And just like that the kids are back to school after the summer break and it's - dare we say - time to start thinking about where to see Santa in London in 2024.
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
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. Details of this year's event are yet to be revealed but we'll update when news from the North Pole comes in.
When: TBC
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 put 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
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:
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