As the times get colder and the nights get longer within the metropolis, that may imply just one factor – it’s 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 pink, discovering him on board a steam practice, tube practice, in a museum, gallery, market or Santa’s grotto in London, the true query isn’t the place to fulfill Santa in London, it’s which one tempts you most.
With low cost and free locations to fulfill Santa, in addition to memorable experiences when you’re seeking to splurge, I’ve rounded up 19 of the most effective locations to see Santa in London this Christmas.
Hamleys
The place higher to fulfill Santa in London than on the planet’s oldest and largest toy retailer? It’s as near the North Pole workshop as you may get!
Hamleys Toy Store affords a magical Santa’s Grotto expertise for households, the place kids can meet Santa Claus and his elves and obtain a personalised Hamleys present bag. Geared toward youngsters aged 2-8, the grotto is again for 2024.
The personal 15-minute Santa’s Grotto expertise value from £55 for a gaggle of three folks, then from £15 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 £100 for 4 folks within the week from December 21. Pre-booking is crucial.
The place: 188- 196 Regent Avenue, London.
When: Runs from November 23 to December 24. Tickets go on sale at 10am on October 10 – and so they do promote out quick!
For extra of the most effective issues to do at Christmas in London with youngsters, try my high picks
Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis
For one more basic grotto expertise, head to John Lewis, the place you may be a part of Santa’s elves for a Christmas story periods, in addition to finishing a festive craft exercise earlier than assembly Father Christmas.
There’s a present to take dwelling too. Should be prebooked, prices £22 (together with reserving payment) for kids, £3.30 for adults.
London’s different John Lewis shops even have CHristmas occasions together with Santa Story Time at White Metropolis and Peter Jones, in addition to Santa’s Tea Get together in Brent Cross, Canary Wharf and Stratford
There are additionally Santa Story Occasions obtainable at JL White Metropolis, and Santa’s Tea Get together 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 periods.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
There’s a model new likelihood to see Santa with a magical immersive expertise at Eltham Palace this yr, referred to as The Spirit of Christmas
The hour-long occasion takes you thru the Artwork Deco mansion as you assist Father Christmas restore the true that means of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland.
Assembly magical characters and passing by enchanted rooms, you’ll get to get pleasure from performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in pink himself. There’s a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of probabilities to take pictures.
A stunning different to a grotto expertise, it’s excellent for reminding everybody of the true that means of Christmas too. Should be prebooked, and there’s a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early chook deal when you ebook 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.
There’s an opportunity to fulfill Santa and take pictures too, whereas each little one additionally will get a conventional current to unwrap.
Tickets value £9.50 and should be booked upfront, for each members and non-members. You’ll 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
There’s one other likelihood 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.
There’s an opportunity to fulfill Santa and take pictures right here too, whereas each little one additionally will get a conventional current to unwrap.
Tickets value £9.50 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, 2024
Go to Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park
In case you’ve received youthful youngsters, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is aimed toward infants as much as kids aged 8.
You’ll begin the go to by writing or drawing your Christmas wishlist earlier than posting it and heading in to the enchanted grotto to fulfill Santa, and get a gift made by the elves. Should be prebooked, priced £14 per little one.
The place: Morden Corridor Park, Mordern, London.
When: Weekends from November 30-December 15.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
There’s extra than simply Santa at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with certainly one of London’s greatest Christmas markets, an ice rink, rides, meals and an entire lot extra.
But it surely’s additionally among the finest locations to see Santa in London at Santa Land, together with a free present for youths. Included in entry to Winter Wonderland, it’s first come first served so you’ll have to queue and it’s a superb plan to get there early.
Try the Christmas tree journey, ice slide and the snow sculptures of the Magical Ice Kingdom whilst you’re there too, in addition to Santa’s parade on some days.
