ Workshop and collect their photo. With a wide selection of gifts to choose from, children will be spoiled for choice.
Guests can also head to one of the festive food outlets, to pick up their complimentary festive treats, which include a mince pie or cookie and a drink.
Mrs Claus will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day in her Craft Club, where guests can make reindeer food to take home and create gifts for the Park’s animals.
They can also take part in a competition to write a letter to Santa and post it in the talking post-box, to be in with the chance of winning a Gold Annual Pass for four people.
Also included is the four-mile Safari Drive, Safari Walk areas, Explorers' Play Park and all the animal talks and encounters.
New for this year, the first day of the event (Friday 22 November), will be a ‘Relaxed Santa Safari’ day, for neurodivergent guests who might find the full experience a little overwhelming.
The day will still provide a magical experience but will have a slightly altered atmosphere to make all guests feel safe and comfortable.
The singing and animatronic figures will be silent on this day, lighting will be either static, or have minimal twinkling, the background music will be softer and the enchanted elevator experience will be optional.
Santa understands that every guests’ needs are different and will be more softly spoken on this day and is happy to chat to guests, or they can just pass through and give him a wave.
Capacity on this day will be reduced, so there won’t be long queues and sounds around the Park will also be quieter.
Guests can access a special social story on our website, for those who may be anxious about their visit: click here.
