Welcome to our Free Christmas Market

Santa’s coming to your store

Brought to you by Tesco

Book your experience

This year, Santa is coming to selected Tesco stores to meet children. And as a valued customer, we'd like to exclusively invite you to book a free experience for your little elves.

What to expect on the day.

One of Santa's helpers will welcome you into the grotto, where you'll see Christmas gifts being brought to life in the elves' workshop.

Your little ones will have the chance to write their wish lists to Santa in the workshop and pop them into the speedy post box.

Then, you'll receive a happy hello and a ho-ho-ho from Mr Claus himself.

Finally, each child will receive a free, age-appropriate gift from Santa and a digital photo to remember the day they met him.

If you have any questions, please read the details below and visit our FAQs.

Thank you for visiting

Most of the slots for our Christmas Grottos are now fully booked, but you can check the list of stores that still have available booking slots below. If you can't find a location that suits you, please do check again in case of any cancellations. Alternatively, we have plenty of availability for our Free Tesco Christmas Markets - No booking needed. You can find your nearest location to visit here: www.tescochristmas.com.


The following stores still have slots available for Santa's grotto. Please note that this is subject to change.

Tesco Northampton Weston Favell Extra, 12 Weston Favell Centre, Northampton, NN3 8JZ
Book your experience

More information

  • Please refer to our FAQs, which provide more detail on common questions.
  • Children must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian over the age of 18.
  • Make your way to the grotto and quote your booking reference or show your confirmation email.
  • Please arrive no more than five minutes before the start of your allotted booking slot.
  • Entry may not be possible if you arrive before or after your allotted time.
  • Please be aware that your time slot will allow you into the queue to see Santa. These timings allow us to manage entrance into the grotto should there be delays.
  • We aim to ensure that you see Santa within your time slot, but you may need to wait a little longer on busy days.
  • If timing on the day becomes an issue, please speak to one of our grotto helpers; they will gladly assist.
  • Due to space restrictions each booking should be a maximum of two adults and four children.
  • Children must remain under the care and supervision of an adult for the duration of the grotto.
  • Where a session is shown as 'Sold Out' – we're sorry, there are currently no more tickets available for that time. However please check nearby stores or alternative dates for availability.
  • Should you wish for any additional assistance, please contact us on bookings@tescochristmasgrotto.com or speak to a team member in-store.
  • Gifts will be deemed age-appropriate and limited to one per child. Gifts cannot be exchanged or refunded. Should any children attend that were not listed on the booking, we will endeavour to present them with a gift, but as numbers are calculated based on booking numbers, we cannot guarantee this.
  • By signing up for the Tesco Christmas grotto, you confirm that you have read and understood this information and confirm you are responsible for participating minors’ welfare on the day of the event. Tesco accepts no liability for any injuries or medical issues sustained through participation in the grotto, and it is the parent, guardian, responsible adult, or carer’s responsibility to address any such issues.

SEND Children (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

  • The grotto is in an enclosed space with dim lighting, sounds and music.
  • Please be aware that the allocated slots for SEND children are bookable by others, but we ask, where possible, for these slots to be kept for those with SEND requirements. Anyone attending a SEND session will get a sensory-controlled version of the experience.
  • We recommend that children under 18 with special needs only attend the grotto on the dates and times outlined suitable for those with SEND, as special precautions will unlikely be in place at other times. The grotto environment will be made suitable for those with special needs during these dedicated time slots. The parent/guardian must remain on site for anyone under 18 years of age or anyone with special needs.

Frequently asked questions

What age is the experience aimed at?
Everyone is welcome. However due to the toy age ranges, the grotto is most suitable for those under eight.

What gift will my child receive?
We have a range of age-appropriate gifts that we will try to match with each child who attends.

I have more than four children; what should I do?
In this instance, you will need to book an additional slot to cater for your party.

Can I take my buggy/pram into the grotto?
Because of limited space, we ask that buggies and prams be left outside the grotto.

Can I take my own photos in the grotto?
Yes, you are most welcome to take your own photos of your visit.

What will be different in the SEND grotto experience?
Anyone attending a SEND session will get a sensory-controlled version of the full experience.

What time should I arrive for my visit?
Please arrive no more than five minutes before your booked slot.

What happens if I am running late for my visit?
We will do our best to cater for late arrivals, but please be aware this might not be possible on the day.

How can I contact you?
Please get in touch with us at bookings@tescochristmasgrotto.com