Free Santa’s grotto returns to The Rock with festive magic and charity cheer

Monday, 3 November 2025 00:42

By David Murphy

Families in Bury invited to enjoy a free festive experience with Santa, chocolate treats and a land train this Christmas

Families across Bury and beyond can once again enjoy a festive visit to Santa completely free of charge, as The Rock’s popular grotto experience returns for the 2025 Christmas season.

The magical grotto, located in St John’s Square at the heart of the shopping and leisure destination, opens on Saturday 29 November, with selected dates running up until Christmas. Children will receive a chocolate lolly and have the chance to meet Santa himself, with visitors welcome to take their own photos. Santa’s elves will be on hand to help capture the moment.

The Rock’s Centre Director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood, confirmed the experience will remain free this year to ensure every family has the chance to take part. “At The Rock, we believe every child should have the chance to meet Santa, which is why our grotto will once again be free to enter,” he said. “However, if you'd like to support a good cause, donations can be made at the grotto to our current partner charity, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.”

Last year’s return of the grotto proved a huge success, drawing nearly 2,000 young visitors.

Alongside the grotto, festive activity will extend throughout the centre, with a Christmas food fair and the return of the much-loved Rock Express land train, which will begin operating from Saturday 13 December.

The grotto will be fully accessible and manned by two elves, with full opening hours available on The Rock’s official website and social media channels.

More information and updates can be found at: https://www.therockbury.com

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