It’s that time of year when the big man comes into town on a sleigh with reindeers, and whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there are plenty of places where you can meet him this year. So without further ado, if you’re looking for things to do this Crimbo, then here are the best Santa’s grottos in London to visit:
1. Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys Regent Street
Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas! Now this place needs no introduction. A haven for kids both small and large at any time of year given the plethora of toys on offer to purchase, it’s now got even more magical to the in-house Santa’s grotto, one of the best Santa’s grottos in London for 2023 we’d argue. Enchanted elves will be on hand to make your time with Jolly St. Nick even more special, and there’s even a gift waiting for you during your visit.
For something even more magical, make your way to the iconic Ritz Hotel for another Hamleys-infused grotto in a proud collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital– ’tis the season for magic after all.
📍 You’ll find Santa’s Grotto on the third floor of Hamleys Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT.
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
2. Santa Grotto at John Lewis
For another classic London grotto experience, you and your little ones can head to John Lewis where you can join Santa’s elves for a Christmas story session. With gifts to take home too – there will be other activities like festive craft before meeting Father Christmas himself!
The other John Lewis stores in London also have Christmas events including Santa Story Time at White City and Peter Jones and Santa’s Tea Party at the Brent Cross, Canary Wharf and Stratford stores.
It costs £22 (including booking fee) for children, £3.30 for adults.
3. The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Now if you’re truly looking to impress your little one and wow them with the Christmas spirit then we recommend meeting Santa in a magical experience at Eltham Palace this year. Called the ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ the hour long event walks you through the Art Deco mansion in an immersive experience to help Father Christmas restore the meaning of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland. You’ll be passing through enchanted rooms filled with magical characters and performances before meeting Santa himself.
📍You’ll find Eltham Palace at Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP
🚇 Nearest station is Greenwich.
4. Father Christmas at Kenwood
You can catch Father Christmas narrating some of his favourite festive tales cosy around a Christmas tree at Kenwood this December. There will be a chance to take photos and also unwrap gifts!
Tickets cost £9.50 and must be booked in advance!
📍You’ll find Kenwood at Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR.
🚇 Nearest stations is Hampstead.
5. Father Christmas at Marble Hill House
If you’re looking to make a day out of introducing Santa to your little one then a trip to Marble Hill House is well worth it! You can catch Father Christmas telling some of his favourite tales at the English Heritage site.
Tickets cost £9.50 and must be booked in advance!
📍You’ll find Marble Hill House at Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL.
🚇 Nearest station iks Twickenham.
6. Winter Wonderland
Santaland, where all days are merry and bright, hosts the magical Santa’s Grotto once again at Winter Wonderland, plus many delicious food and drink options for all the family. New this year, Santaland is offering you the chance to enjoy unlimited access to over 15 Santaland rides for the price of just £25, including entry to Winter Wonderland too.
The year also sees the return of the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, Zippo’s Christmas Circus, Bar Ice, ice sculpting workshops and hair-raising rides too. You’re absolutely spoiled for choice!
📍You’ll find Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, W2 2UH.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.
7. Shrek’s Grotto at Shrek’s Adventure!
London’s South Bank has a new guest coming to town, as Shrek’s Adventure! London announces that Shrek’s Grotto, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved franchise, will return to Far Far Away this festive season. For kids and grown-ups looking for some much-needed yuletide cheer, the big green ogre has teamed-up with Santa to create a festive misadventure the whole family will love.
Guests who visit Shrek’s Adventure! London on selected days between December 3 and 24 will get the chance to meet their very own Shrek Santa and pose for a picture with him to mark the occasion. Plus, guests will also be given a candy treat – and it’s all included within the standard ticket price. Now that’s what we call Christmas spirit. You can find out more here.
📍 You’ll find Shrek’s Grotto at the Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
8. Vauxhall City Farm
This lovely farm in Vauxhall is home to everything from chickens and chinchillas to sheep and goats. Heck, there’s even a pair of alpacas who starred in none other than Star Wars: The Force Awakens! And if that wasn’t exciting enough, this festive season Santa Claus is also making his way into town!
