London Santa's grottos to book now
A visit to Santa's grotto is a wonderful part of the festive season. Here are the most magical Father Christmas encounters in London
Anya's Grotto
Thought Santa's Grottos could never be chic... enter Anya Hindmarch, queen of high fashion kitsch, with a festive adventure at Anya's Village in Chelsea. Guests are invited on an immersive journey through a snowy forest, which ends with a story and a present from Santa himself. Combine the visit with a trip to the oh-so instragrammable cafe (the grotto ticket includes a hot drink for parents).
Read more ...Meet Santa at London Zoo
The animals aren't the only thing to see at ZSL London Zoo this year... Santa has arrived! Children can enjoy festive crafts before going to meet Father Christmas in a magical grotto in the heart of the zoo. Also keep an eye out for him as you explore the Zoo as Santa will be nipping out to feed some of the animals.
Read more ...Storytime with Father Christmas at the Hall, Royal Albert Hall
Father Christmas is making his annual visit to the Royal Albert Hall. In this immersive experience, families will enjoy an exclusive tour around the 19th-century Hall and have the chance to interact with a range of North Pole characters along the way. Kids will learn about Christmas, the characters, the RAH – and even pick up some exciting secrets from the elves – before meeting the big man himself.
Santa's Grotto at Hamleys
Where better to host a grotto than in a toy shop? Well, for the pocket of said toy shop, anyway. Your little ones will surely add some last-minute items to their wish-list on their way to meet Santa himself in this charming (if a little expensive) grotto experience. Tickets are £50 and allow access for up to 3 people (additional people cost £15pp), but the gifts they leave with are likely to make up for it.
Read more ...Santa's Grotto at Ally Pally
Santa has swapped his home in the North Pole for London's palace on top of a hill. Here, little ones can have their photo taken with him, present their wish lists and leave with a small gift to tide them over until the big day.
Read more ...Noir Kringle's Grotto
Spread diverse cheer this year at Noir Kringle. Frustrated with the overwhelmingly white representation of all things festive, a London mother set up a new grotto experience centring around a black Santa. It goes beyond a mere meet and greet, with story-telling, activities and elf school.
Read more ...Victorian Santa's Grotto
Embrace vintage charm this year with a Victorian themed grotto at the Museum of London's Docklands. The Sailortown gallery is festooned with decorations, and a traditionally dressed Father Christmas is there to say hello and pose for pictures.
Read more ...Santa's Calling You
For those who'd rather schedule a meeting with Santa from home: Santa's Calling You offers little ones the chance to chat with an elf or Mrs Claus as well as the big man himself. Storytelling sessions are available too! Experiences start at £19.99.
Read more ...Greenwich Grotto
Visit Santa in the festive confines of Greenwich Market and give back to charity with this hospice-run initiative. While the kids present their Christmas wish lists, you can get on with a bit of present buying at the numerous stalls lining the market walls. Tickets start at £11.