Costs begin from £5 for traditional entry to Winter Wonderland, though there are some off-peak morning periods the place it’s nonetheless free to go to. In case you prebook rides, sights and video games value £25 upfront, comparable to a Santaland Limitless go, your entry ticket can also 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 Santa’s parade at 5pm on November 21, 25, 26, 27 and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and January 5.
For extra of the most effective Christmas markets in London with youngsters, try my high picks
Shrek the Halls Christmas Expertise at Shrek’s Journey! London
For followers of everybody’s favorite inexperienced ogre, try the prospect to Shrek the Halls with the Christmas Expertise at Shrek’s Journey! London, the place youngsters can head deep into the swamp to fulfill Shrek Santa in his best Christmas gear and pose for a enjoyable picture.
As an alternative of Santa, you’ll 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 worth, together with a Christmas card from Shrek Santa.
The distinctive Grotto is simply open on choose days all through December and is included within the common admission worth – from £21 for adults and £16 for kids when you purchase on-line upfront.
The place: Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Street, London
When: Choose dates November 30-December 24, 2024.
For one more non-traditional grotto, head to Hans & Gretel in Camden Market to enter the magical world of The Grinch – count on interactive performances, some enjoyable decorations, and loads of sweets… Takes place on December 8, priced £60 for 3 folks (extra tickets £15)
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 even ebook a meet and greet with Father Christmas in his cabin.
Snap a number of enjoyable pictures as you go, with an enormous Duplo Christmas tree, earlier than recognizing the festive scenes hidden in Miniland – to not point out a few of the rides open specifically for Christmas. Tickets from £29.
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 prospect to fulfill Santa Claus in his Grotto and obtain a small London transport-themed present.
All Christmas actions, together with assembly Santa, are included within the museum entrance ticket and children below 17 go free, making it one of many least expensive locations to see Santa in London.
You’ll usually 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 solution to see the person in pink in case your youngsters get simply overwhelmed by grottos.
There’s no must ebook tickets upfront, however there may be a small queue throughout busy instances.
The place: Covent Backyard Piazza, London.
When: Tbc however often late November to early January
Examine what we considered a Christmas day trip on the London Transport Museum
Santa Steam Specific, London
This common Santa steam practice expertise in London sees the Santa Steam Specific set off on a festive journey from Victoria station, together with an opportunity to fulfill 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 means by the carriages through the Steam Desires expertise.
Children additionally go dwelling with a present after the 75-minute steam practice journey, in addition to loads of different treats on board. Tickets value from £55 for adults and children.
The place: From Victoria station
When: 4 instances per day on December 20 and 21, 2024
The Polar Specific
The Polar Specific is unquestionably probably the most well-known – and the most well-liked – of all of the Santa steam practice rides internationally, due to the Warner Bros film again in 2004 (itself based mostly on the much-loved ebook). And it’s coming to London for the primary time in 2024.
Greater than only a easy Santa steam practice journey, this glorious festive experiences is understood for being extra immersive, to make your youngsters really feel like they’re driving the true deal.
Wearing your cosiest pyjamas (you may even get your personal personalised Polar Specific pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in pink himself, Santa, and a few even have story read-a-longs if you wish to convey your personal ebook.
The journey lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. Guide 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 probably the most uncommon locations to fulfill Santa in London is on a speedboat on the River Thames with The Jingle Bell Blast by Thames Rockets.
The thrilling speedboat journey takes you previous the various metropolis’s high landmarks, whereas a pleasant elf will get everybody singing cheerful Christmas carols. Children can even get to fulfill Santa who comes on board bearing festive treats for everybody.
The Jingle Bell Blast sells out rapidly, so that you’ll must ebook as far upfront as doable. Assembly Santa is included within the expertise ticket worth – preserve an eye fixed out for tickets on the tiqets web site as properly, with a reduction when you ebook by 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 Zoo’s Magic of Christmas occasion often options Christmas-themed animal talks, animal crafts, cookie adorning, and extra. There’s additionally the chance for youths to fulfill Santa in his Grotto in the course of the zoo and obtain a particular present to take dwelling.
