‘No one should be charging to see Santa’ says Buxton’s free grotto organiser

Hannah Garrigan started the grotto to give families memories and this year the event will be taking place from Harpur Hill Village Hall on Saturday December, 12.

She said: “Christmas has gotten so expensive.

“Tickets to the panto, a festive day out it quickly adds up and people feel under so much pressure to have the perfect day out because they spend a lot of money that they don’t end up having the best time.

“Parents shouldn’t be feeling worried about finances and children certainly shouldn’t be thinking about those sort of things.

“The grotto will always be free because no one should be charging to see Santa.

“You shouldn’t only be allowed to experience that Christmas magic if you have deep pockets.”

Since 2022 the grotto has been a fun space for children to be children.

Hannah said: “It’s cheesy, it’s silly, it’s fun and it works as everyone spends the day laughing.

“We’re having snowball fights, dancing and being silly and letting families make those happy memories with their children.”

The event costs about £1,000 to put on which includes flying Father Christmas in from the North Pole, all the snacks, games and presents.

Hannah said: “All of the elves work for free and it’s a really long day so I always like to make sure the running costs include lunch for the elves.”

This year the group has been gifted the use of Harpur Hill Village Hall for three days allowing them time to set up on Friday and today away on the Sunday.

Fairfield Builder have also donated 100 selection boxes and Hannah says Holly the elf will be out collecting selection boxes from the community in the run up to the grotto day.

“It’s win-win, we get to get our name out there a bit more and schools, businesses, childminders, get a free elf visit and to feel the Christmas cheer.”

Hannah says although people do not have to pay that people do donate to keep the grotto going.

“We had one family who lived opposite the grotto and saw how hard we worked all day and came over with £50, we have people slipping us fivers and tenners and it's all so very much appreciated.

“There are loads of ways people can help, you can donate selection boxes, money, lunch for the elves - even if it is just a bag of chips it all helps.

“But it’s wonderful every year seeing the children step into the grotto and see Santa and make those memories of being a kid.

“Every year I say I won’t cry but every year I’m in buckets as it is just so beautiful.”

Booking for the grotto goes live at 7pm on Wednesday November, 18.

To stay up to date with all things grotto related search High Peak Grotto on Facebook.

To donate to the online fundraiser visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/highpeakgrotto2026