Santa’s Grottos in London this Christmas are like shimmering snowflakes in a winter storm – delightful, but oh-so-easy to miss! Check out our extensive overview of the best places to see Santa in London in 2023, from the swanky North Pole hideaway at Harrods to the toy-tastic wonderland at Hamleys and even the glitzy Santa-spectacle at Selfridges. We’re dashing through London to uncover the jolliest Grottos in town. Grab your sleigh bells, folks; it’s gonna be a merry ride! 🎅🎄✨
Also, don’t forget to book your favourite Christmas show early to get the best seats:
- The Snowman: An annual Christmas highlight for many families.
- Matilda – The Musical: A magical pre-Christmas treat for the family.
- Elf – The Musical: Stay on the nice list and get your tickets booked🧝
- Peter Pan: A children’s classic in a brand-new version.
- Frozen – The Musical: Do you want to build a snowman?
We’ll be updating this list with Christmas Grottos as they are announced:
Museum of Docklands: Victorian Santa’s Grotto
Dates: 2 – 23 December 2023
Ticket Price: £13.50
Location: No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, United Kingdom
How to book: Click here for the latest booking information. Update: All tickets for 2023 are sold out.
If you’re looking for a Santa’s Grotto in London that is both budget-friendly and immersive, you’ll love the Museum of Docklands – our favourite grotto from last year. The museum transports you to the Victorian era, where you can see how Londoners celebrated Christmas in the 18th century. You can also have fun dressing up in period costumes and posing for some festive photos (like we did in the picture below). But hurry, this grotto is very popular and some dates have already been fully booked since September.
During the Victorian era, many beloved Yuletide traditions like festive cards, gifts, beautifully adorned trees, and the iconic Father Christmas himself, came into being. To pay tribute to this historical charm, the Museum of London Docklands is taking a delightful nineteenth-century twist. They are enchanting their Sailortown gallery with decor reminiscent of that era, and the distant sound of carolling adds to the nostalgic ambience.
You’ll find Santa Claus himself in this vintage setting, ready to engage in cheerful conversations about Christmas wishes and even strike a pose for memorable selfies. And for the little ones, Santa has a special surprise in store. It’s a delightful blend of tradition and modern merriment, perfect for relishing the holiday season.
Fortnum & Mason
Dates: Select dates in November and December 2023
Ticket Price: £40 per child
Location: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1A 1ER.
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: All tickets for 2023 are sold out.
Get ready for a magical journey into the world of storytelling with Father Christmas at Fortnum & Mason in 2023! Mark your calendars because tickets for this enchanting event will be available for purchase starting at 7:30 AM UK time on September 8th, 2023. These tickets are expected to be sold out very quickly.
Booking your spot is a breeze and can only be done through their dedicated website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/events#a-spotlight-on. The cost per child is £40, and each session will accommodate a maximum of 15 children. Please bear in mind that they do not maintain waiting lists, so be swift in securing your place for this captivating storytelling adventure with Father Christmas! 🎅📚🎟️
Update: Regrettably, soon after the tickets were released on September 8 they got sold out.
Lapland UK
Dates: 12th November 2023 to 24th December 2023
Ticket Price: From £65 to £135 per person.
Location: Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: All tickets for 2023 are sold out.
Santa’s snazzy grotto is conveniently nestled in the Hamleys Party Room, where you’ll be whisked away into a whirlwind of elfin shenanigans. And the best part? Everybody leaves with a coveted Hamleys goodie bag – now that’s a jolly bonus!
Update: Regrettably, by September 2023, this event had already reached full capacity. When it comes to certain Christmas events like the Polar Express Train Rides and Santa’s Grottos in London, securing your bookings swiftly is of the essence.
Meet Santa at London Zoo
Dates: 25th November 2023 to 24th December 2023
Ticket Price: £15.50 (in addition to buying a standard ticket)
Location: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: All “Meet Santa” tickets for 2023 are sold out, but you can still enjoy Christmas at the Zoo.
Are you ready to experience the most magical Christmas ever at the Zoo? You’ll learn all the secrets of being a good elf, from making toys to spreading joy. And of course, you’ll get to meet the big man himself in his cosy grotto at the heart of the Zoo. He’ll be waiting for you with a very special early Christmas gift that you can take home and cherish.
To enjoy this amazing experience, you’ll need to book your Meet Santa tickets in advance. Here’s what you need to know:
- If you’re a member, fellow or patron of the Zoo, you can enter the Zoo for free by showing your membership card. However, if you want your child to see Santa, you’ll need to book a Meet Santa ticket for them. Your membership only gives you access to the Zoo, not to the grotto.