Whereas most seasonal actions are included with entry all through December, the Zoo’s “Meet Santa” periods solely happen on sure dates and have to 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 – 2024 prices tbc however beforehand value £15 per little one.
The place: Regent’s Park, London.
When: Dates tbc – often late November to early January
London Museum Docklands
For one thing slightly completely different, head to the London Museum Docklands which has its Dickensian-style Victorian Santa’s Grotto, that includes classic decorations and Nineteenth-century Christmas carols again for 2024.
Stroll by the Sailortown gallery decked out in festive decorations, then little ones can meet Santa in his Victorian Grotto, take some pictures, and obtain a particular current – minimal plastic, which is gorgeous, and age applicable.
Tickets value £14 per little one for the 15-minute session (with 4 kids assembly Santa per session), and prebooking is crucial. There are additionally quiet periods 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 sights on the Museum of London Docklands, try my assessment
Alexandra Palace
Mr Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London and organising a Grotto within the East Court docket of Alexandra Palace, the place kids can meet Santa, take a festive picture, and obtain a small Christmas present.
Tickets value £16 per little one below 16 and also you’ll must ebook a slot upfront. As much as two adults can go to the Grotto without cost with every little one.
Plus, don’t miss the prospect to go for some festive ice skating at Alexandra Palace after you meet Santa for the final word festive day trip in North London.
The place: Alexandra Palace Method, London.
When: November 27-December 23, 2024.
For extra concepts of the most effective ice rinks in London with youngsters, try my ideas for some festive favourites
Selfridges
2024 TO BE CONFIRMED Certainly one of London’s most well-known department shops, you may Meet Santa at Selfridges in addition to recognizing his elves roaming across the retailer.
There’s no phrase but if the breakfast with Santa occasion will run once more this yr (beforehand priced £60 together with a personalised Christmas present).
The place: 400 Oxford Avenue, London
When: TBC. Beforehand ran on November 24-December 24 (choose timings principally 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 certainly one of London’s hottest locations through the holidays, due to its wonderful decorations and exquisite present choice.
The shop additionally affords “Storytelling with Father Christmas” periods for youths, through which Santa will learn certainly one of his favorite Christmas books and provides little ones a really particular F&M goodie bag.
There’s a restricted numbr of youngsters per session and areas usually ebook up far upfront, often inside hours of tickets occurring sale. Tickets begin at £40 per little one and went on sale at 9am on September 5, so you’ll want to ebook as early as you may 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 might be much less well-known than different areas on this listing, Springtime Nurseries in Enfield is definitely dwelling to one of many greatest and most magical Santa’s Grottos in London.
The north London Christmas Wonderland consists of an thrilling practice journey by 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 £15.95 per little one (excluding reserving payment) and features a selection of current from the elves’ toyshop. Adults also can be a part of on the practice for simply £4.95. You’ll be able to now 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 practice experiences, try my decide of the most effective across the UK, together with London’s Santa Steam Specific
Christmas storytelling at Chelsea Physic Backyard
Chelsea Physic Backyard is remodeling itself right into a magical panorama as midwinter approached with a Greenhouse-themed Grotto the place youngsters can meet Father Christmas.
There’s storytelling and a particular present to obtain, in addition to an opportunity to snap a photograph with Santa himself. Priced £11-13, the payment additionally offers 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 arms on and craft a Christmas memento with the elves at Fulham Palace this December, earlier than assembly Father Christmas to share your festive needs – and get a gift earlier than you go.
There’s an opportunity to fulfill Santa within the palace’s historic library or Bishop Sherlock’s room, each dressed up for Christmas, and children also can ship a letter upfront.
Tickets value £25 per little one, with as much as two adults accompanying. Tickets go on sale at first of October, launched to supporters of Fulham Palace first. Should be prebooked.
The place: Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, London
When: December 14 and 15, 2024.
