From 24 November, and running daily until Christmas Eve, guests at West Midland Safari Park will have the chance to see Santa in his magical grotto during the day – or, on selected dates, visit Santa during the evening. And alongside seeing the big man himself, the Park is inviting guests to try out their skating skills on its brand-new Glice® rink, which is open until 7 January 2024. This eco-friendly ice rink alternative is suitable for all the family and doesn’t require any water or energy, meaning it’s more sustainable (and not a soggy bottom in sight!).

Head of Marketing, Rochelle Zare, said, “Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit West Midland Safari Park, and this year is no exception. After the tremendous amount of work that’s been put into this year’s event, the team here cannot wait to see the faces of families entering the Park, seeing the beautiful winter wonderland we’ve created, and experiencing our magical grotto and new Glice® rink.”

Guests looking for some extra festive fun can choose to purchase a skating only ticket or add Safari Skating on to their Santa Safari or winter visit to the Park. There will also be the opportunity to purchase some winter gifts or some festive food and drinks, at the new outlets next to the rink.

For the Christmas season, the Park has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 300 Christmas trees, new illuminated characters, lights, baubles, photo points and even thick layers of ‘snow’. Guests to the grotto will be greeted by Santa’s team of friendly elves who will magically transport families to the North Pole on Santa’s newly refurbished sleigh featuring a talking owl and enchanting northern lights. Disembarking the sleigh, they will follow a path through a magical winter wonderland, busy elf workshop and reindeer stables, finally reaching the grotto to pay a visit to the big man himself. Children will receive a memento of their day by having a picture taken of themselves with Santa which they can then take home, alongside being able to choose their very own present from the elves’ workshop. Also included in the package is a visit to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, where children can enjoy a drink and cookie, whilst adults are treated to a hot drink and festive treat. There will be a chance for children to write their letters to Santa and post them in his friendly talking postbox, with a chance of winning a family annual pass. Additionally, guests visiting this winter can add on a virtual reality sleigh ride – a magical 4D adventure to the North Pole, helping Santa to test out his sleigh before his big journey on Christmas Eve.

Prices for Santa Safari start from £26 for adults and children and £13 for children under the age of three. Safari Skating is £8.50 if adding on to winter admission or a Santa ticket, or £13.00 for skating only, with children under the age of three being free.

Tickets can be booked in advance via the Park’s website, where guests can also see the calendar of events. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari