UPDATED: Santa in London is a popular Christmas tradition and we all know that the good spots sell out fast, so read our guide on where to find Father Christmas this year - from a traditional Santa grotto to giant green Santas - and then book your Santa in London 2024 adventure, stat. Christmas is, after all, NEXT MONTH! Eeeek!
Fujifilm House of Photography Santa & Grotto
Fujifilm has announced that it will open a Santa’s Grotto photo experience at the London-based FUJIFILM House of Photography this Christmas. A magical adventure for the whole family, guests will be transported to the heart of the ‘North Pole’ where they can meet Santa, before enjoying the multiple festive games, craft workshops and immersive photo opportunities on offer.
When: From 15th November 2024
Where: 8, 9 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LH
Meet Santa at Chessington World of Adventures
Step into Chessington's new Christmas Village and be transported into a festive wonderland. Begin your journey being guided by Father Christmas’ Elves to a cozy woodfire lit Grotto where you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights, the scent of a woodfire and, of course, Santa! Your ticket will also bag you entry into the park for all the usual thrills and spills plus lots of extra festive surprises.
When: From 23rd November 2024
Where: Chessington World of Adventures, KT9 2NE https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lKmJJ
BrewDog Waterloo Santa's Grotto
Step into a Christmas experience at BrewDog Waterloo, where Santa’s Grotto gets a craft beer twist. Perfect for families, this is where your little elves can meet Santa himself and take home a gift, while the grown-ups enjoy some legendary beers and festive tipples! Every child will walk away with a gift from Santa —and don’t worry parents, you’ll be cracking open a cold can of BrewDog’s finest. We also hear rumour of a giant slide, ice cream truck, craft beer, bowling and epic food options that’ll keep everyone merry and bright.
When: 23rd November until 23rd December 2024
Where: BrewDog Waterloo, Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, London SE1 7BH
Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
All the profits for this one go back into caring for the 600+ rescued residents at this Essex animal sanctuary, and we've had a sneak peek of the Santa fun which definitely tickled our tinsel. There will be a miniature Christmas village, Santa letter writing activity, free mulled wine and mince pie for the grown ups (warm ribena and mince pie for the kids), Christmas trail, and, of course, that all important meet with Santa in his grotto where each paying child will get a gift. The sanctuary will also be open for you to visit all the animals you're helping to support with your purchase.
When: Every weekend from 30th November until 22nd December 2024. Where: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyer's Hall Lane, Brentwood CM15 9BZ
Shrek the Halls!
One of our fave things to do in London with kids is Shrek Adventure, so we can't wait to meet Shrek Santa this December and pose for a picture with him! Guests will be gifted an Xmas card included in the ticket time, and everyone will have, we promise, a most shrekcellent time!
When: 30th November to 24th December 2024 Where: Shrek's Adventure, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Santa at Legoland Windsor
You will get to see the big man himself – Father Christmas! - at Legoland during the festive period and we just know everything will be awesome. He’ll be roaming around the Park on the back of his magical sleigh, so don’t forget to wave! You can also expect puppet shows, elves and a giant Duplo Xmas tree. There's also the option to upgrade your visit to an overnight stay that includes Father Christmas making a personal visit to your hotel room door!
When: From 23rd November 2024
Where: Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY
Victorian Santa's grotto at the Museum of London Docklands
Santa will be waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto with a festive gift where you will also have the chance to capture the moment with a snap or two. Once Santa has your wish list safely stored it will be time to experience the Sailortown gallery, which has been transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance.
When: Check website for specific dates still available, happening from 23rd November 2024
Where: No1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Hamleys Grotto
One of London's most iconic Christmas experiences has just gone on sale – tickets to Hamleys magical Santa’s Grotto are available now! From Saturday 23rd November to Tuesday 24th December, bring your family to explore Santa’s enchanting elf workshop, filled with festive cheer and captivating Christmas magic. You’ll get to meet Santa and join his merry elves in creating unforgettable memories at Hamleys, The Finest Toy Shop in the World! This one will sell out FAST!
