Magical Sleigh Ride VR | West Orchards

Looking for a magical Santa experience in Coventry this Christmas? Step aboard Santa's virtual reality sleigh at West Orchards Shopping Centre for an exciting festive adventure, meet Santa himself and receive a special gift!

10% off when you book before 30th November - use code EARLY2026 at checkout!

Magical Sleigh Ride VR Coventry | Santa Sleigh Ride at West Orchards

• Dates: 

  • Open Wednesday - Sunday between 25th November - 20th December 2026

  • Open Monday 21st - Thursday 24th December 2026

• Location: Level 3 of West Orchards Shopping Centre

• Suitable for: All ages (every rider must be able to support themselves while the sleigh moves)

• 10% off when you book before 30th November - use code EARLY2026 at checkout!

• Tickets: Click this link to book your place!

A Magical Christmas Experience in Coventry

Get ready for a Christmas adventure like no other! The Santa Experience at West Orchards Shopping Centre combines the magic of meeting Santa with an exciting virtual reality sleigh ride.

Located on Level 3 of West Orchards in Coventry city centre, Santa's Sleigh Lodge invites families to climb aboard for a thrilling trial flight ahead of Christmas Eve.

After watching a short safety video, you'll put on your HD virtual reality headset and join Santa's very own D.A.S.H. as you travel around the world and even into space! With moving seats, surround sound and special effects, this immersive 4D adventure makes you feel as though you're really flying through the skies.

Once you've safely returned from your adventure, children will have a few special moments to chat with Santa, and every child will receive a small gift to take home.

With room for up to eight riders, it's a fantastic festive experience for families looking for something a little different from a traditional Santa's grotto in Coventry.

10% off when you book before 30th November - use code EARLY2026 at checkout!

Tickets: Click this link to book your place!

What to Expect at Santa's VR Sleigh Experience

• Meet Santa: Visit Santa at his very own Sleigh Lodge inside West Orchards Shopping Centre.

• Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride: Put on an HD VR headset and experience an exciting 360-degree Christmas adventure.

• Immersive 4D Effects: Feel the sleigh tilt forwards, backwards and from side to side, with moving seats, front fans and surround sound.

• Travel Around the World: Join D.A.S.H. on a virtual flight around the world and even into space!

• A Chat with Santa: Enjoy a few minutes chatting with Santa after your sleigh ride.

• A Christmas Gift: Every child receives a small gift from Santa.

• Family Fun: The sleigh can accommodate up to eight riders, depending on the mix of adults and children.

The VR Sleigh Ride

The highlight of this Christmas experience is the fully immersive virtual reality sleigh ride.

Once inside Santa's virtual launch bay, riders put on their HD VR headsets and prepare for take-off! The sleigh features moving seats, two front fans and surround sound to bring the adventure to life.

As the 360-degree virtual adventure unfolds, the sleigh tilts forwards, backwards and from side to side to match the action on screen.

The sleigh accommodates up to eight riders, although the number of people per ride depends on the combination of adults and children.

10% off when you book before 30th November - use code EARLY2026 at checkout!

Tickets: Click this link to book your place!

How Long Does the Santa Experience Last?

The complete Santa Experience lasts approximately 15 minutes, including:

• A two-minute safety video.

• A three-minute virtual reality sleigh ride.

• Time for children to chat with Santa and receive their gift.

Prices and Booking

Tickets cost £10 per person, with a minimum booking of two people.

All visitors entering the Santa Experience must purchase a ticket, including adults accompanying children.

Bookings are made through TicketSource. Please arrive at your allocated time, as late entry may not be possible due to demand.

10% off when you book before 30th November - use code EARLY2026 at checkout!

Tickets: Click this link to book your place!

Location and Finding Santa

You'll find Santa's Sleigh Lodge on Level 3 of West Orchards Shopping Centre, Coventry, just inside the green car park doors.

Santa will welcome you on arrival and guide you through the experience.

Evening visits: On selected dates, the Santa Experience is open until 8pm. As the main shopping centre closes at 6:30pm, visitors with later bookings should use the following access routes:

• By car: Drive into the shopping centre car park and enter through the green doors on Level 3. Santa's Sleigh Lodge is just inside.

• On foot: Use the ground-floor pedestrian entrance to the car park near Eye Hut on Smithford Way, or the entrance to the left of Bonmarché on Ironmonger Row.

Pedestrians should press the intercom and give security their booking details. Once inside, take the lift to Level 3 and carefully cross the car park to the green doors.

Accessibility and Sensory-Friendly Visits

The Santa Experience welcomes visitors of all ages, with some practical considerations to help everyone enjoy their visit.

• Younger children: Very young riders who cannot wear a VR headset can sit at the front and watch the adventure on a TV screen.

• Sensory sensitivities: Quieter rides can be requested when booking, including for autistic visitors and those who would benefit from a reduced-sensory experience. Please include any specific needs on your booking form.

• Motion sickness and medical considerations: If you experience motion sickness, vertigo, seizures or epilepsy, please contact the organisers before booking to discuss suitability and viewing options.

• Mobility: Every rider must be able to support themselves while the sleigh is moving. Wheelchair users must transfer to the sleigh to take part in the full ride experience.

Frequently Asked Questions – Santa Experience Coventry

Where is Santa's VR Experience in Coventry?

Santa's Sleigh Lodge is located on Level 3 of West Orchards Shopping Centre in Coventry city centre, just inside the green car park doors.

How much does the Santa Experience cost?

Tickets cost £10 per person, with a minimum booking of two people. Everyone entering the experience must have a ticket.

How long does the Santa experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 15 minutes, including the safety video, three-minute VR sleigh ride and time with Santa.

Is this a traditional Santa's grotto?

The experience combines a visit with Santa with an exciting virtual reality sleigh ride. Children can chat with Santa after their adventure and receive a small gift.

What age is the Santa Experience suitable for?

There is no age limit. However, all riders must be able to support themselves while the sleigh moves. Very young children who cannot wear a VR headset can sit at the front and watch the adventure on a TV screen.

Can adults join the VR sleigh ride?

Yes! Adults can join the experience, and everyone entering must purchase a ticket. The sleigh holds up to eight riders, depending on the mix of adults and children.

Can I request a quieter or sensory-friendly ride?

Yes. If you or someone in your group would benefit from a quieter ride, including autistic visitors and those with sensory sensitivities, please request this on your booking form. You can also let the organisers know about any specific sensory requirements.

Is the VR sleigh ride suitable for everyone?

Not necessarily. The moving seats and immersive VR experience may not be suitable for people who experience motion sickness, vertigo, seizures or epilepsy. Please contact the organisers before booking to discuss suitability and alternative viewing options.

Can wheelchair users take part?

Wheelchair users must be able to transfer to the sleigh to take part in the full ride experience. Please contact the organisers if you have questions about accessibility.

Is the Santa Experience open in the evening?

Yes, on selected dates the experience is open until 8pm. The main shopping centre closes at 6:30pm, so visitors with later bookings must follow the special evening access instructions provided above.

What happens if I need to change my booking?

All booking changes must be made through TicketSource, where you originally purchased your tickets. West Orchards Shopping Centre cannot amend bookings.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Tickets are non-refundable and cancellations are not permitted.

Who can I contact for more information?

For questions about the VR Santa Experience, email vr@westorchards.co.uk.

For general shopping centre enquiries, contact West Orchards on 024 7623 4517 or email info@westorchards.co.uk.

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