Everyone thinks Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, and that is partially true. Once in a while, however, he can also be found in his magic grotto, which is located right near Milan. In Ornavasso, you will find Santa’s Grotto, a humble dwelling located inside an old marble quarry, the same one that was used to build Milan Cathedral. Animated with colorful lights and Christmas carols, all visitors can hand-deliver their letters and take a souvenir photo with Santa Klaus before he returns through the snow of Lapland.
Reindeer Express and the Twerci Woods: how to reach the cave
The grotto can be reached via an enchanted path, which will take young and old alike through forests of gnomes and talking trees… A truly magical Christmas adventure! The trail begins with a little red train, the Reindeer Express, which loads all the adventurers and takes them to the elf village. Here, small rides (after all, we are always in an ELF village!!), a toy factory, fun shows, and even palant trees to chat with will be waiting for you.
After a short visit to the village, you can start your adventure by passing through the Twerci Woods, little gnomes who will tell you their story along the way. At the end of this, you will be handed a protective helmet and be ready to enter Santa’s grotto. It sounds like a torturous and risky journey, but the truth is that it is very simple, fun and tailor-made for families.
Important information: schedule and route
The meeting point for all visitors is in P.zza XXIV Maggio (Ornavasso), which can be reached in less than an hour’s drive from Milan. Here, it is mandatory to go through to pick up passes, which must be reserved online. It is recommended that all visitors arrive by 2 p.m. so that they can also participate in performances and activities, which end at 4:30 p.m. Also, it is recommended to arrive at the ticket office at least 1 hour before the booked time to meet Santa Claus in the grotto.
Upon reaching the Elf Village area, visitors can stay for as long as they wish and do all the activities, there is no time limit. There is no path between activities or a specific order in which to do them: only the entrance to the Cave must be at the booked time. Finally, before entering the cave you will be offered hot tea and provided with a protective helmet by the elves. A photograph with Santa Claus is also included in the ticket.
🎅🏼Non you will be able to enter the grotto at a different time than you booked.
⛄You do not need to arrive too long before the actual entrance to the grotto, 5 minutes before is more than enough.
🎁In XXIV Maggio Square you will also find a refreshment stand with hot drinks and toilets.
🎟️Non you can enter the Village without a ticket.
Tickets and prices
The price is variable, depending on the number of people and availability. Reservations are recommended as early as possible, as the activity is extremely popular. The ticket does not include the Reindeer Express and the carousel “Santa’s Sleigh.” Things included in the reservation:
⭐Enter and meet Santa Claus in the Ornavasso Grotto at the booked time
⭐Walk with installations in the Village and Twergi Woods,
⭐Visit to the new nativity scene 2025
⭐Christmas tea
⭐A single family photo in the Grotto with Santa Claus printed (no single portraits)
⭐Gift for children delivered by Santa Claus
⭐Diploma of good child
For more information and reservation, visit Santa’s Grotto website.