There’s no place like the Margate Caves at Christmas!

This festive season Father Christmas will be flying back to the Margate Caves for our ever-popular Christmas at the Caves event.

And this Christmas, we’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Venture deep underground as the Margate Caves are transformed into the magical Land of Oz.

Pick up your Invitation to Oz and follow our trail, journeying past colourful Munchkinland, Scarecrow’s cornfield and the enchanted apple forest, where the Tin Man is waiting patiently for someone to find his oil can.

Next, discover a spectacular field of poppies, where the Cowardly Lion is struggling to stay awake and the Emerald City glimmers in the distance. But beware – the Wicked Witch of the West is never far away! Peer into her spell room, filled with potions, magic and mischief, before stopping for a photo with our towering Glinda & Elphaba tree.

Along the way, look out for familiar faces, hidden details and our wonderful themed Christmas trees, each inspired by a different part of Oz.

At the very end of the Yellow Brick Road, one of Father Christmas’s elves will entrust you with a magic wishing coin. Hold it tightly, make your Christmas wish and drop it deep into our enchanted wishing well.

Then hark – a bell rings! Our Chief Elf will call your name when it’s your family’s turn to visit Father Christmas in his Cosy Cave. Each family enjoys a private visit with Father Christmas, and every child ticket includes a very special Christmas gift to take home.

Now click your heels and return to the Over the Rainbow Café. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to our Oz photo point for a special festive photograph, enjoy seasonal treats in the café and browse our Christmas shop.

Then head to Auntie Em's Craft Room for some festive making before you go.

And don’t forget to post your letter to Father Christmas, making sure you tell him all your Christmas wishes!

Opening hours

10am–3pm: 28 & 29 November

10am–5pm: 5 & 6 December; 12 & 13 December

10am–5pm: 18–23 December

We don’t increase our ticket prices as Christmas gets closer!

Tickets

Tickets are £17.95 per child, plus booking fee, and include:

Entry to our Wizard of Oz Christmas trail in the Caves

A private family visit with Father Christmas

A Christmas Craft Workshop session

An all-new for 2026 Christmas gift for each child, valued at £10

Each family/group booking includes up to 2 accompanying adults FREE – you don’t need to book these adults separately. Additional adults can be booked for £5 each plus booking fee.

Babes in arms under 12 months are free when accompanying a child with a paid ticket, provided they do not require their own gift from Father Christmas. Please add a free Babe in Arms place when booking so we know they’re coming. All children aged 12 months and over require a Child ticket.

Please note that, due to the size of Father Christmas’s Cosy Cave, a maximum of six people can visit Father Christmas at one time, including children, adults and babies. Larger groups can enjoy the Christmas trail and activities together, but some adults may be asked to wait just outside during your Father Christmas visit.

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions carefully before booking. Tickets are non-refundable and we are unable to move bookings between dates or time slots.

Christmas at the Caves supports the Caves

Christmas at the Caves is run by The Margate Caves Community Education Trust, registered charity no. 1155904.

Every ticket you buy helps preserve the Margate Caves for our community. As a registered charity, all profits from Christmas at the Caves go directly towards caring for the Caves and creating opportunities for our communuty through learning, volunteering and local activities. By supporting us this Christmas you're helping us give more back to Margate.

T&C’s

By purchasing tickets for Christmas at the Caves, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before booking.

1. Bookings

Your booking is with The Margate Caves Community Education Trust (“The Margate Caves”).

Your booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully received and you have received your booking confirmation.

Please check your booking carefully, including the date, arrival time and children’s names, before completing your purchase.

2. Tickets and prices

The ticket prices and details of the Christmas at the Caves experience will be shown at the time of booking.

Eventbrite booking fees are charged in addition to our advertised ticket price and will be shown during the booking process.

Once your booking has been confirmed, we will not increase the price of the tickets you have purchased.

3. Child tickets, adults and babies

A Child ticket is required for every child who will receive a gift from Father Christmas.

Babes in arms under 12 months may attend free of charge when accompanying a child with a paid ticket, provided they do not require their own gift from Father Christmas. A f

Description supplied by the event organiser.