Santa Paws in the Park 2024
Wicksteed Park has moved to diversify its festive offering to ensure all the family have a magical time this Christmas. As well as its hugely-popular festive experience and legendary Christmas Party Nights, the park launched its exciting new Santa Paws in the Park dog competition, giving local pooches the chance to join in the fun. Visitors to the park can also join in the fun at the Twist and Shout at Christmas Day Time Shows in the majestic pavilion.
The inaugural Santa Paws in the Park was held on Saturday November 30, with more than 120 festive pups being invited to try and win a prize in one of the following categories:
- Best Dog Christmas jumper
- Waggiest tail
- Best trick with a Christmas theme
- Prettiest Pooch
- Most Handsome Hound
- Best 6 legs with a Christmas theme (owners and dogs!)
Entry to the competition categories was £2 per entry and general entry to the event for spectators was free. At 3pm, the famous Wicksteed Park train departed from “Woofsteed” station for a special dog-friendly journey, and the park’s Garden Café served dog-friendly puppacinos.

Wicksteed Park director Kelly Richardson said: “We have been working extra hard to create an amazing and memorable festive experience featuring many of the unique aspects of the park, such as our pavilion and the train. We are delighted that we have something for everyone – even people’s pet dog!”
The unforgettable Wicksteed Park family experience offers a family meet and greet with Santa Claus, so they can share all their Christmas wishes before choosing a present from the Elf’s Workshop. Tickets, which cost £15 per person, also allow visitors to enjoy a wonderful day exploring everything else on offer, including a ride on the Wicksteed Railway, boarding at the North Pole Station, and visiting Santa Claus’ very own reindeer.
Visitors can also say hello to their favourite farm animals, whizz down the astroslide, take a spin on the carousel, have a go at Crazy Golf, or leave their Christmas wish on the wishing tree.

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Santa Paws in the Park 2024
Wicksteed Park has moved to diversify its festive offering to ensure all the family have a magical time this Christmas. As well as its hugely-popular festive experience and legendary Christmas Party Nights, the park launched its exciting new Santa Paws in the Park dog competition, giving local pooches the chance to join in the fun. Visitors to the park can also join in the fun at the Twist and Shout at Christmas Day Time Shows in the majestic pavilion.