Due to event popularity, here's everything you need to know ahead of Christmas at The Great Hall!
If we've not answered your question, please reach us at info@historicwinchester.co.uk
What dates and times is the Santa’s Grotto at the Great Hall Christmas event happening?
Event times will run from 10am to 5pm on the following dates:
30 November, 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December.
How long will the experience take?
Please allow up to one hour for the experience.
Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, tickets to meet Santa must be pre-booked and will not be available for sale on the day.
When are ticket on sale?
Ticket will be on sale Monday 19 August 2024, 10am.
How much do tickets cost?
£18.50 per child, £6 per adult, or free for an existing annual pass holder (adult). Valid for one day only. Babes in arms go free when accompanying another paying child (in this instance, babes in arms will not receive a gift from Santa unless a ticket has been purchased for them). Adults purchasing tickets must be accompanied by a ticket-holding child.
Who is this event suitable for?
The experience is suitable for all the family, but gifts from Santa will be suitable for children, from age 0 up to around 9. All children must be accompanied by at least one accompanying adult when booking.
Do you offer tickets for carers?
We welcome personal assistants (carers) with those visitors that require them. If you require multiple personal assistants, please contact us to make arrangements in advance. Please book all paid tickets via our website as normal, and email us to add carers onto any bookings: info@historicwinchester.co.uk
Are you offering any relaxed or quiet days?
Relaxed sessions will be on Friday 6 December in the afternoon. Please book tickets on one of the afternoon slots on this day.
Is the event for 2024 the same as previous years?
The Great Hall is now operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust who are proud to present a new Grotto experience for 2024. Included with your ticket, visitors will now begin their experience at The Westgate, enjoying storytelling activities before being guided to Santa's Grotto, nestled within The Great Hall.
Where should I go when I arrive?
Please arrive 10 minutes before your time slot. Start your Christmas journey at the Westgate Museum (please note there are steep uneven stairs - if you have access requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.) Address: Westgate Museum, High St, Winchester SO23 9AP. The Westgate Museum is less than a minute’s walk to the Great Hall. During the experience, you will be taken to The Great Hall to meet Santa, enjoy some crafts and tasty treats, where your journey will conclude.
Is there parking there?
Unfortunately, there is no parking at The Great Hall or Westgate Museum. The nearest car park is only a 3 - 4 minutes’ walk away on Tower Street. https://www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/parking-and-car-parks. Many people choose to use the park and ride, as the town centre car parks can be expensive. The nearest park and ride bus stop is Westgate, which is a 2 minute walk to the Great Hall.
What should I wear?
Wrap up warmly! It can get quite chilly in The Great Hall! Fancy dress is welcomed!
Will be there food and drink?
Yes, we'll have some tasty snacks and hot drinks available to keep you toasty and satisfied!
Is there a maximum number of tickets I can buy? No, the more the merrier! A maximum of 7 children will be admitted per 15 minute session. If you need to book more than 7 tickets, please contact us to arrange adjacent session times.
If I am booking to meet Santa, do I need to buy a general admission ticket to The Great Hall, too?
No. But tickets will be available for general admission for those not wishing to meet Santa or take part in the Christmas experience. All adults accompanying children will need to purchase a general admission ticket at a reduced price of £6.00 (unless they have an annual pass). Please be aware, that these ticket types will not include our standard 12 months of access that our regular tickets do.
Who will receive a gift from Santa?
Only those with the qualifying ticket type for the experience will receive a gift from Santa. Accompanying adults or visitors with general admission tickets will not receive a gift.
Do you sell Christmas gifts?
Our gift shop has some lovely items that make perfect gifts! Please allow time to take a browse. We are also holding a Makers' Market at The Great Hall on 9 and 10 November 2024. Be sure to pop that in your diary; sign up to our newsletter to hear latest news and events from The Great Hall with Westgate Museum.
I have access needs. Can I still come?
Absolutely! Let us know in advance so we can make sure everything is suitable for you. Please email us at info@historicwinchester.co.uk with your order no and we will be able to help you.
Is it safe to buy tickets from a third-party?
Please do not purchase tickets for any Great Hall events elsewhere. We do not use any other ticketing sites or social media platforms besides our own. Unfortunately, social media scams are on the rise in recent years, which is why we will delete all comments about selling tickets. It's nothing personal, we just want to keep everyone safe! Please purchase tickets from The Great Hall or Hampshire Cultural Trust official platforms only.
I can no longer make it, what are my options?
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds. Please help us combat social media scams and do not re-sell tickets online. You are welcome to transfer your tickets to a loved one. For more information, see our refund policy.