When: From 23td November to 24th December 2024
Where: Hamleys, Regent Street, London W1
Jingle Bell Blast with Thames Rockets
Rev up for one of the most exciting sleigh-rides of the season as you carol sing your way along the River Thames with Santa himself! You and your small elves will sweep across the docklands, whizz past the London Eye, and float by Tower Bridge with the awesome Thames Rocket team on a Christmas experience sure to put the jingle in your bells: don't leave the booking too late though, spaces are limited and yule be sorry to miss out on this treat for sure! We tried it last year and we've got to say it was one of our all-time fave adventures in London EVER! Our advice? Even if you don't make it to see Santa in London this year, book a trip on the Thames Rocket for the next time you can get into town: ridiculously good fun!
When: Selected dates in December 2024 - sells fast!
Where: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB
Santa's Grotto at Alexandra Palace
Santa Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London as he sets up camp in the East Court at Alexandra Palace this December. Little ones will love meeting with Santa, bagging a small gift and having a photo taken with Santa in his festive grotto. Why not up the festive ante by also booking a slot on the ice skating rink?
When: 27th November until 23rd December 2024 Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Hobbledown Adventure Farm Private Santa Experience
It's no secret that here at London for Kidz we love a day out at Hobbledown (check out our review here), and we were feeling ding, dong, merrily on high after visiting Santa last year. This year at Hobbledown choose from Breakfast with Santa, a Premium Christmas Experience, Santa's grotto and more.
When: 23rd November 2024
Where: Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT
Black Santa & Grotto
Black Santa is back in town for a magical experience in Streatham where you can shop in a festive market, while your children get busy with some Xmas crafts. Plus, of course, the all-important, meet and greet with Santa complete with gift.
When: 30th November and 1st December 2024
Where: Sternhold Avenue London SW2 4PA
Santa Express, Audley End Miniature Railway
All aboard the Santa Express for magical, family, Christmas experience that will get you in a 'full steam ahead' Xmas mood. You'll be boarded on the train by the station nutcrackers before setting off to Father Christmas's Winter Wonderland. Included in the price is the train ride to meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their Elves, a gift for every child, letter writing, Illuminated Christmas walk to the Reindeer Food Factory, Holly the Christmas Fairy Storytelling Show and an Adventure Play Area. it's a tad out of town but close enough to count for a Santa in London adventure. When: 21st November until 24th December 2024 Where: Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
Chelsea Christmas Grotto
Santa has moved into a grotto on Sloane Square for the festive season, and you'll find the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto situated among the sparkling lights along with a Bavarian Curling Rink and Winter Terrace open until Christmas When: 19th November until 24th December 2024 Where: Sloane Square, Chelsea www.chelseachristmasgrotto.com
Santa Land at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Sound the trumpets and grab your hat and scarves because Winter Wonderland is back this year and with it comes the chance to not only meet Santa in London, but also to snag a small gift from him (so long as you're on the nice list!). A festive destination designed for the whole family to enjoy and escape from the hustle and bustle of the main event, expect plenty of kids’ rides, festive eateries as well as the Main Man in Red.
When: From 21st November 2024
Where: Hyde Park, London
Meet Santa at London Zoo
Little ones will get a sprinkling of Christmas magic as they learn what it takes to become one of Santa’s helpers in London Zoo's elf school, before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the Zoo. Every child will receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. Tickets are not on sale yet but you can register for notifications once they're available. When: 23rd November until 24th December 2024
Where: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/meet-santa-london-zoo
Santa's Grotto at Romford Shopping Hall
Father Christmas will be returning to his Grotto in the east of town over at Romford Shopping Hall and you're all invited to take unlimited pics and bag a gift for the kids from the Big Man himself. Our kids love this one!
When: Weekends from 30th November 2024
Where: Romford Shopping Hall, 43 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3AB
Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges
We never need an excuse to head to one of our fave department stores so we're very happy to hear that Santa will be there too this Xmas. There are a few Xmas events going on there but we think Breakfast with Santa is the one that all kids will want in on.
When: 2nd to 21st December 2024
Where: Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/info/stores/events/breakfast-with-santa-selfridges-london/
The Grinch Grotto at Hans & Gretel!
Step into the magical world of The Grinch and experience the enchantment, mischief and excitement of Grinchmas! Get ready to be amazed by interactive performances, whimsical decorations, and delightful surprises around every corner.
When: 8th December 2024, various times
Where: Hans & Gretel - Camden Market, Unit 91 Stables Market London NW1 8AH
That's all we've got on Santa in London for 2024 at the moment but we'll be updating regularly when we get the lowdown on more Santa sightings!
Need some more very merry guides to the festive season? Look no further: