Santa’s Secret Forest has revealed a host of magical new additions ahead of its highly anticipated return to Liverpool for a second year, with some sessions already sold out.
Following a hugely successful debut season, the immersive Christmas adventure will reopen at Orrell Hill Woods in Hightown from Saturday 21st November, with tickets now available for visits throughout the festive season.
Far more than a traditional grotto, Santa’s Secret Forest invites families to step inside an entire 2,700sqm Christmas world, combining an illuminated woodland trail with immersive theatre, live characters, storytelling and technology as children journey behind the scenes of Santa’s Hub.
From the custom-built Tinsel Town Express steam train, Santa’s Sleigh Garage and North Pole Command to The Mail Room, Elf Village and Toy Workshop, families discover the exciting secrets of Christmas before making the magical journey to meet Santa himself.
And for 2026, the team has taken the magic even further.
A spectacular new entrance tunnel will transport families into the forest before they embark on a significantly upgraded light trail, with new installations, immersive effects and picture-perfect moments transforming the woodland route. Special 3D glasses will also turn points of light into magical falling snowflakes before children’s eyes.
For the first time, real magicians and puppeteers will bring the story of Santa’s Secret Forest to life through performances and unexpected encounters at the all new Burrow, while children will receive magic wands, putting some of the magic quite literally into their hands as they become part of the adventure.
Inside Santa’s Hub, children can watch their letters to Santa shoot through giant transparent tubes towards the North Pole sorting office, while a present wrapping machine will offer another glimpse into the extraordinary operation taking place behind the scenes.
Families will also meet Santa’s real reindeer as well as have the all-important visit to Santa himself, where each child receives a complimentary Christmas cuddly toy.
And a white Christmas is guaranteed, with the UK’s largest snow machine creating spectacular ‘real to touch’ foam-effect snowfall and transforming the forest into a winter wonderland whatever the Liverpool weather has in store.
The magic will continue long after families have met Santa, with the return journey completely enhanced for 2026 before visitors arrive at a transformed Merrywood Market.
Covered tipis, bars, festive food, a traditional sweet shop and marshmallow toasting will give families somewhere cosy to extend their visit.
New photo opportunities will also be woven throughout the experience, alongside professional grotto photography and festive keepsakes including baubles, snow globes and printed photographs.
Behind the large-scale production and technology, Santa’s Secret Forest remains inspired by the nostalgia and excitement of Christmases gone by, combining the magic many parents remember from their own childhoods with immersive experiences created for a new generation.
Accessibility will remain an important focus at Santa’s Secret Forest, with the team believing that magic should be accessible to everyone. Dedicated SEN sessions are available throughout the season with low light, soft sound, and limited crowds. Santa and his elves can also communicate using British Sign Language.
James McMahon, Director of Sidestep Events Ltd, said:
“The reaction to our first Santa’s Secret Forest was incredible, but we immediately knew that we wanted to make year two even more magical.
“We’ve looked at every part of the journey and created more opportunities for children to interact with the world around them. This year, alongside our 10 immersive rooms is our all new burrow for 2026. Children won’t just watch the magic happen, they’ll have a chance to help it all unfold, meet magicians and characters, watch their letter to Santa disappear towards the North Pole, see our real reindeer and become part of the story themselves.
“Christmas felt enormous when you were a child, and that sense that anything could happen is what we want to recreate. We want parents to feel some of that magic again while watching their children experience it for themselves.
“It’s a real privilege to play a small part in creating those special Christmas memories for families, and we can’t wait to open our doors again in November and see that excitement and delight on our guests’ faces.”
Santa’s Secret Forest opens at Orrell Hill Woods on Saturday 21st November 2026, with tickets available now for visits throughout the festive season.
Tickets are on sale now at www.santassecretforest.co.uk