A South Wales Christmas adventure at Tower Grotto
Step into Zip World’s beloved Christmas experience, Tower Grotto. This seasonal wonderland, located within the historic Tower Colliery site in the Rhigos mountain range, transforms into a cosy, candlelit retreat where holiday magic comes to life.
From the moment you arrive, the experience sparkles with warmth as you're greeted with a complimentary mince pie and a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and for adults, a spiced mulled wine - the perfect start to a winter adventure. Then, follow glowing fairy lights up the stairs to discover a festive grotto where Santa himself, along with his mischievous companion, The Grouch, awaits, ready to hear your wish list, pose for photos, and bestow a special gift.
After soaking in the festive cheer, why not explore the Cegin Glo Bar & Bistro? Along with stunning panoramic views of the Zip World Tower adventures unfolding outside, it offers a delightful menu of seasonal treats and cosy comfort food. With its unique setting, special keepsakes, and thoughtful touches, it’s a magical escape perfect for families this Christmas!
What’s included in your Ticket – from £16
Grotto Experience
Follow the twinkling lights to join Santa in his grotto on our magical mezzanine. Santa is a busy man in December, but he has made a stop in South Wales to hear all the children’s Christmas wishes before he heads back to the North Pole. Surrounded by magical Christmas elements our Tower Grotto is the perfect place to have a quiet moment with the big man and tell him your Christmas wish list, as well as receive a slate bauble and photo from him before he must head back. His Elves will be on hand to guide you through the experience and tell you all the secrets from the North Pole.
Letter to Santa
While Santa is visiting South Wales, why not make the most of his trip and give him your Christmas letter personally? You will be given special magic paper to write down all your Christmas wishes and then pop it through our North Pole post box. Santa and his Elves will make sure that all your letters are taken back to the North Pole with them where they will create the gifts for the good boys and girls for Christmas Day!
Slate Bauble Crafting
Make your day even more special with our slate bauble craft station. Receive your very own slate bauble from Santa himself, when you visit him in his grotto. We have pens, paint and glitter available to decorate your bauble just how you like, ready to take away and hang on your Christmas tree. This unique memento will remind you of your time seeing Santa and can be used each year to decorate the tree.
Hot drink & treat
It’s hungry work keeping up that Christmas spirit, so we have included a warm drink and treat in your ticket. Your treats will be waiting for you before your big adventure! Choose between a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine and a local homemade mince pie or shortbread.
Present from Santa
What is a trip to see Santa without a present to take home? After you have written your letter to Santa, seen the main man himself and decorated your bauble, you can pop into our gift shop to receive your present from one of the team. Santa has magical gifts for children who have purchased a ticket. You’re more than welcome to open the gift there and then or take it home to put under the tree for Christmas Day.
Need to know!
When? Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December 2025.
Where? Zip World Tower Colliery, Aberdare, CF44 9UF.
Who? This experience is great for all the family no matter the age.
Parking: Free parking included with your Tower Grotto ticket.
Food and drinks: Some food and drink are included in your ticket but if you are looking for something a bit more substantial, there will be food and drinks available each day to purchase from our onsite restaurant. Items will include hot food and drinks, soft and alcoholic drinks and a selection of light bites.
Restrictions: This experience doesn’t have any restrictions but if you are wanting to take part in an adventure while you visit, please check the individual adventure restrictions here before purchasing.
