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 standard division retailer, consuming with the person in crimson, 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 earth’s oldest and largest toy retailer? It’s as near the North Pole workshop as you may get!
Hamleys Toy Store presents a magical Santa’s Grotto expertise for households, the place youngsters can meet Santa Claus and his elves and obtain a personalised Hamleys reward bag. Aimed toward children aged 2-8, the grotto is again for 2024.
The non-public 15-minute Santa’s Grotto expertise value from £55 for a bunch of three individuals, then from £15 for every extra individual as much as a most group of 6 (together with adults). The dates closest to Christmas value extra, as much as £100 for 4 individuals within the week from December 21. Pre-booking is crucial.
The place: 188- 196 Regent Road, London.
When: Runs from November 23 to December 24. Tickets go on sale at 10am on October 10 – they usually do promote out quick!
For extra of the most effective issues to do at Christmas in London with children, take a look at my high picks
Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis
For an additional 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 house too. Have to be prebooked, prices £22 (together with reserving payment) for youngsters, £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 Road
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 probability 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 way of enchanted rooms, you’ll get to take pleasure in performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in crimson himself. There’s a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of probabilities to take pictures.
A beautiful different to a grotto expertise, it’s good for reminding everybody of the true that means of Christmas too. Have to be prebooked, and there’s a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early fowl deal when you guide by finish of October.
The place: Eltham Palace
When: Weekends from November 23-December 22, 2024.
Father Christmas at Kenwood
Hearken 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 standard current to unwrap.
Tickets value £9.50 and have to be booked prematurely, 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 probability to listen to Father Christmas telling a few of his favorite festive tales across the Christmas tree at sister English Heritage web site Marble Hill Home.
There’s an opportunity to fulfill Santa and take pictures right here too, whereas each little one additionally will get a standard current to unwrap.
Tickets value £9.50 and have to be booked prematurely, 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 the event you’ve obtained youthful children, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is aimed toward infants as much as youngsters 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. Have to 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 one among London’s greatest Christmas markets, an ice rink, rides, meals and an entire lot extra.
However it’s additionally the most effective locations to see Santa in London at Santa Land, together with a free reward for teenagers. Included in entry to Winter Wonderland, it’s first come first served so you could have to queue and it’s an excellent 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 the event you prebook rides, sights and video games value £25 prematurely, equivalent 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 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 children, take a look at my high picks
Shrek the Halls Christmas Expertise at Shrek’s Journey! London
For followers of everybody’s favorite inexperienced ogre, take a look at the prospect to Shrek the Halls with the Christmas Expertise at Shrek’s Journey! London, the place children can head deep into the swamp to fulfill Shrek Santa in his best Christmas gear and pose for a enjoyable photograph.
As a substitute 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 just open on choose days all through December and is included within the common admission worth – from £21 for adults and £16 for youngsters when you purchase on-line prematurely.
The place: Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Highway, London
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 – count on interactive performances, some enjoyable decorations, and loads of sweets… Takes place on December 8, priced £60 for 3 individuals (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, it’s also possible to guide a meet and greet with Father Christmas in his cabin.
Snap just a few 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 number 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 provides children the prospect to fulfill Santa Claus in his Grotto and obtain a small London transport-themed reward.
All Christmas actions, together with assembly Santa, are included within the museum entrance ticket and youngsters beneath 17 go free, making it one of many most cost-effective locations to see Santa in London.
You’ll 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 method to see the person in crimson in case your children get simply overwhelmed by grottos.
There’s no have to guide tickets prematurely, however there could be a small queue throughout busy instances.
The place: Covent Backyard Piazza, London.
When: Tbc however normally late November to early January
Examine what we considered a Christmas time out on the London Transport Museum
Santa Steam Categorical, London
This common Santa steam practice expertise in London sees the Santa Steam Categorical set off on a festive journey from Victoria station, together with an opportunity to fulfill the large man himself on board.
In addition to puzzles and video games for teenagers, plus a singsong with the elves, each Mrs Claus and Santa make their method by way of the carriages in the course of the Steam Desires expertise.
Children additionally go house 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 youngsters.
The place: From Victoria station
When: 4 instances per day on December 20 and 21, 2024
The Polar Categorical
The Polar Categorical is definitely 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 primarily based on the much-loved guide). And it’s coming to London for the primary time in 2024.
Greater than only a easy Santa steam practice journey, this excellent festive experiences is thought for being extra immersive, to make your children really feel like they’re driving the true deal.
Wearing your cosiest pyjamas (you may even get your individual personalised Polar Categorical pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in crimson himself, Santa, and a few even have story read-a-longs if you wish to convey your individual guide.
The journey lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. E book at London Polar Categorical.
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 may also get to fulfill Santa who comes on board bearing festive treats for everybody.
The Jingle Bell Blast sells out rapidly, so that you’ll have to guide as far prematurely as attainable. Assembly Santa is included within the expertise ticket worth – hold an eye fixed out for tickets on the tiqets web site as effectively, with a reduction when you guide by way 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 Zoo’s Magic of Christmas occasion normally options Christmas-themed animal talks, animal crafts, cookie adorning, and extra. There’s additionally the chance for teenagers to fulfill Santa in his Grotto in the course of the zoo and obtain a particular reward to take house.
