A Christmas grotto with a difference

The journey begins above ground before guests board Europe's steepest cable railway and descend into the Victorian slate mine. The journey underground takes around 90 seconds and is designed to be a gentle, atmospheric introduction to the experience, with Christmas lights illuminating the route.

Once underground, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully magical. The old slate chambers and tunnels are transformed with thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations and immersive storytelling, creating a Christmas setting that feels completely different from a traditional grotto.

For 2026, Zipmas continues to build on the immersive storytelling introduced to the event, with projection shows guiding visitors through the caverns and revealing the story behind Santa's grotto and workshop. Characters including Ffion the Dragon and The Grump feature in the tale, adding a little mischief alongside the Christmas magic. 

What does Zipmas include?

There's plenty packed into the experience, so it is much more than simply meeting Santa with tickets starting from £24.

Follow the Zipmas story

As you make your way through the underground caverns, different chambers feature story-time projections that bring the Zipmas tale to life. The projections help transform the mine into an enchanted Christmas world, with each section revealing another part of the story.

Meet Santa's elves

Santa isn't the only character you'll encounter. His team of cheerful elves welcomes visitors and guides families through the underground tunnels towards the grotto.

They're also on hand to add plenty of festive fun and provide plenty of opportunities for a Christmas selfie.

Decorate a Welsh slate bauble

One of the most memorable activities is the slate bauble crafting experience. Visitors can decorate their own Welsh slate bauble at the craft station, creating a personalised souvenir to take home and hang on the Christmas tree. It is a lovely touch that gives children something tangible to remember their visit by.

Write a letter to Santa

Children can also bring along their Christmas wishes and give their letter directly to Santa. Recieve a special message from the Official Desk of Santa Claus to take home, making the experience feel even more personal.

Meet Santa in his underground grotto

The highlight for many families will, of course, be Santa himself. After making your way through the illuminated tunnels, you'll arrive at the main grotto chamber. Santa's cosy den features a wood-burner and throne, surrounded by the atmospheric underground setting. Families can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes and take photographs while the elves keep the festive atmosphere going around them.

A present from Santa

Child tickets also include a gift from Santa. Presents are suitable for children aged 3-15 years, while children younger than three who have walking ability can also receive a gift and require a separate ticket.

When and where?

Date: 20th November – 24th December 2026
Location: Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB
Minimum age: Must be of walking ability. (Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Adventure restrictions also apply.)

On-site parking is included in the ticket, with the option of upgrading your experience to include a round of Grotto Golf (3+ years) with your group.

A magical Christmas day out in North Wales

Zipmas offers something genuinely different for families looking to make Christmas a little more memorable this year. From the moment you board the railway and descend beneath the mountains, the experience feels like an adventure and the combination of illuminated caverns, immersive storytelling, elves, crafts and Santa creates plenty of moments to enjoy along the way.

For families who have done the traditional Christmas grotto before, Zipmas offers a chance to experience Santa's world in a completely different setting. And for visitors discovering it for the first time, the journey underground makes the arrival at Santa's grotto feel all the more magical.