As the times get colder and the nights get longer within the metropolis, that may imply just one factor โ itโs time to work out the place to see Santa in London. UPDATED FOR 2024.
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And whether or not you fancy heading to a conventional division retailer, consuming with the person in purple, discovering him on board a steam prepare, tube prepare, in a museum, gallery, market or Santaโs grotto in London, the actual query isnโt the place to satisfy Santa in London, itโs which one tempts you most.
With low-cost and free locations to satisfy Santa, in addition to memorable experiences in case youโre seeking to splurge, Iโve rounded up 19 of one of the best locations to see Santa in London this Christmas.
Hamleys
The place higher to satisfy Santa in London than on this planetโs oldest and largest toy retailer? Itโs as near the North Pole workshop as you will get!
Hamleys Toy Store affords a magical Santaโs Grotto expertise for households, the place kids can meet Santa Claus and his elves and obtain a personalised Hamleys reward bag. Geared toward youngsters aged 2-8, the grotto is again for 2024.
The non-public 15-minute Santaโs Grotto expertise value from ยฃ55 for a gaggle of three folks, then from ยฃ15 for every extra particular person as much as a most group of 6 (together with adults). The dates closest to Christmas value extra, as much as ยฃ100 for 4 folks within the week from December 21. Pre-booking is important.
The place: 188- 196 Regent Avenue, London.
When: Runs from November 23 to December 24. Tickets go on sale at 10am on October 10 โ and so they do promote out quick!
For extra of one of the best issues to do at Christmas in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Santaโs Grotto at John Lewis
For an additional basic grotto expertise, head to John Lewis, the place you’ll be able to be part of Santaโs elves for a Christmas story classes, in addition to finishing a festive craft exercise earlier than assembly Father Christmas.
Thereโs a present to take dwelling too. Have to be prebooked, prices ยฃ22 (together with reserving payment) for youngsters, ยฃ3.30 for adults.
Londonโs different John Lewis shops even have CHristmas occasions together with Santa Story Time at White Metropolis and Peter Jones, in addition to Santaโs Tea Occasion in Brent Cross, Canary Wharf and Stratford
There are additionally Santa Story Occasions obtainable at JL White Metropolis, and Santaโs Tea Occasion at John Lewis shops in Brent Cross, Canary Wharf, Kingston and Stratford.
The place: John Lewis Oxford Avenue
When: November 28-30, and December 5-24, together with some relaxed classes.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Thereโs a model new probability to see Santa with a magical immersive expertise at Eltham Palace this yr, known as The Spirit of Christmas
The hour-long occasion takes you thru the Artwork Deco mansion as you assist Father Christmas restore the true which means of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland.
Assembly magical characters and passing by means of enchanted rooms, youโll get to get pleasure from performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in purple himself. Thereโs a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of probabilities to take images.
A stunning different to a grotto expertise, itโs excellent for reminding everybody of the true which means of Christmas too. Have to be prebooked, and thereโs a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early fowl deal in case you guide by finish of October.
The place: Eltham Palace
When: Weekends from November 23-December 22, 2024.
Father Christmas at Kenwood
Take heed to Father Christmas telling a few of his favorite festive tales across the Christmas tree at Kenwood this December.
Thereโs an opportunity to satisfy Santa and take images too, whereas each youngster additionally will get a conventional current to unwrap.
Tickets value ยฃ9.50 and should be booked upfront, for each members and non-members. Youโll additionally want a separate ticket for entrance for Kenwood (free for members)
The place: Kenwood, Hampstead, London.
When: Choose dates from December 1-23, 2024
Father Christmas at Marble Hill Home
Thereโs one other probability to listen to Father Christmas telling a few of his favorite festive tales across the Christmas tree at sister English Heritage website Marble Hill Home.
Thereโs an opportunity to satisfy Santa and take images right here too, whereas each youngster additionally will get a conventional current to unwrap.
Tickets value ยฃ9.50 and should be booked upfront, for each members and non-members.
The place: Marble Hill Home, Twickenham.
When: Weekends from November 30 to December 22, 2024ย
Go to Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park
In case youโve received youthful youngsters, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is geared toward infants as much as kids aged 8.
Youโll begin the go to by writing or drawing your Christmas wishlist earlier than posting it and heading in to the enchanted grotto to satisfy Santa, and get a gift made by the elves. Have to be prebooked, priced ยฃ14 per youngster.
