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20–23 December 2026
When
Christmas market and food: 20–22 December 11:30–18:30; 23 December 11:30–17:00.20–23 December 2026 · Shafton, Barnsley
Gray's Winter Wonderland
A little Christmas magic. For everyone.
A community Christmas where every family belongs, whatever their budget. Meet Santa, make something wonderfully wonky, and pay what you can.
- A gift for every child
- Pay what you can
- Quieter SEND sessions
- Made by our community
🎅 Jordan's promo for Gray's Winter Wonderland
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Shafton Village WMC
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Shafton, Barnsley
Getting here
The event uses the community centre car park and astroturf. Travel and parking arrangements await confirmation.
Little moments, big memories
All the things that make Christmas Christmas.
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Meet our very own Father Christmas
Every child will receive a gift from the grotto. No booking needed. Turn up during grotto opening hours and join the queue.
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Sticky fingers. Happy hearts.
Christmas activities and competitions for a little festive fun. Activities are held in Shafton WMC.
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A whole lot of Christmas cheer
Live music and singers bring the sounds of Christmas to Wonderland.
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Christmas stalls & festive food
30–35 Christmas stalls and 6 food vendors in our own food court.
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Story time with an elf
A Christmas story with an elf on the hour in the concert room at Shafton WMC.
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A little Christmas cinema
A short Christmas film runs on the hour in the concert room at Shafton WMC (15–20 minutes).
A little quieter. Just as magical.
Christmas, at their pace.
Dedicated SEND sessions welcome 20 children or young adults with their carers, parents or guardians. Each session lasts 45 minutes, with 160 slots across the 4 days. Bookings are open on the SEND booking page: choose 10:00–10:45 or 11:00–11:45 each day (20 places per session).
- Disco and activities, with Santa reading a Christmas story.
- Relaxed, quiet music, plus sensory toys and lights.
- No siblings, to keep these sessions exclusive to the booked children and young adults and avoid overcrowding.
“I want it to be inclusive for everybody, and a nice environment for all the SEN adults and children.”
The story behind the wonderland
Big Santa. Even bigger heart.
Jordan Gray has been Santa for eight years. At six-foot-nine he's the tallest Father Christmas in Barnsley, and by day he looks after some very famous names: Tyson Fury, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rod Stewart among them.
The idea came on the drive home from Lapland UK with his daughters. A wonderful day, at a price most families can't stretch to. So he planned a Winter Wonderland all of their own, in three days.
With local volunteers, generous businesses and lots of festive spirit, it's a Christmas made by Barnsley, for Barnsley.
“Everybody deserves to be happy.” Jordan Gray, founder
Looking back at the 2025 event
3m+
social impressions since the event was announced
£1,000
of presents bought out of Jordan's own pocket
10 mins
for the quieter SEN places to fill, with 700 more asking
Be part of something magical
It takes a community to make a wonderland.
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Give a little magic
Toys, gift bags and practical help all go straight to Barnsley families. Ask the organisers for current needs and drop-off points.
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Lend a helping hand
Bring your time, skills or festive spirit. Get in touch about volunteering on the day.
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Bring your business
Sponsorship, stalls or supplies. Last year's stalls were all local, and there's room for more.
Raffle and stall money goes to Barnsley Hospital charity. Donations and the GoFundMe buy the presents.
Good to know
A few little questions.
How much does it cost?
Pay what you can afford. Every child receives a gift from the grotto. Check the latest announcement for separate food, drink or stall charges.
Where does the money go?
Raffle and stall money is donated to Barnsley Hospital charity. Donations and the GoFundMe go towards presents for the children who come.
Do I need to book?
Bookings are open on the SEND booking page: choose 10:00–10:45 or 11:00–11:45 each day (20 places per session).
Is the event accessible?
SEND sessions include relaxed, quiet music and sensory toys and lights. Ask the organisers about step-free access, toilets and individual sensory needs.
