December 2, 2024

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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Wicksteed Park has been a cornerstone of family fun, community events, and natural beauty for over 100 years. As the birthplace of modern play equipment, it holds a unique place in history—and in the hearts of generations. However, the park's future as a free to access site is at risk. The Wicksteed Charitable Trust needs your help to keep the park open, free, and thriving.

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Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child and nieces and nephews."
Emma
"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."
India
"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"
Claire
"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."
Shelley
"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."
Robert
"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."
Lucy
"Treated my nieces to a day at Wicksteed Park during Easter. They had an amazing day from start to finish, when buying our tickets, we were informed of the rides that were closed, we went on all the rides that were open, multiple times, hardly any queuing. For lunch we stopped for food at Lighthouse Bites, the food was cooked fresh and my nieces really enjoyed it. When the park finally closed, the girls were so disappointed their day had come to an end, we decided to spend some time in the free play park, the park was busy with happy children, lots of climbing frames and different play equipment to try. All in all, my nieces had the best day and we are planning on coming back in the summer!"
Katy