Santa’s Grotto After Hours at Dudley Zoo and Castle

Meet Santa before the big day and discover more about his reindeer helpers during an exclusive late afternoon event at Dudley Zoo and Castle.

What to expect:

• Friday 18 and Monday 21 December 2026, 4pm to 7pm; your chosen time slot is your Santa time
• Santa’s cheeky elf leads you to a festively lit Reindeer Ravine, then the Santa Express to the Grotto and a gift from Santa
• A reindeer talk, Christmas crafts in the Farm Barn and photos in Santa’s sleigh
• "Tickets: £16.00 per adult & £16.00 per child (1 – 15 yrs), under 1 yrs are £7.00 each."
• Includes a free return Zoo admission ticket, valid until 31st March 2027; no access to the rest of the zoo on the evening
• Enter from the customer car park via Tipton Road (DY1 4AL); parking is complimentary; arrive 30 minutes before your slot
• Wrap up warm and wear sensible walking shoes