- If you’re not a member, or if you’re bringing any non-members with you, you’ll need to buy a Zoo ticket for each person in addition to the Meet Santa ticket. A Meet Santa ticket alone does not give you access to the Zoo.
- For each Meet Santa booking, you can add up to 3 children per time slot. If you have more than 3 children who want to see Santa, you’ll need to book more one-time slots. Don’t worry, if you book two slots within the same session time, you can all enter the grotto together as a group.
- Babies in arms are welcome to join their parent/guardian/carer for free. However, if you want them to receive a gift or participate in any way, you’ll need to book an Under 3s Meet Santa ticket for them.
Legoland Windsor at Christmas
Dates: Select dates from 25th November 2023
Ticket Price: £20 for a visit to Father Christmas (in addition to entry ticket)
Location: The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: Tickets are still available.
This Christmas, why not embark on a memorable sleepover adventure at Legoland Windsor with a delightful twist? Prepare for a festive extravaganza that includes an enchanting elves’ magic show and a personal meet and greet with none other than Father Christmas himself, right in his charming grotto.
But that’s not all; the merriment continues with an array of awesome rides and attractions, live entertainment, yuletide activities, and the chance to meet your favourite characters. And who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Santa as he glides through the park on his magical sleigh!
For families, Legoland offers an abundance of festive rides and attractions that everyone can enjoy together, making it a unique and LEGO-filled Christmas day out. It’s a treat that’s sure to bring smiles to the faces of both young and old.
4 options to visit Legoland during Christmas
Here are 4 different ticket options to enjoy Christmas at Legoland this year:
- Standard day ticket: Book online to get the best price (from £34).
- Festive sleepover: Book an overnight hotel stay in a LEGO-themed room (from £99).
- Legoland annual family pass: Early Christmas present for the family? (from £49)
- Merlin annual pass: Unlimited entry to any Merlin attraction (Legoland, London Eye, Sea Life…) (from £99).
Note that all options require an upgrade if you want to book a separate meeting with Father Christmas. Also, keep in mind that booking tickets mid-week is usually less expensive than weekends.
Wishmas: A Fantastical Christmas
Dates: November 14 2023 to January 2, 2024
Ticket Price: From £29 to £99 depending on the ticket type (under 2s don’t require a ticket)
Location: The Old Bauble Factory, Waterloo, 1 Launcelot St, London SE1 7AD
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: The cheapest tickets are selling out fast.
Wishmas is not a traditional Santa’s Grotto experience, but rather a full-fledged Christmas experience. Based on the immersive theatre concept, the audience interacts with actors and becomes part of the story. You’ll find yourself intricately woven into the very fabric of the Christmas story as if the narrative had been crafted around you.
The experience is set inside the Old Bauble Factory near Waterloo, a historic building that used to produce Christmas decorations.
The exact content is kept secret, but here is what we could read between the lines:
- Duration is 60 min/75 min depending on the type of ticket you buy.
- A train ride takes you through the portal to the world of Wishmas.
- You can interact with live characters such as Wishkeepers, Robins, and Father Christmas.
- Various rooms and installations are designed to spark your imagination.
- You’ll be an active participant in the Christmas story.
- You can get a private meeting with Santa with the premium package (from £69)
- There is a Christmas market, where you can enjoy festive food and browse for gifts.
There are different ticket options available for Wishmas, depending on how much time and money you want to spend:
- The Standard Ticket costs from £29 per person and gives you access to the 60-minute walk-through experience.
- The Full Wishmas Experience costs from £39 per person and includes an extra 15 minutes inside the attraction, as well as a Christmas craft workshop where you can make your own festive souvenir.
- The Wishmas Meet & Greet Experience costs from £69 per person and offers you the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person and receive a photo and a gift from him.
When we checked prices, only a few weekdays still had “Standard Experience” tickets left for £29. For the week leading up to Christmas, only the most expensive tickets are available (£69-£99).
Wishmas age guide: There are no age restrictions for Wishmas, and the organiser says it’s suitable for the whole family. Also, keep in mind that under 2s don’t require a ticket.
The tickets for Wishmas may not come at a bargain price when compared to other Santa’s Grotto options in London. However, bear in mind that this isn’t your typical 5-10-minute Santa encounter; it’s a full hour-long immersive experience.
Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
Dates: End of November to the 24th December 2023
Ticket Price: Up to 3 people – £50.00, 4 people – £65.00, 5 people – £80.00 and 6 people – £95.00.
Location: Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT
How to book: Click here for booking information
Hamleys, the largest toy shop in London, is an enchanting destination for families, especially during the holiday season. It’s a place where the magic of Christmas comes alive, complete with Santa and his cheerful elves in their festive grotto!
This remarkable toy emporium, Hamleys, becomes an even more delightful and sought-after attraction when Christmas approaches. Visitors can look forward to captivating performances featuring elves and other beloved Christmas characters right at the store’s entrance, adding an extra dose of enchantment to your visit.
However, it’s important to note that Hamleys can get exceptionally crowded, particularly during peak times like evenings, weekends, and school holidays. To plan your visit effectively, be mindful of these busy periods.
You’ll be pleased to know that Hamley’s extends its opening hours, staying open until 9:00 PM every day, except on Sundays when it closes a bit earlier at 6:00 PM. This closing time aligns with the general practice in London and the rest of the UK for Sunday trading hours.
If you’re considering a visit to Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys, please note that last year’s tickets were priced at £50 for a group of three, which also included a thoughtful gift for the little ones. Keep an eye out for the release of this year’s dates for the much-anticipated Santa visits at Hamley’s.
You’ll find Hamleys conveniently located on Regent Street, near Oxford Circus. The nearest underground stations, Oxford Circus (served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria Lines) and Piccadilly Circus (served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines), are both just a short stroll away from this magical toy haven.
Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges London
Dates: 2023 dates TBC
Ticket Price: From £60.00 per person
Location: Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: Tickets for 2023 are sold out.
In the heart of London’s bustling retail scene, you’ll find the iconic Selfridges department store, where a delightful holiday treat awaits families – a chance to share breakfast with none other than Santa, Mrs Claus, and their merry troupe of elves in a whimsical winter wonderland.
You and your loved ones can savour a delectable breakfast spread featuring a delightful mix of sweet and savoury dishes, accompanied by steaming hot beverages that’ll warm your holiday spirit. Plus, the little ones are in for a special surprise – a personalized Christmas gift to make their season even brighter.
To secure your spot in this festive feast, pre-booking Santa’s Grotto for the entire family is an absolute must. Fortunately, there will be multiple time slots available every morning throughout most of December, ensuring that your holiday calendar can be sprinkled with a touch of Santa’s magic. 🎅🍽️🎁
Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis
Dates: 22nd November to 24th December (dates vary slightly by location)
Ticket Price: £20 per child plus £2 booking fee; £2 per adult plus 20p booking fee
Location: Available at the following John Lewis stores: Bluewater, Cambridge, Cheadle, Cribbs Causeway, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Southampton, Welwyn
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: Some slots are still available.
Attention, brave adventurers! The enchanting Santa’s Grotto experience at John Lewis in 2023 invites you to embark on an extraordinary mission. Are you ready to accept the challenge?
Your quest, should you choose to accept it: Aid the resourceful elves in their quest to unearth the elusive code to the mystical elf portal. Will you rise to the occasion? As you navigate this code-breaking adventure, unveil the concealed letters, master the code, and perhaps, just perhaps, become the saviour of Christmas itself!
Upon the triumphant completion of your mission, a splendid reward awaits. Not only will you have the privilege of meeting the one and only Santa Claus, but you’ll also have the chance to capture the moment with a professional photograph. And for the young ones, a delightful surprise awaits – a cuddly plush toy to cherish. It’s an adventure of epic proportions, and it’s all happening at John Lewis this holiday season! 🎅🕵️🔐🌠
Christmas at Kew
Dates: 15th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Ticket Price: Adult – £21.50 to £28.50, Child (4-16) – £14.00 to £14.50, Under 4 – Free
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE
How to book: Click here for booking information. Update: Tickets for Weekends are sold out.
Step into a winter wonderland adorned with over a million twinkling lights, each one casting a kaleidoscope of colours across Kew Garden’s enchanting Christmas tour. This experience is nothing short of magical.
The journey begins as you traverse the mesmerizing flickering flames in the Fire Garden, setting the tone for the enchantment that awaits. As you continue your adventure, you’ll encounter larger-than-life illuminations that will leave you in awe. And, of course, keep an eye out for the man of the hour himself—Father Christmas!
But there’s more than just visual delights at Christmas at Kew. Along the way, tantalize your taste buds with a delightful array of festive treats from our independent street food vendors. From piping hot dishes to delectable sweet indulgences and spiced winter warmers to comforting hot chocolate, your senses are in for a treat.