The place: Morden Corridor Park, Mordern, London.
When: Weekends from November 30-December 15.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Thereโs extra than simply Santa at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with considered one of Londonโs largest Christmas markets, an ice rink, rides, meals and an entire lot extra.
Nevertheless itโs additionally top-of-the-line locations to see Santa in London at Santa Land, together with a free reward for youths. Included in entry to Winter Wonderland, itโs first come first served so you’ll have to queue and itโs a great plan to get there early.
Try the Christmas tree trip, ice slide and the snow sculptures of the Magical Ice Kingdom when youโre there too, in addition to Santaโs parade on some days.
Costs begin from ยฃ5 for traditional entry to Winter Wonderland, though there are some off-peak morning classes the place itโs nonetheless free to go to. In case you prebook rides, points of interest and video games price ยฃ25 upfront, corresponding to a Santaland Limitless cross, your entry ticket can be free.
The place: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (What Three Phrases location ///ties.sunk.intelligible)
When: From November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Be careful for Santaโs parade at 5pm on November 21, 25, 26, 27 and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and January 5.
For extra of one of the best Christmas markets in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Shrek the Halls Christmas Expertise at Shrekโs Journey! London
For followers of everybodyโs favorite inexperienced ogre, take a look at the possibility to Shrek the Halls with the Christmas Expertise at Shrekโs Journey! London, the place youngsters can head deep into the swamp to satisfy Shrek Santa in his best Christmas gear and pose for a enjoyable photograph.
As a substitute of Santa, youโll discover a massive inexperienced ogre inside this distinctive grotto, with some festive adventures so as to add loads of cheer to your day.
Entry to the Grotto is included within the common admission value, together with a Christmas card from Shrek Santa.
The distinctive Grotto is just open on choose days all through December and is included within the common admission value โ from ยฃ21 for adults and ยฃ16 for youngsters in case you purchase on-line upfront.
The place: Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Street, Londonย
When: Choose dates November 30-December 24, 2024.
For an additional non-traditional grotto, head to Hans & Gretel in Camden Market to enter the magical world of The Grinch โ anticipate interactive performances, some enjoyable decorations, and loads of sweetsโฆ Takes place on December 8, priced ยฃ60 for 3 folks (extra tickets ยฃ15)
Legoland at Christmas
Hold your eyes peeled at Legoland Windsor this Christmas, with Father Christmas roaming across the park on the again of his magical sleigh.
And in addition to another enjoyable festive actions, together with a Duplo Puppet present, Lego Makes and Takes and Christmas singalongs, you can too guide a meet and greet with Father Christmas in his cabin.
Snap a number of enjoyable images as you go, with an enormous Duplo Christmas tree, earlier than recognizing the festive scenes hidden in Miniland โ to not point out a few of the rides open specifically for Christmas. Tickets from ยฃ29.
The place: Legoland Windsor
When: Chosen dates from November 23, 2024
London Transport Museum
2024 STILL TO BE CONFIRMED Every December, the London Transport Museum organises a particular Christmas occasion for households, which supplies youngsters the possibility to satisfy Santa Claus in his Grotto and obtain a small London transport-themed reward.ย
All Christmas actions, together with assembly Santa, are included within the museum entrance ticket and children underneath 17 go free, making it one of many most cost-effective locations to see Santa in London.
Youโll typically spot him across the museum too, having a relaxation in a classic tube carriage as a change from his sleigh, making it a really low-key and relaxed option to see the person in purple in case your youngsters get simply overwhelmed by grottos.
Thereโs no must guide tickets upfront, however there is likely to be a small queue throughout busy occasions.
The place: Covent Backyard Piazza, London.
When: Tbc however often late November to early January
Test what we considered a Christmas day trip on the London Transport Museum
Santa Steam Specific, London
This well-liked Santa steam prepare expertise in London sees the Santa Steam Specific set off on a festive journey from Victoria station, together with an opportunity to satisfy the massive man himself on board.
In addition to puzzles and video games for youths, plus a singsong with the elves, each Mrs Claus and Santa make their manner by means of the carriages throughout the Steam Goals expertise.
Youngsters additionally go dwelling with a present after the 75-minute steam prepare journey, in addition to loads of different treats on board. Tickets value from ยฃ55 for adults and children.