The big man will be welcoming families into his cosy grotto where all children will receive a Christmas present and can take a photo with him. The grotto and children’s gifts have been generously provided by Citywire and Walker Books, and entry is £8 per child – plus adults are free! The grotto itself is open from December 1, 10:30am-4pm (booking is essential), and they’ve also got a winter lights trail, a wreath–making workshop and a Christmas market to boot here too.
📍You’ll find Vauxhall City Farm at 165 Tyers Street, London, SE11 5HS.
🚇 Nearest station is Vauxhall.
9. Christmas at the London Transport Museum
All aboard the train to meet Santa Claus! Yep – you read that right. Santa’s landing in his sleigh in the London Transport Museum’s twinkling winter wonderland to meet families from November until December this year. He’ll be taking pride of place aboard the museum’s Routemaster-inspired sleigh, and children will be able to flash the headlights, ring the bell and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter too!
But that’s not all they’ve got – there are also a whole range of family-friendly activities on the bill this festive season too. Cosy up for some fun Christmas stories in ‘the den’, test your creativity with wintery arts and crafts and weave your way through the museum’s exhibitions following a fascinating story trail. Even better – kids go free!
Look out for announcements!
📍You’ll find the London Transport Museum at Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
10. Santa’s Grotto at Alexandra Palace
Santa Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London this year as he sets up camp in the East Court from November 27 to December 23 at one of the best Santa’s grottos in London.
Little ones are treated to a meeting with Santa, a small pressie, plus the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa in his festive grotto. Sounds like the Christmas cheer we all need to be honest.
📍 You’ll find Santa’s Grotto at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY.
🚇 Nearest station is Alexandra Palace.
11. The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
Little ones can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto right at the very heart of the zoo. From 25 ft Christmas trees to festive food and drink (including marshmallow toasting around the zoo’s cosy fire pits). Keep your eyes peeled for the big man himself, as Santa will be popping up around the zoo throughout the day to feed some of the resident animals here and if you’re lucky, you might just spot him!
2024 dates to be confirmed.
📍 You’ll find The Magic of Christmas at the ZSL London Zoo at the Outer Circle, NW1 4RY.
🚇 Nearest station is Camden Town.
12. Santa’s Grotto at Camden Market
Listen up folks! This year, everyone’s favourite street food market in Camden will be whipping up a whole load of festive cheer with their Christmas makeover. The Santa’s grotto in question will lie right at the heart of Hawley Wharf, whilst Santa’s elves, entertainers, and stilt walkers will be on hand to create enchanting moments for all ages as they wander around.
Plus, if that wasn’t enough, then Thursdays at North Yard will offer an evening escape with Après Ski vibes, DJs, and roaming musicians, whilst Saturdays feature more festive tunes from singer-songwriters performing gigs at the Lock and Stables. Guests can also indulge in Humble Crumble’s Christmas specials and The Lucky Club’s festive fondue platter. Phew!
2024 dates to be confirmed.
📍You’ll find Camden Market at Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF.
🚇 Nearest stations are Camden Town, Camden Road and Chalk Farm.
13. Christmas Grotto at St. Pancras International
For those planning family days out as we approach the festive season need look no further than this one!
Within this magical book-themed grotto which is open at the weekends, children and adults will be able to meet Father Christmas, hang out with his elves, decorate their very own Christmas decorations and access exclusive discounts for Kings Cross St. Pancras International retailers such as Hamleys, Hatchards and Searcys. It’s the perfect family day out we’d argue!
2024 dates to be confirmed.
📍You’ll find the Christmas Grotto at St. Pancras International at The Grand Terrace, St. Pancras International Station, Euston Road, London, N1C 4QP.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
14. Santa’s Grotto at Ealing Broadway
Ealing Broadway officially kicked off its jam-packed schedule of festive fun on November 18, with a range of events for the whole family to enjoy. This year, as well as a Christmas market, live music and a whole host of festive street food, they’re also offering families the opportunity to meet Santa and his elves on selected days from November 15 to December 24.