As you walk beneath the starlit sky, the air will be filled with the sounds of the season, creating the perfect backdrop for a holly, jolly Christmas. Keep in mind that Christmas at Kew operates with limited capacity and timed entry, so plan ahead to secure your preferred date and time.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Dates: 17th November to 1st January 2024
Ticket Price: Visiting Santa’s Grotto is free but you need to buy a ticket to Winter Wonderland which costs £7.50
Location: Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
How to book: Click here for booking information
Prepare for a day filled with joy and excitement at Santa Land in Winter Wonderland Hyde Park. Here, you’ll find an array of kids’ rides, tempting festive eateries, and, of course, the chance to meet Santa himself. New this year is the “Elf Dance Off,” where you can show off your best dance moves alongside one of Santa’s merry elves.
Nestled in the heart of London, Winter Wonderland transforms Hyde Park into a magical wonderland that’s perfect for the Christmas season. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure a safe and memorable experience for your family.
Experience a truly immersive and enchanting adaptation of the Father Christmas story at Lapland UK. This 4-hour immersive experience brings the secret world of elves to life in unprecedented scale and quality. Delve into captivating stories and engage in interactive activities that will leave you and your family spellbound.
Chessington Winter’s Tail
Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 30th December 2023
Ticket Price: From £30
Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
How to book: Click here for booking information
Embrace the magic of Christmas at Chessington this year with your nearest and “DEERest” loved ones. Father Christmas and his jolly band of elves are returning to Chessington for a festive season filled with joy and wonder.
Visit Father Christmas in his charming Grotto, explore the enchanting Toy Workshop with the Elves, and enjoy a selection of thrilling rides and attractions. Additionally, you can meet some incredible animals at the Zoo and Sea Life for a truly memorable day out.
Harrods Christmas Grotto
Dates: Tickets are usually released in mid-November
Ticket Price: £20.00 per child
Location: Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
How to book: Click here for booking information
A few years ago, we would have enthusiastically declared The Santa’s Grotto at Harrods as London’s premier Santa experience. However, it’s important to note that it has evolved into an exclusive destination, making it a bit challenging for the average family to access.
Nevertheless, this transformation doesn’t mean it’s lost its magic – far from it!
If you happen to be a dedicated Harrods shopper, having spent at least £2000, or if you’re one of the fortunate 160 families to secure a ticket (out of 4,400 available), you’re in for an absolutely enchanting time.
And even if you don’t manage to snag a ticket for this exclusive Santa’s Grotto, we still wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Harrods during the festive season. You can explore their enchanting Christmas department and dive into the captivating world of their toy department. It’s a holiday experience that’s sure to bring joy to your heart.
Christmas with Shrek
Dates: 1st – 24th Dec 2023
Ticket Price: £24 per adult for standard tickets
Location: Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
How to book: Click here for booking information
For a unique twist on the traditional Santa experience, head to London’s South Bank and immerse yourself in “Christmas with Shrek.” Shrek’s Adventure! London invites you to Shrek’s Grotto, where the Big Green Ogre himself collaborates with Santa to create a festive misadventure that will delight both kids and grown-ups.
Standard tickets include:
- 70-minute interactive walk-through journey, complete with a magical 4D flying bus encounter.
- You have the flexibility to reschedule your adventure at no extra cost, as long as it’s done 24 hours before your planned arrival.
- Furthermore, on the 3rd, 4th, and from the 10th to the 11th, as well as between the 17th and 24th of December, your ticket grants you access to Shrek Santa’s Christmas experience, adding an extra touch of holiday magic to your visit.
Santa’s Grotto Chessington Garden Centre
Dates: 18th November to 34th December 2023
Ticket Price: £21 per child for standard tickets
Location: Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NG
How to book: Click here for booking information
Santa’s Wonderland Experience is back at Chessington Garden Centre this year, and tickets tend to vanish quickly. I vividly remember being in the 60th spot in the queue just 10 minutes after receiving the ticket release email last year!
Embark on a truly enchanting journey as you take a magical stroll through Chessington Garden Centre’s Christmas Wonderland. Your adventure commences with a delightful animated film, setting the perfect tone for the holiday season. But that’s just the beginning!
Each room within this enchanting Wonderland boasts a unique theme, leading you on a captivating journey through a world of magic and wonder. And the grand finale? Your very own private meeting with none other than Father Christmas himself! You’ll have the privilege of visiting him in his cosy cabin, where he’ll be diligently checking his list twice with the assistance of his trusty elves. It’s a holiday experience brimming with warmth and enchantment.