The place: From Victoria station
When: 4 occasions per day on December 20 and 21, 2024
The Polar Specific
The Polar Specific is unquestionably essentially the most well-known โ and the preferred โ of all of the Santa steam prepare rides internationally, due to the Warner Bros film again in 2004 (itself based mostly on the much-loved guide). And itโs coming to London for the primary time in 2024.
Greater than only a easy Santa steam prepare trip, this excellent festive experiences is thought for being extra immersive, to make your youngsters really feel like theyโre driving the actual deal.
Wearing your cosiest pyjamas (you’ll be able to even get your individual personalised Polar Specific pair), youโll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in purple himself, Santa, and a few even have story read-a-longs if you wish to deliver your individual guide.ย
The journey lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. Ebook at London Polar Specific.
The place: Euston station
When: Choose dates from December 6-23, 2024.
Jingle Bell Blast from Thames Rockets
One other of essentially the most uncommon locations to satisfy Santa in London is on a speedboat on the River Thames with The Jingle Bell Blast by Thames Rockets.
The thrilling speedboat trip takes you previous the various metropolisโs prime landmarks, whereas a pleasant elf will get everybody singing cheerful Christmas carols. Youngsters may even get to satisfy Santa who comes on board bearing festive treats for everybody.
The Jingle Bell Blast sells out shortly, so that youโll must guide as far upfront as potential. Assembly Santa is included within the expertise ticket value โ preserve a watch out for tickets on the tiqets web site as properly, with a reduction in case you guide by means of my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6
The place: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, London
When: December 7, 14 and 21, 2024.
London Zoo
2024 STILL TO BE CONFIRMED London Zooโs Magic of Christmas occasion often options Christmas-themed animal talks, animal crafts, cookie adorning, and extra. Thereโs additionally the chance for youths to satisfy Santa in his Grotto in the midst of the zoo and obtain a particular reward to take dwelling.
Whereas most seasonal actions are included with entry all through December, the Zooโs โMeet Santaโ classes solely happen on sure dates and should be booked upfront and paid for individually.
You’ll be able to signal as much as be the primary to listen to when tickets to Meet Santa at London Zoo can be found โ 2024 prices tbc however beforehand value ยฃ15 per youngster.
The place: Regentโs Park, London.ย
When: Dates tbc โ often late November to early January
London Museum Docklands
For one thing a bit completely different, head to the London Museum Docklands which has its Dickensian-style Victorian Santaโs Grotto, that includes classic decorations and Nineteenth-century Christmas carols again for 2024.
Stroll by means of the Sailortown gallery decked out in festive decorations, then little ones can meet Santa in his Victorian Grotto, take some images, and obtain a particular current โ minimal plastic, which is gorgeous, and age acceptable.
Tickets value ยฃ14 per youngster for the 15-minute session (with 4 kids assembly Santa per session), and prebooking is important. There are additionally quiet classes within the mornings. Admission to the museum itself is free for the remainder of the household.
The place: 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London.
When: Tbc however often takes place in December
For extra of the points of interest on the Museum of London Docklands, take a look at my evaluation
Alexandra Palace
Mr Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London and organising a Grotto within the East Courtroom of Alexandra Palace, the place kids can meet Santa, take a festive photograph, and obtain a small Christmas reward.
Tickets value ยฃ16 per youngster underneath 16 and also youโll must guide a slot upfront. As much as two adults can go to the Grotto without cost with every youngster.ย
Plus, donโt miss the possibility to go for some festive ice skating at Alexandra Palace after you meet Santa for the last word festive day trip in North London.
The place: Alexandra Palace Means, London.
When: November 27-December 23, 2024.
For extra concepts of one of the best ice rinks in London with youngsters, take a look at my suggestions for some festive favourites
Selfridges
2024 TO BE CONFIRMED Considered one of Londonโs most well-known department shops, you’ll be able to Meet Santa at Selfridges in addition to recognizing his elves roaming across the retailer.
Thereโs no phrase but if the breakfast with Santa occasion will run once more this yr (beforehand priced ยฃ60 together with a personalised Christmas reward).
The place: 400 Oxford Avenue, Londonย
When: TBC. Beforehand ran on November 24-December 24 (choose timings largely within the afternoons and a few evenings for Santa and different Christmas characters)
Fortnum & Mason
SOLD OUT FOR 2024 Luxurious division retailer Fortnum & Mason is considered one of Londonโs hottest locations throughout the holidays, due to its superb decorations and delightful reward choice.
