A Magical Father Christmas Experience in Meriden
- The Barn At Berryfields
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Tucked away in the Meriden countryside, just a short hop from Coventry, Solihull and the NEC, our Father Christmas Experience is a fully immersive festive journey, created for families who want more than a quick photo in a shopping-centre grotto.
We’ve designed everything so the experience feels warm, welcoming and unhurried – with time to soak it all in, meet the animals, chat to the elves and make memories together.
Step Into the Father Christmas Experience
From the moment you step into our giant Events Barn, the experience unfolds in gentle stages – giving little ones time to build excitement rather than rushing them straight to Santa.
Here’s what to expect on your visit:
1. The Elf Show: 15 Minutes of Festive Fun
Your journey begins with a 15-minute professional Elf Show, filled with sing-along Christmas carols, interactive dancing and storytelling. Children are encouraged to join in – it’s fun, joyful and the perfect way to warm everyone up for their big day out.
2. Decorate Your Own Gingerbread
Next, you’ll head over to the gingerbread station, where each child can decorate their own freshly handmade festive gingerbread biscuit, baked in our Barn Bakery. It’s hands-on, creative, and, of course, delicious – and it gives you a lovely keepsake (even if it only lasts a few bites).
3. Feed Our Real Reindeer
One of the most magical moments for many children is meeting our real-life reindeer and feeding them their favourite festive treat, Norwegian moss. It’s a rare chance to get up close, ask questions and feel the quiet excitement of being near Father Christmas’ trusted team.
4. Cuddle Our Fluffy Bunnies
Alongside the reindeer, children can cuddle our super-cute fluffy bunnies, giving them a calm, gentle moment in the middle of all the festive buzz. It’s often the part parents don’t expect to love as much as they do.
5. Wishing Tree & Letters to Santa
Before seeing Father Christmas, little ones can:
Write a letter to Santa and post it in his North Pole postbox
Hang a wish on the Wishing Tree, taking a quiet moment to think about what they really hope for this Christmas
These simple touches help children slow down, reflect and feel part of the story, not just visitors passing through.
6. A One-to-One Visit with Father Christmas
Then it’s time for the big moment.
Families are invited through to Father Christmas’ grotto, where children can meet him one-to-one. There’s time to talk, share what they’ve been up to this year, and, of course, make sure he knows what’s on their list.
Each child receives a special gift token, which they’ll later swap for a present of their choice in the Elf Workshop – adding an extra layer of excitement as they carefully pick the one that feels “just right.”
7. Choosing a Gift in the Elf Workshop
Finally, you’ll wander into the Elf Workshop, where children can choose their own gift using the token they received from Father Christmas. This moment of independence – browsing the shelves and deciding for themselves – is a highlight for many families.
Extra Festive Fun: Eco-Skating & Seasonal Street Food
Once your Father Christmas Experience has finished, your day doesn’t have to end there.
Our Events Shed is also home to an Eco-Skating rink, as well as festive street food and a fully stocked bar, all available to purchase separately. It means you can easily turn your visit into a full festive outing: skating, hot food, drinks and plenty of time together.
There’s also free parking, on-site toilets and plenty of space, making it a relaxed, family-friendly day out.
When & Where Our Father Christmas Experience Takes Place
The Father Christmas Experience runs on selected dates from late November through December at:
The Barn At Berryfields, Berryfields Farm, Berkswell Road, Meriden, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV7 7LB.
Each year, we release a schedule of dates and time slots, including weekends and selected weekdays leading up to Christmas Eve.
For the most up-to-date information on dates, ticket prices, and availability, please check our official booking page on The Barn At Berryfields website.
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