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 prematurely and paid for individually.
You may 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 – normally late November to early January
London Museum Docklands
For one thing a little bit totally 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 way of 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 beautiful, and age acceptable.
Tickets value £14 per little one for the 15-minute session (with 4 youngsters 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 normally takes place in December
For extra of the sights on the Museum of London Docklands, take a look at my assessment
Alexandra Palace
Mr Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London and establishing a Grotto within the East Courtroom of Alexandra Palace, the place youngsters can meet Santa, take a festive photograph, and obtain a small Christmas reward.
Tickets value £16 per little one beneath 16 and also you’ll have to guide a slot prematurely. 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 time out in North London.
The place: Alexandra Palace Method, London.
When: November 27-December 23, 2024.
For extra concepts of the greatest ice rinks in London with children, take a look at my ideas for some festive favourites
Selfridges
2024 TO BE CONFIRMED One in all London’s most well-known malls, 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 reward).
The place: 400 Oxford Road, London
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 one among London’s hottest locations in the course of the holidays, due to its superb decorations and exquisite reward choice.
The shop additionally presents “Storytelling with Father Christmas” periods for teenagers, through which Santa will learn one among his favorite Christmas books and provides little ones a really particular F&M goodie bag.
There’s a restricted numbr of kids per session and areas typically guide up far prematurely, normally inside hours of tickets occurring sale. Tickets begin at £40 per little one and went on sale at 9am on September 5, so it is advisable to guide 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 places on this record, Springtime Nurseries in Enfield is definitely house to one of many greatest and most magical Santa’s Grottos in London.
The north London Christmas Wonderland contains an thrilling practice journey by way 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 £15.95 per little one (excluding reserving payment) and features a alternative of current from the elves’ toyshop. Adults may also be a part of on the practice for simply £4.95. You may 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, take a look at my decide of the most effective across the UK, together with London’s Santa Steam Categorical
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 children can meet Father Christmas.
There’s storytelling and a particular reward 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 purchase 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 fingers 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 youngsters may also ship a letter prematurely.
Tickets value £25 per little one, with as much as two adults accompanying. Tickets go on sale in the beginning of October, launched to supporters of Fulham Palace first. Have to 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 hearken to a festive story learn by the person in crimson, after a Christmas singalong with the elves.
There’s additionally an opportunity to have pictures with the large man and get a present (so long as you’ve been good, in fact!)
Aimed toward youngsters beneath 11, prebooking is strongly beneficial 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 fingers 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 just a few extra presents, decorations and stocking fillers from among the many handcrafted items.
Tickets from £22.38 for youngsters beneath 1 or £27.80 for older youngsters, then £24 for sibling tickets. Two adults are included per little one, though it’s also possible to add one other grownup without cost per reserving.
The place: Streatham House Challenge, Streatham Hill, London
When: November 30-December 1, 2024
Santa at Greenwich
2024 TBC. Greenwich market transforms itself annually for Christmas, with the Greenwich Youngsters’s Lantern Procession to kick every part off on November 20.
Led by native youngsters 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, there’s no phrase if Father Christmas may also be an everyday customer to Greenwich but.
Tickets beforehand value £10, and wanted to be prebooked.
The place: Greenwich Market, Durnford Road, Greenwich.
When: TBC. Normally mid November to round Christmas Eve
The Night time 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 Night time 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 evening will change into extra magical than any of them count on.
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 youngsters with SEN, and a few timeslots included wheelchair entry
The place: Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair, North Audley Road, between Marble Arch and Bond Road tubes – save a while for a browse earlier than or after the present, with food 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 proper Christmas time out in West London, you can meet Santa and obtain a particular festive reward from the elves’ workshop on the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto in Sloane Sq..
The person in crimson additionally activates the Christmas lights and there was a Bavarian curling rink in 2022, however it’s not confirmed if the grotto shall be again in 2024.
The Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery used to host an annual family-friendly occasion the place children 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 Good Christmas, however neither returned in 2023. Because the Nationwide Gallery celebrates 200 years, there’s no phrase but if Father Christmas shall be becoming a member of in to assist mark the event at Trafalgar Sq..
Kew Gardens
Throughout the holidays, Kew Gardens is reworked into one among London’s most magical winter wonderlands, with a tremendous festive gentle path and engaging avenue 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 be capable to spy Father Christmas as you comply with the path.
For extra nice festive gentle trails in London with children, take a look at my decide of the most effective
Royal Albert Corridor
There’s normally 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 visitors on the venue’s festive North Pole Road.
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 take pleasure in)
Harrods
There’s little doubt that Harrods Grotto was the most effective Santa experiences within the metropolis, with its gorgeous decorations, genuine Santa, and wonderful Harrods branded teddy bear for every little one. However it 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 comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Predominant picture/Winter Wonderland/Santa with letter/Santa with reward/ Santa with tree/Santa with presents/Royal Albert Corridor courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa Steam Categorical courtesy Steam Desires, Christmas at Kew: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew, all others copyright MummyTravels