The shop additionally affords โStorytelling with Father Christmasโ classes for youths, wherein Santa will learn considered one of his favorite Christmas books and provides little ones a really particular F&M goodie bag.
Thereโs a restricted numbr of youngsters per session and areas typically guide up far upfront, often inside hours of tickets occurring sale. Tickets begin at ยฃ40 per youngster and went on sale at 9am on September 5, so it’s essential guide as early as you’ll be able to to make sure a spot. Any cancellations will return on sale on the eventbrite web page.
The place: 181 Piccadilly, London.
When: Choose dates from November 23 to December 24, 2024.
Springtime Nurseries
Whereas it could be much less well-known than different areas on this listing, Springtime Nurseries in Enfield is definitely dwelling to one of many largest and most magical Santaโs Grottos in London.
The north London Christmas Wonderland consists of an thrilling prepare trip by means of magical wintery scenes and a reindeer forest, earlier than arriving within the Ice Kingdom on the North Pole to go to Santa himself.
The entire expertise prices ยฃ15.95 per youngster (excluding reserving payment) and features a alternative of current from the elvesโ toyshop. Adults may be part of on the prepare for simply ยฃ4.95.ย You’ll be able to not purchase tickets on the day, so entry a lot be prebooked.
The place: Crews Hill, Enfield, London.
When: November 14 to December 24, 2024.
For extra Santa prepare experiences, take a look at my choose of one of the best across the UK, together with Londonโs Santa Steam Specific
Christmas storytelling at Chelsea Physic Backyard
Chelsea Physic Backyard is reworking itself right into a magical panorama as midwinter approached with a Greenhouse-themed Grotto the place youngsters can meet Father Christmas.
Thereโs storytelling and a particular reward to obtain, in addition to an opportunity to snap a photograph with Santa himself. Priced ยฃ11-13, the payment additionally provides you entry to the gardens to discover, with craft actions to make Christmas decorations in addition to sizzling chocolate (and mulled wine!) within the cafe.
Tickets do promote out, so prebooking is strongly suggested (just about important, actually) though you should buy entry tickets for the backyard solely on the day.
The place: Crews Hill, Enfield, London.
When: Choose dates from November 30-December 22, 2024.
Meet Father Christmas at Fulham Palace
Get palms on and craft a Christmas souvenir with the elves at Fulham Palace this December, earlier than assembly Father Christmas to share your festive needs โ and get a gift earlier than you go.
Thereโs an opportunity to satisfy Santa within the palaceโs historic library or Bishop Sherlockโs room, each dressed up for Christmas, and children may ship a letter upfront.
Tickets value ยฃ25 per youngster, with as much as two adults accompanying. Tickets go on sale at first of October, launched to supporters of Fulham Palace first. Have to be prebooked.
The place: Fulham Palace, Bishopโs Avenue, London
When: December 14 and 15, 2024.
Christmas at Chiswick Home
Thereโll be a particular Storytelling with Santa at Chiswick Home occasion going down this winter โ head into Santaโs grotto to hearken to a festive story learn by the person in purple, after a Christmas singalong with the elves.
Thereโs additionally an opportunity to have images with the massive man and get a present (so long as youโve been good, after all!)
Geared toward kids underneath 11, prebooking is strongly advisable as every session is for small teams solely with a most of two adults per reserving.
The place: Chiswick Home, Chiswick
When: November 30-December 1, December 7-8 and December 14-22. There are six timed slots all through the day, from 10am-3.30pm,
Black Santaโs Grotto and Christmas Market, Streatham Hill
Uncover Santaโs Magical Grotto and Market in South London, the place you’ll be able to meet Black Santa and obtain a present.
Thereโs additionally an opportunity to get palms on and make your individual festive crafts, together with adorning ornaments, designing playing cards or making a gift on your favorite grownup.
Then head out discover the market to select up a number of extra presents, decorations and stocking fillers from among the many handcrafted presents.
Tickets from ยฃ22.38 for youngsters underneath 1 or ยฃ27.80 for older kids, then ยฃ24 for sibling tickets. Two adults are included per youngster, though you can too add one other grownup without cost per reserving.
