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🎅 Santa, pantos & Christmas events for children in Cambridge (2026)

Cambridge has two free switch-ons: Station Square on Thursday 12 November and the Big Switch On in the Market Square on Sunday 15 November. Christmas in Cambridge on Parker’s Piece runs from 13 November to 3 January with an ice rink, big wheel, market and Santa visits, and the Arts Theatre panto is Jack and the Beanstalk. Botanic Lights evenings and the Audley End Enchanted Railway sell timed tickets, and Scotsdales’ Great Shelford grotto is already fully booked, so book grottos early.

Christmas events in and around Cambridge

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Tips from people who’ve been

  • Book Santa early: the best grotto times often sell out by mid-November.
  • Check what’s included: a gift, a photo, a craft or a story, and whether grown-ups pay too.
  • Ask about quiet or relaxed sessions if loud music, crowds or queues are hard for your child.
  • Weekday visits and the first slot of the day are usually calmer than weekends.
  • Pantos often have relaxed and signed performances: look for them when you book.

Warm indoor places near Cambridge for a cold day

Within 20 km: Soft play: 4 · Museum & attraction: 15 · Swimming & leisure: 16 · Cinema: 3

Other places

Christmas with children 2026: Santa, pantos and lights · See everything on the map