Families looking for a Christmas event near Stroud will be able to step into a story-led winter experience at Slimbridge Wetland Centre this December. Wetland Wonderland is scheduled to run on selected dates from Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December 2026, bringing together a new story, a wildlife trail, Santa’s grotto, festive shopping and seasonal entertainment.
The event’s story follows Waterlily the elf and the Slimbridge swans as they try to save Christmas. Visitors will be able to hear Waterlily read the specially created tale in her enchanting library before setting off around the wetlands to find the characters involved in the story.
A Christmas trail inspired by Slimbridge wildlife
The trail’s characters are based on animals associated with the wetland centre. Families will be invited to look for Lottie the otter, Phoebe the flamingo, Gribit the frog and Bettie the Bewick’s swan. Each character has a cracker joke for visitors to discover along the route.
The experience also includes an elf workshop, where visitors can make a willow star tree-topper. At Santa’s grotto, children can meet Santa and receive a Lottie the otter to take home. The grotto is an optional extra and is not included in the standard admission price.
A Christmas market will offer gifts from local artisans, while regional choirs are scheduled to perform each day in the Swan Cafe. The event therefore combines activities around the wetlands with indoor entertainment and opportunities to buy seasonal presents.
The wildlife theme reflects the real birds and animals at the centre. In particular, the Bewick’s swans featured in the story are migratory birds that travel more than 2,000 miles from Arctic Russia to Slimbridge for the winter. Visitors may be able to see the swans while taking part in the trail.
Dates, opening times and prices
Wetland Wonderland will take place every Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 20 December, followed by three weekday dates: Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December. The detailed schedule lists the event dates as Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, and Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 December 2026.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre will be open daily from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Wetland Wonderland is included with general admission. Prices start at £17.91 per adult and £11.84 per child, while children under three can attend free. Visitors who book admission online in advance can save 10 per cent.
Santa’s grotto costs an additional £15 per person. Families can also reserve marshmallow s’more toasting kits for £3.50 when booking online, or buy them on the day from the Kingfisher Cafe.
How to book
Tickets and optional extras can be booked through wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/wetland-wonderland. Slimbridge Wetland Centre lists 01453 891900 and [email protected] for enquiries.
The centre is described as being near Stroud, in Gloucestershire. The event listing was published by SoGlos Stroud Events on Tuesday 6 October 2026.