Christmas at Chiswick Home
There’ll be a particular Storytelling with Santa at Chiswick Home occasion happening this winter – head into Santa’s grotto to take heed to a festive story learn by the person in pink, after a Christmas singalong with the elves.
There’s additionally an opportunity to have pictures with the massive man and get a present (so long as you’ve been good, after all!)
Geared toward kids below 11, prebooking is strongly really useful 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 Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Market, Streatham Hill
Uncover Santa’s Magical Grotto and Market in South London, the place you may meet Black Santa and obtain a present.
There’s additionally an opportunity to get arms on and make your personal festive crafts, together with adorning ornaments, designing playing cards or making a gift to your favorite grownup.
Then head out discover the market to choose up a number of extra presents, decorations and stocking fillers from among the many handcrafted presents.
Tickets from £22.38 for kids below 1 or £27.80 for older kids, then £24 for sibling tickets. Two adults are included per little one, though you can even add one other grownup without cost per reserving.
The place: Streatham Area Venture, Streatham Hill, London
When: November 30-December 1, 2024
Santa at Greenwich
2024 TBC. Greenwich market transforms itself every year for Christmas, with the Greenwich Kids’s Lantern Procession to kick the whole lot off on November 20.
Led by native kids holding their very own lanterns, Santa usually 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, there’s no phrase if Father Christmas can even be an everyday customer to Greenwich but.
Tickets beforehand value £10, 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 blended interactive storytelling with an opportunity to fulfill 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 night time will grow to be extra magical than any of them count on.
Cash from the ticket gross sales went to fund visits for kids from native hospitals and people from underprivileged backgrounds. The corporate additionally works with native charities and particular wants faculties 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 – save a while for a browse earlier than or after the present, with foods and drinks and different handmade items.
When: TBC. Final yr’s 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 would meet Santa and obtain a particular festive present from the elves’ workshop on the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto in Sloane Sq..
The person in pink additionally activates the Christmas lights and there was a Bavarian curling rink in 2022, nevertheless it’s not confirmed if the grotto will likely be again in 2024.
The Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery used to host an annual family-friendly occasion the place youngsters may meet Santa Claus and participate in festive craft workshops and storytelling periods.
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, there’s no phrase but if Father Christmas will likely be becoming a member of in to assist mark the event at Trafalgar Sq..
Kew Gardens
In the course of the holidays, Kew Gardens is remodeled into certainly one of London’s most magical winter wonderlands, with a tremendous festive mild path and engaging road meals of Christmas at Kew – with the prospect to see Santa Claus alongside the way in which.
Up to now, the occasion has featured a small Santa’s Grotto alongside the festive path, however that wasn’t a part of the occasion final yr and hasn’t been confirmed for 2024, though you’ll have the ability to spy Father Christmas as you observe the path.
For extra nice festive mild trails in London with youngsters, try my decide of the most effective
Royal Albert Corridor
There’s often a string of particular Christmas occasions at London’s Royal Albert Corridor and a few years have seen Father Christmas studying his favorite vacation tales to little company on the venue’s festive North Pole Avenue.
They didn’t happen in 2023 although, and there was nothing introduced as a part of the 2024 Christmas collection, so this appears unlikely to go forward this yr (though there’s loads of different festive enjoyable to get pleasure from)
Harrods
There’s little question that Harrods Grotto was among the finest Santa experiences within the metropolis, with its beautiful decorations, genuine Santa, and wonderful Harrods branded teddy bear for every little one. But it surely was additionally one of the unique and most costly choices.
After being cancelled two years operating due to Covid, it didn’t happen in 2022 or 2023, so don’t count on to see Santa in Knightsbridge this yr both.
Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Primary picture/Winter Wonderland/Santa with letter/Santa with present/ Santa with tree/Santa with presents/Royal Albert Corridor courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa Steam Specific courtesy Steam Desires, Christmas at Kew: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew, all others copyright MummyTravels
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