From £7.50 per child, a visit to Santa’s Grotto will not only include a chance for little ones to make their Christmas wishes, but they’ll also receive an early festive treat from Santa himself. Plus, the whole of the shopping centre will be showered with some gorgeous snowflakes from 4pm each day – the perfect chance to snap a festive selfie! Tickets will need to be purchased in advance here.
📍You’ll find the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre at The Broadway, London, W5 5JY.
🚇 Nearest station is Ealing Broadway.
15. Hammersmith Christmas Market
Get into the festive vibes at the Hammersmith Christmas Market for one day only – November 16 – which rounds off our list of the best Santa’s grottos in London this year. The traffic-free event in King Street and Lyric Square will be full of more than 100 stalls filled with seasonal food, drink, gifts and entertainment plus a Santa’s grotto and more.
Live performances here tribute acts, Christmas tunes and carols, and there’s elves, living lampposts and Santa himself too (of course).
📍You’ll find Hammersmith Christmas Market at King Street and Lyric Square, W6.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park.
16. Santa’s Grotto at Woolwich Works
If you’re wanting to make your children’s dreams come true, then make sure you head to Woolwich Works and meet Santa himself! They’ll be able to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, receive a special gift from the big guy himself and experience the true magic of the holiday season.
With a photo opportunity with Father Christmas and his smiling elves, and the option for a personalised Christmas bauble, Woolwich Works is the place to be for families looking to create treasured memories and embrace the true spirit of Crimbo this year! They’ve also got mulled wine and a festive grotto.
2024 dates to be confirmed!
📍You’ll find Woolwich Works at The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6HD.
🚇 Nearest station is Woolwich Arsenal.
17. Santa’s Grotto at Fujifilm House Of Photography
Santa’s Grotto at the Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden is a magical holiday experience running from November 15 to December 24, 2024. This immersive grotto transforms the first floor of the venue into a festive wonderland, spanning 3,000 square feet filled with whimsical decorations, snow-topped trees, and enchanting photo opportunities.
Families can enjoy various activities, including crafting in the Elf’s Workshop, playing games in the Games Zone, and capturing memories with Santa in a cozy chalet setting complete with a glowing fireplace. Each ticket grants a 30-minute session that includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, a high-quality photo, and access to all activities.
📍You’ll find Fujifilm House of Photography at 8-9 Long Acre, London WC2E 8RB.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
18. Victorian Santa’s Grotto at London Museum Docklands
The Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the London Museum Docklands offers a festive experience where children can meet Santa Claus. The grotto, located in the Sailortown gallery, is decorated with festive themes and runs sessions every 15 minutes from 10:15 AM to 4:15 PM, accommodating four children per session. Each child, if they’ve been nice, will receive a gift made from traditional materials with minimal plastic, suitable for their age. Adults must accompany children but do not need tickets!
📍You’ll find London Museum Docklands at No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL.
🚇 Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and West India Quay.
19. Storytime with Father Christmas at the Natural History Museum
Running from Sunday, December 1 to Sunday, December 15, with multiple time slots each day – this festive experience at the Natural History Museum includes a special Christmas story told by Father Christmas, followed by a photo opportunity. The event is suitable for all ages, with a dedicated SEN session at 10:15 for a neurodivergent audience. Each child’s ticket, priced at £17 (or £13.60 for members), includes admission for up to two adults and a gift from Father Christmas. Adults attend for free, and members can enjoy discounted tickets!
📍You’ll find the Natural History Museum at Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
20. Father Christmas at Fulham Palace
At Fulham Palace, the “Father Christmas in Bishop Sherlock’s Room” event transforms the historic grounds into a festive wonderland complete with cosy fires, stunning decorations, and tasty mince pies. Children can engage in Christmas crafts with the elves before meeting Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Bishop Sherlock’s room, where they can share their holiday wishes, take a memorable photo, and receive a special gift. Each child can be accompanied by up to two adults, while additional adults can explore the palace grounds or visit the drawing room café.
📍You’ll find Fulham Palace at Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA.
🚇 Nearest station is Fulham.
So there you have it, a roundup of the best Santa’s grottos in London. So if you’re looking to meet the big man himself and enjoy some real festive cheer, then we hope this roundup has got you sorted!