A magical Christmas experience with St Clare Hospice at Harlow Garden Centre
Back by popular demand for a second year, St Clare Hospice is delighted to once again team up with Harlow Garden Centre to bring you a festive experience the whole family will love!
Santa’s Grotto bookings are officially open, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Step into Santa’s cosy grotto, meet the man himself, receive a mystery present, and take part in a fun festive activity before heading off full of Christmas cheer.
We also offer dedicated SEND sessions in a quieter, more comfortable setting to ensure every child can enjoy a magical and memorable visit to Santa.
More than just a festive family outing, St Clare Hospice’s Santa’s Grotto offers you the chance to make lasting memories all while supporting your local hospice.
Spaces are limited so booking in advance is essential!

Looking for the perfect Santa’s Grotto experience in Harlow this Christmas? St Clare Hospice’s Santa’s Grotto at Harlow Garden Centre offers a magical festive experience for children and families. More than just a family Christmas event in Essex, every booking help supports St Clare Hospice, funding vital hospice care and support for local families across West Essex and the East Hertfordshire borders.
By visiting Santa, you’ll not only create treasured festive memories, but also make a difference to people in your community. With limited spaces available, we recommend booking early to secure your place at one of the most heartwarming Christmas experiences near Harlow.
What’s included in a Santa’s Grotto ticket

General admission
Included with every ticket:
- Entrance to our magical pop-up grotto at Harlow Garden Centre
- A visit with Father Christmas
- A fun festive activity
- Photo opportunities
- A special gift
- Entry for up to two accompanying adults
- A donation to St Clare Hospice

SEND accessible sessions
We believe every child deserves the magic of Christmas. Our dedicated SEND ensure children with special educational needs and disabilities can enjoy a festive experience that is tailored to their needs. Our SEND sessions are designed to be quieter, calmer, and more flexible, with sensory-friendly adjustments and a welcoming environment where families can feel supported and relaxed.
Includes:
- Entrance to our magical pop-up grotto at Harlow Garden Centre
- A visit with Father Christmas
- A fun festive activity
- Photo opportunities
- A special gift
- Entry for up to two accompanying adults
- A donation to St Clare Hospice
What Families Say About St Clare Hospice’s Santa’s Grotto
‘BEST SANTA experience we’ve ever had.’
‘My little boy is visually impaired – blind. From the very first email response I was touched and impressed by how responsive and accommodating Ellie’s response was. As soon as we walked up the staff remembered us and started audio describing and the whole visit went on in the same way. My son was allowed to explore the set up with his senses and everyone audio described. Everyone was friendly and made a fuss of him. BEST SANTA experience we’ve ever had. I am very moved with gratitude!‘
‘We didn’t feel rushed at all, I felt like we had more than enough time with Father Christmas.’
‘Fantastic experience. Everyone was so incredibly friendly and I we didn’t feel rushed at all, I felt like we had more than enough time with Father Christmas, my daughter was able to have a proper conversation, he was very easy to talk to and was just fab in general. The gifts were much more than I thought may have been on offer! Amazing, thank you!‘
‘It’s a bonus to be able to support St Clare Hospice at the same time.’
‘All the staff were so friendly and made a real effort to interact with the children, they loved making the special food for the reindeer at the beginning and the sleigh they got to sit in and I think it’s a bonus to be able to support St Clare Hospice at the same time.’
Frequently Asked Questions

Our Santa’s Grotto is in partnership with Harlow Garden Centre
Contact us
If you have any questions about our Santa’s Grotto we’d love to help! Please get in touch with our friendly fundraising team via:
