“I can’t believe it was all for free!” - visitors react to first day of popular Northampton Santa’s Grotto event

Northampton’s Free Santa’s Grotto experience has proven a huge charitable success year-on year, with thousands of visitors enjoying the festivities, and 2025 looks to be no exception at its new St James venue, the Doddridge Community Centre.

“I can’t believe it was all for free!” one young mother told us as she piled out of Santa’s Grotto with her two children and into the Doddridge cafe and pop-up Christmas gift shop. With a free gift for each child, a visit to see Santa Claus, and chaperoned by his own band of merry elves, it truly is a magical experience and comes at a time when pockets are particularly tight.

Following the free walk-through experience, families are welcome to purchase raffle tickets with quite an incredible array of prizes (including an iPhone 14!), with all proceeds going towards the Doddridge Centre’s brilliant community work throughout the year. Next, is a room full of local and handmade gift items for sale. From stocking-fillers to chocolatey indulgences, each with a friendly-faced small local business owner - a perfect way to support local over this Christmas period.

But you’ll need to get in quick, because the grotto is only running for two more days (Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th from 4pm to 7pm)

You don’t get much for free these days, but the opportunity to take your kids to see Santa (or Father Christmas, if you prefer!) without eye-watering entry costs and without being charged to take photos is one that certainly can’t be missed. Even the parking is free.

Find out more by visiting the Doddridge Centre’s social media or at their website - www.doddridgecentre.org.uk/events