Father Christmas is coming to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham this Christmas. Children can meet him in his grotto, and every child receives a gift, whatever their age. A photo of your visit is included, and you're welcome to take your own pictures too.

Price
Child: £6.50
Adults: Free
Up to four children can be included in each booking.
Booking is recommended, as Father Christmas gets very busy.

Dates & Times
7th November to 24th December 2026
Saturday 7th November
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November
Every day from Thursday 26th November to 24th December
Arrival times
7th, 14th and 21st November: 10am to 4.50pm
Sundays (15th, 22nd and 29th November, 6th, 13th and 20th December): 10am to 3.50pm
26th and 27th November: 12pm to 4.50pm
28th November: 10am to 5.55pm
1st to 3rd December: 10am to 4.50pm
4th and 7th to 10th December: 10am to 5.55pm
5th and 12th December: 9.30am to 6.55pm
11th December: 10am to 6.55pm
14th to 19th and 21st to 23rd December: 9.30am to 6.55pm
24th December: 10am to 2.55pm.

Runtime & Schedule
Schedule Note: Entry is by booked arrival time, about every 9 minutes; on busy days there may be a short wait. Our calendar displays the first and last arrival times from 21st November.

Accessibility
Pushchairs are welcome.

📍 Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre Visitor Details
Check out our main listing for Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham for more visitor info. Parking is free.

Good To Know
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can reschedule, subject to availability.

⭐ Ready to book Father Christmas at Hempstead Valley? Click on the Website link above to go directly to the booking page.

🔗 More Like This
Love a bit of festive magic? Explore our Santa's Grottos in Kent guide, or our Seasonal category for more Christmas event listings, or visit our Christmas in Kent page for links to all our festive guides

Picture Credit: © Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre/Great Grottos ltd

See Kent, Know Kent
🌹 Discover this part of North Kent with our guide to Medway – Chatham, Gillingham & Rochester, under our Area Guides in Kent menu, or browse the sections below to plan your perfect time in the Garden of England.

🏛️ Things to do in Kent: Explore our listings for more attractions and activities.
🎤 What's On In Kent: Check our events menu for the latest updates.
💡 Ideas & Inspiration: Don't miss our features and themed articles.
🏰🦒 Top Guides: Uncover our tips to top attractions in Kent, adventure activities, animal experiences, the best Festivals, and much more in the Garden of England.
❄️ Seasonal Spotlight: From Easter and school holiday adventures to Halloween and more festive family fun.
📧 Sign up for the Free See Kent E-Newsletter.