Christmas at St. John’s 2026

Looking to visit Santa in Barnstaple this Christmas? Step into a world of festive wonder at St. John’s Garden Centre, Barnstaple, where our beloved Santa’s Grotto 2026 is back — and it’s more magical than ever before!

Families from across North Devon return year after year to experience the joy, sparkle, and excitement of meeting Father Christmas in our enchanting grotto setting. Whether it's your child’s first encounter with the big man in red or a treasured family tradition, Santa’s Grotto at St. John’s Barnstaple promises a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.

What's more, there's plenty more to Christmas at St. John's than just Santa's Grotto. Take a look below at the full calendar of festive events in Barnstaple for 2025!

Dates for your diary 2026:

Ice Skating North Devon: NEW for 2026! Opening in November. 

Our Winter Shopping Events - Save 20%

📍 St. John’s Barnstaple: Friday 13th November | 6pm–8.30pm

📍 St. John’s Ashford: Friday 20th November | 6pm–8.30pm

Santa's Arrival at St. John's Barnstaple: Friday 27th November | From 6pm

Santa's Grotto at St. John's Barnstaple: From Saturday 28th November

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a festive wonderland designed to delight both children and grown-ups alike. Our Santa’s Grotto is accessed through the magic of wintery JungleLand, which features twinkling lights, magical decorations, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the true spirit of Christmas. The grotto has been completely reimagined for 2025 so expect the most magical visit yet!

🎅 Meet Santa Claus – Share your Christmas wishes and enjoy a personal meet-and-greet with Santa himself. Each child will receive a gift to take home, handpicked by Santa and his elves, as well as a Christmas tree sapling to plant for many years of joy.
📸 Photo Opportunities – Capture the moment with a festive photo (perfect for the mantelpiece or next year’s Christmas card!).
✨ Festive Surroundings – Our grotto is lovingly decorated with festive scenes, winter magic, and plenty of North Pole charm.

The grotto opens on 28th November 2026. Bookings will open in early October.

Winter Shopping Evenings

See St. John’s sparkle after dark at our exclusive Winter Shopping Events! Members of our Sow & Grow gardening club can enjoy 20% off selected items on special evenings filled with festive cheer.
📅 2026: 13th November at St. John's, Barnstaple, 21st November at St. John's, Ashford!

🐾 Winter JungleLand

Step into the magical world of JungleLand at Christmas, returning from the end of November! Twinkling lights, adorable animals, festive scenes and surprises – it’s a seasonal adventure for all ages. Opening on 27th November 2026.

🎅 Santa's Arrival

Santa arrives in style to St. John's Barnstaple each year with a grand horse-drawn entrance. Visitors will be entertained by an array of acts whilst Santa and Mrs. Claus hand out sweets to the little ones. It's the perfect way to start Christmas in Barnstaple. This years event will be on Friday 27th November from 6pm.

🎶 Santa Band Fundraiser

Our famous Santa Bands are back for another year of music, movement and festive fundraising! Each centre builds a show-stopping display to support a local charity. In 2025, we proudly supported Royal Devon Hospitals Charity - The Fern Centre and NDADA.

🍳 Breakfast with Santa

We’re excited to bring back our popular Breakfast with Santa, a magical morning where little ones can enjoy a festive breakfast with Mr Claus himself. Expect laughter, stories, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
📢  Bookings for 2026 will open in October!

☕ Festive Treats in Our Café & Restaurant

Tuck into our seasonal specials, including rich hot chocolates, hearty Christmas roasts, classic mince pies and show-stopping festive bakes. Available throughout the festive season – come hungry!

Christmas Afternoon Teas are available Monday - Saturday after 2pm, bookings only.

Christmas Carvery will be back on Wednesdays and Sundays from 11.30am - 2.30pm, walk-ins welcome.

Looking for an alternative to your typical Christmas party venues in Barnstaple? This year at St. John's Barnstaple and Ashford you can book our festive afternoon teas (available Monday - Saturday from 2pm onwards) for an alternative celebration.

Festive Afternoon Tea - Bookings Only - £25pp

Enjoy a tower of treats with savoury festive sandwiches, classic scones with jam and cream and a selection of moreish cakes. Served with a pot of tea/cup of coffee. Upgrade to a glass of Prosecco for an extra £6.