The place: Streatham Area Undertaking, Streatham Hill, London
When: November 30-December 1, 2024
Santa at Greenwich
2024 TBC. Greenwich marketย transforms itself annually for Christmas, with the Greenwich Youngstersโs Lantern Procession to kick the whole lot off on November 20.
Led by native kids holding their very own lanterns, Santa typically makes an look earlier than settling in to the Greenwich market grotto for the remainder of the festive season. Though the lantern parade and a few carolling occasions have been confirmed, thereโs no phrase if Father Christmas may even be an everyday customer to Greenwich but.
Tickets beforehand value ยฃ10, and wanted to be prebooked.
The place: Greenwich Market, Durnford Avenue, Greenwich.
When: TBC. Often mid November to round Christmas Eve
The Evening Earlier than Christmas in Mayfair
2024 EVENT TBC There was a model new grotto expertise in Mayfair final yr which has the added Christmassy bonus of spreading some pleasure and serving to these much less lucky.
The Evening Earlier than Christmas was run by Rise.LND in partnership with Mercato Metropolitano in Mayfair, and the 40-minute expertise combined interactive storytelling with an opportunity to satisfy Father Christmas and obtain a present.
Set on a chilly snowy Christmas Eve in Mayfair, a household is settling down for storytime of their small flat, solely to find this evening will transform extra magical than any of them anticipate.
Cash from the ticket gross sales went to fund visits for youngsters from native hospitals and people from underprivileged backgrounds. The corporate additionally works with native charities and particular wants colleges within the Westminster space to host kids with SEN, and a few timeslots included wheelchair entry
The place: Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair, North Audley Avenue, between Marble Arch and Bond Avenue tubes โ save a while for a browse earlier than or after the present, with food and drinks and different handmade items.
When: TBC. Final yrโs occasion ran on choose weekend dates from mid November to Christmas Eve.
The place else to see Santa in London (and the place to not look)
Chelsea Christmas Grotto
For the right Christmas day trip in West London, you may meet Santa and obtain a particular festive reward from the elvesโ workshop on the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto in Sloane Sq..
The person in purple additionally activates the Christmas lights and there was a Bavarian curling rink in 2022, but it surelyโs not confirmed if the grotto will probably be again in 2024.
The Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery used to host an annual family-friendly occasion the place youngsters might meet Santa Claus and participate in festive craft workshops and storytelling classes.
In 2022 that was changed by the particular festive occasion, A Image Excellent Christmas, however neither returned in 2023. Because the Nationwide Gallery celebrates 200 years, thereโs no phrase but if Father Christmas will probably be becoming a member of in to assist mark the event at Trafalgar Sq..
Kew Gardens
Throughout the holidays, Kew Gardens is reworked into considered one of Londonโs most magical winter wonderlands, with an incredible festive mild path and engaging avenue meals of Christmas at Kew โ with the possibility to see Santa Claus alongside the best way.
Prior to now, the occasion has featured a small Santaโs Grotto alongside the festive path, however that wasnโt a part of the occasion final yr and hasnโt been confirmed for 2024, though youโll be capable to spy Father Christmas as you observe the path.
For extra nice festive mild trails in London with youngsters, take a look at my choose of one of the best
Royal Albert Corridor
Thereโs often a string of particular Christmas occasions at Londonโs Royal Albert Corridor and a few years have seen Father Christmas studying his favorite vacation tales to little visitors on the venueโs festive North Pole Avenue.
They didnโt happen in 2023 although, and there was nothing introduced as a part of the 2024 Christmas sequence, so this appears unlikely to go forward this yr (though thereโs loads of different festive enjoyable to get pleasure from)
Harrods
Thereโs little doubt that Harrods Grotto was top-of-the-line Santa experiences within the metropolis, with its beautiful decorations, genuine Santa, and beautiful Harrods branded teddy bear for every youngster. Nevertheless it was additionally some of the unique and costliest choices.
After being cancelled two years working due to Covid, it didnโt happen in 2022 or 2023, so donโt anticipate to see Santa in Knightsbridge this yr both.
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Most important picture/Winter Wonderland/Santa with letter/Santa with reward/ Santa with tree/Santa with presents/Royal Albert Corridor courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa Steam Specific courtesy Steam Goals, Christmas at Kew: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew, all others copyright MummyTravels
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