Top 5 Santa's Grottos in London

Thinking about taking your children to a Santa’s Grotto? Great decision. Let us help you find the Top 5 Santa’s Grottos in London!

SantaLand – Winter Wonderland

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with even more one-of-a-kind experiences! Taking place in Hyde Park, the festival itself is pretty impossible to miss if you’re London-based. It is full of wonderful stalls selling traditional crafts, food and drinks - as well as a unique Santa’s Grotto experience.

You will need to book tickets to get into Winter Wonderland itself - these are free at “off peak” times but cost money for certain dates. Once you’re in, entry to the Grotto is free and children who have been good will get a gift! 

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is an amazing place to visit at the best of times - but when it’s decked out in festive gear, it makes a visit an even more special experience. The Christmas fair at the Hall transforms the surrounding area into a whimsical world of fun and offers your children the chance to meet Father Christmas face-to-face, as well as his head elf Crumpet.

Alongside a fairy-tale reading, your child will get a chance to sit on Father Christmas’ lap and discuss all things Christmas before being gifted a present from the man himself!

Father Christmas at Hamleys

Hamleys is playing host to a wonderful festival experience this year. Santa and his team of trusty elves are working hard to welcome you to Hamleys North Pole, taking place in the biggest and finest toy shop in the world.

Each family will receive a custom and unique experience, getting to meet Santa inside his Grotto for their own one-on-one adventure. Each group will also receive a special gift bag to take home and your child will get to play with the Hamleys Christmas Elves. They will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the Hamleys toy store in all its festive glory.

Chelsea Grotto

The Chelsea Grotto offers a unique Christmas experience as it claims to be the most interactive Grotto in the UK. Kids in small groups get to enjoy an hour-long experience where they will be transported to the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves.

The experience includes storytime, games, activities and a chance to meet Santa one-on-one! If you wish to customise the experience further, it is possible to let Santa know additional details or pass them additional gifts to give to your child during their personal experience.

Victorian Grotto at Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands

For another unique Christmas experience, look no further than the Museum of London and the Museum of London Docklands. They are putting on a rather interesting Victorian-themed event taking place at the museums.

Parts of the museums have had makeovers to transform them into a Victorian walk with a special Victorian-esque Santa awaiting you at the end. There will be carols along with traditional festive decorations so your child will be thrilled from start to finish. And don’t forget, there is also a special gift at the end!

Photo by Jamie Davies on Unsplash