Santa Steam Express
Dates: 15th, 18th and 21st December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £65.00 per person
Location: Victoria Station, Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5ND.
How to book: Click here for the latest booking information
Embark on an enchanting adventure with your family aboard The Santa Steam Express. This extraordinary journey departs from and returns to London Victoria, all while aboard a charming steam train.
The experience unfolds over approximately one hour and 30 minutes. As you board the train, children will be greeted with a refreshing drink and a delectable sweet treat to set the festive mood.
But the true highlight of the journey lies ahead – a rendezvous with Santa Claus himself, accompanied by his cheerful elves, each carrying a bag of carefully chosen gifts. If you plan to bring a pushchair along, they ask that you let them know in advance to arrange for proper storage.
And for the adults on board, a special treat awaits – indulge in a warm mince pie along with a choice of mulled wine or a selection of tea and coffee. The organisers promise a journey filled with joy and treasured moments, making it a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones.
Still to be confirmed for 2023:
Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum
Dates: 2023 dates TBC
Ticket Price: Meeting Santa is usually included in the general admission
Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB London
How to book: Click here for the latest booking information
Every December for the last few years, the London Transport Museum hosts a delightful Christmas event designed especially for families. This enchanting occasion offers children a unique opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his festive Grotto, where they not only get to share their holiday wishes but also receive a charming London transport-themed gift to cherish.
What makes this event even more remarkable is that all the Christmas activities, including the magical encounter with Santa, are seamlessly included in the museum’s entrance ticket. Notably, for families, this is an economical choice as children under the age of 17 can enjoy these festivities at no additional cost. This affordability makes the London Transport Museum one of the most budget-friendly places in London to experience the joy of meeting Santa during the holiday season. It’s a heartwarming and cost-effective way for families to create cherished memories during this festive time of year.
Santa’s Grotto at Leicester Square
Dates: 8th November to 7th January 2024
Ticket Price: TBC
Location: Leicester Square, WC2H 7JYN London
How to book: Click here for the latest booking information
Take a festive trip through Leicester Square’s magical Christmas markets and discover Father Christmas’s grotto, where your children can meet the man himself. Enjoy a whole host of fantastic shows in the beautiful surroundings of a traditional 1920s Spiegeltent.
Christmas in Leicester Square is a magical experience that you don’t want to miss. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse the charming market stalls, watch spectacular shows in the Spiegeltent, and even meet Santa himself. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or a fun day with friends, there’s something for everyone at this enchanting destination.
Don’t forget to snap some photos of the dazzling lights and decorations that transform the square into a winter wonderland. Christmas in Leicester Square is the perfect way to celebrate the season in London.
Chelsea Christmas Grotto Sloane Square
Dates: 2023 dates TBC
Ticket Price: TBC
Location: Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG London
How to book: Click here for the latest booking information
The Chelsea Christmas Grotto, nestled in Sloane Square, Chelsea, promises a magical new family experience. Cadogan has partnered with festival and events organizer, Underbelly, to create a winter terrace beneath Sloane Square’s twinkling lights. This winter wonderland features a traditional Grotto, al fresco seating, festive food and drink, and even a Bavarian Curling rink for a taste of one of the world’s oldest winter sports.
Follow the festive Fir tree-lined path into the Chelsea Christmas Grotto, where you can create unforgettable memories with your little ones. After a heartwarming meeting and story time with Santa, each child will receive a small gift from Santa’s elves. The Grotto is also scented by renowned parfumerie Diptyque, ensuring a delightful experience for both adults and children alike.
This holiday season, London offers a treasure trove of enchanting grottos to explore. Whether you choose the magical Winter Wonderland, the immersive Lapland UK, the festive Chessington, the charming Chessington Garden Centre, the traditional Christmas in Leicester Square, or the captivating Polesden Lacey, you’re in for an unforgettable Christmas adventure in the heart of the city. Book your tickets early to secure your spot and create cherished holiday memories with your loved ones.
Polesden Lacey Christmas Grotto
Polesden Lacey has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with the house and garden adorned in festive splendour. Join the winter adventure, “Finding Father Christmas,” or follow the Percy the Park Keeper trail. Alternatively, bundle up and take a bracing walk across the estate. Don’t forget to indulge in festive treats at the café and explore the retail therapy options in the shop. For those feeling creative, there are Christmas wreath-making workshops available—a treat for all.