Sunday 15 November 2026
One of Surrey’s best-loved grotto experiences returns this festive season, as Chessington Garden Centre opens The Magic of Christmas: The Tale of Chester from Saturday 21 November to Christmas Eve. This year’s story follows Chester the fox, the newest member of the garden centre family, on a heartwarming quest through festive scenes that ends with a visit to Father Christmas in his cosy grotto. There’s also a 4D virtual reality sleigh ride for older children. Here are five reasons to book a visit.
1. A Brand-New Story Starring Chester the Fox
Chessington Garden Centre has been running its Christmas experience for years, and each season brings a new adventure. For 2026, families join Chester the fox on a heartwarming Christmas quest as he discovers the true magic of the season. Along the way you’ll help Chester prepare for the most wonderful day of the year, which gives younger children a real sense of being part of the story rather than just queuing to see Santa. It’s a lovely, gentle way to build the excitement in the run-up to Christmas. Having a character to follow also helps little ones who might feel shy, as Chester leads the way through every scene.
2. A Magical Walk Through Festive Scenes
The experience is a walk-through adventure, taking families through beautifully themed festive scenes where you’ll meet charming characters and uncover surprises hidden along the way. Allow around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on how fast your little ones like to walk. Visitors in previous years have praised the props, the actors and the carefully laid-out walkways, with families sent through in timed small groups so it never feels too crowded. It’s designed so that toddlers and older children alike can enjoy spotting the details. With so much to look at, it’s worth taking it slowly and letting the children soak up every scene.
3. Father Christmas and a Gift They Choose Themselves
The adventure ends at Santa’s cosy grotto, where every child enjoys a memorable meeting with Father Christmas. Rather than being handed a random present, each child gets to choose their very own gift, which is always a big hit. Past visitors have mentioned that families meet Father Christmas in their own room, making the moment feel more personal and less rushed. Photographs are available to buy as an extra, so budget for those if you’d like a keepsake. For many local families, this visit has become a festive tradition, and it’s often recommended as a good-value alternative to bigger and pricier grottos.
4. A 4D Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride
For an extra bit of festive fun, the garden centre is also running a Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride from Saturday 21 November until Christmas Eve. The five-minute 4D ride puts you in Santa’s sleigh with a freshly cleaned, fully adjustable VR headset, as the sleigh gently rocks and fans create the feeling of wind. It’s suitable for children aged five and over, and if a headset is too much for younger riders, the same content plays on a TV at the front of the ride. Up to six people can ride at once. The sleigh ride is booked separately from the grotto, so allow up to an hour extra if you’re doing both on the same day.
5. SEN Sessions and Easy Planning
The garden centre offers dedicated SEN sessions with their own booking link, making the experience more accessible for children who need a calmer visit. Pre-booking is strongly recommended for everyone in your party, as tickets may not be available on the day. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your session to sign in, and note that food and drink aren’t allowed in the grotto. Tickets are non-refundable, but you can reschedule through your Digitickets account or the rebooking form at least five days ahead. Make a day of it by browsing the Christmas shop or eating at the Sedum Restaurant, or pair it with Christmas at Chessington World of Adventures just down the road.
Book
The Magic of Christmas: The Tale of Chester
Chessington Garden Centre, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NG
Dates: Saturday 21 November – Thursday 24 December 2026
Duration: about 40–50 minutes
VR Sleigh Ride: ages 5+, booked separately
SEN sessions: separate booking link on the website
Phone: 01372 725 638