Tulleys’ Christmas Santa Experience, nestled in the West Sussex countryside, offers a captivating alternative to the often-expensive and hard-to-book LaplandUK. Over three decades, Tulleys Farm has transformed from a simple pick-your-own operation into a seasonal events powerhouse, renowned for its award-winning Shocktober Fest and Escape Rooms. The Christmas experience maintains this high standard, immersing visitors in a Disney-esque world of festive magic and wonder from the moment they arrive. The vast 350-acre site twinkles with Christmas lights, setting the stage for a day of enchantment. Tulleys’ meticulous planning is evident in the smooth operation of the multifaceted experience, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable day for families seeking a truly immersive Christmas adventure.
The Santa Experience boasts a comprehensive array of activities, all included in the ticket price. From the exhilarating big-top circus and the whimsical elf forest to the hands-on gingerbread making and reindeer food preparation, there’s something to captivate every child’s imagination. The highlight, of course, is the sleigh ride culminating in a heartwarming meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself. Each child receives a personalized booklet upon arrival, featuring a map and checklist to collect stamps at each activity, adding a sense of adventure and accomplishment to their journey. Optional extras, such as the runaway train and spinning helicopter ride, alongside the year-round digger and tractor attractions, further enhance the experience.
With so much to see and do, Tulleys recommends allocating five hours for the full experience, a suggestion that rings true given the breadth and depth of activities. The sheer size of the site, reminiscent of a mini-festival, coupled with the throngs of eager Christmas enthusiasts, especially on weekends, can make for a bustling atmosphere. Inclement weather can further amplify this busyness, driving visitors indoors and potentially creating congestion. Arriving early is highly recommended to minimize queuing time, as both the car park and entry lines can become substantial even before the official opening time.
The entertainment at Tulleys is top-notch, with a variety of brilliant performances and activities included in the standard ticket price. The circus, featuring impressive aerial acrobatics and a comically cranky clown, is a standout, drawing both gasps of awe and peals of laughter from the audience. The 3D cinema offers a captivating visual experience, while the “Unleash your inner elf” activity encourages imaginative play. The Tree-mendous show provides festive entertainment, and the North Pole post office and gingerbread decorating station offer hands-on fun. The magical moment of each child creating their own teddy bear, a gift from Father Christmas, is a truly cherished memory.
The Santa sleigh ride itself is a delightful journey aboard a tractor-pulled sleigh, winding through twinkling trees before arriving at a cabin in the woods where joyous elves greet the visitors. The encounter with Santa Claus is a carefully crafted experience, designed to maintain the magic and wonder of Christmas for children of all ages. While the specifics are best left unspoiled, it represents the culmination of the Tulleys Christmas journey and a cherished memory for families.
The cost of the experience, while not insignificant, offers considerable value when considering the range of included activities and freebies. Children receive their handmade teddy bear or a toy from Santa’s workshop, along with their gingerbread creation and reindeer food, mitigating the overall expense. Adult tickets start at £34.95, while children aged 1-13 pay £64.95. Under-1s are priced at £17.95. However, it’s crucial to factor in additional on-the-day expenses, such as food and souvenirs, which can quickly add up. A family of four can expect to spend around £200 for the full experience, including these extras.
On-site food options, primarily from street food vendors, include festive favorites like mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas wraps, and carvery rolls. Prices are typical of event catering, with hot dogs at £9.50, tea at £2.50, coffee at £3.50, canned fizzy drinks at £3.50, and churros with sauce at £6.50. Optional rides, such as the runaway train, cost £3 per person, and the mini tractors and diggers are £1 per ride. Commemorative Christmas photos with Santa start at £15 for a single photo, with package options available at higher prices.
Overall, Tulleys’ Christmas Santa Experience delivers a truly magical and immersive festive adventure. The wealth of included activities, coupled with the enchanting atmosphere and high-quality entertainment, justifies the ticket price, particularly when considering the free gifts and mementos children receive. However, the increasing popularity of the event necessitates careful planning and early arrival to mitigate queuing times and ensure a smooth experience. As Tulleys continues to grow and expand its offerings, it must strive to maintain the delicate balance between commercial success and the preservation of genuine Christmas magic.
