Santa's Grottos and meet-and-greets with Father Christmas are big business in London these days, and hugely popular. If your children want to meet Santa, his elves and his reindeer in London for Christmas 2024, get booking as tickets sell out fast. Oh, and be kind to the hardworking elves, eh?
Santa's grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2024
Winter Wonderland doesn't just have a grotto — it dedicates an entire corner of the Hyde Park event to Father Christmas. Santaland bustles with family-friendly rides, attractions and activities, as well as the Grotto itself, plus 'Santa Parades' at 5pm-6pm on selected days (21, 25, 26, 27 November and 2, 3, 4, 9 and December 2024 and 5 January 2025), where everyone can wave goodbye to the big man as he heads homes in his sleigh to see Mrs Claus.
The good news for parents is that this one's completely free (though there's an entry fee for the Winter Wonderland site as a whole), and all kids get a small gift. The bad news is there's no booking, you just turn up and take your chances. Be warned: the queue has been several hours long in past years, and they do close it when it gets too lengthy.
It's also worth noting that for 2024, Winter Wonderland has retained its entry fees and the requirement to book your entry to the site in advance. If you can visit on a weekday morning in November or early December, entry is free, but other than that, you're looking at a minimum of £5 per person to enter the site. Alternatively, buy your family a Santaland Unlimited Pass. It gives families unlimited access to 12 family-friendly rides in Santaland for £25 per person — and also includes free entry to the site, so you don't have to buy a separate entry ticket.
Santa Land at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Free, no booking (but book for Winter Wonderland itself). Grotto open daily from 21 November 2024, 10am-6pm. The queue may close earlier than this to make sure everyone is seen.
Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands 2024
As always, the London Museum Docklands (formerly Museum of London Docklands) runs its charming Victorian Santa's Grotto. It's located in the museum's Sailortown area, with Victorian carols being sung, and festive decorations strewn around. There might even be a smattering of snow on the ground as children head inside to meet their hero...
Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands. Various dates, 22 November-23 December 2024.
Meet Santa at The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace hosts a brand new, hour-long immersive Christmas experience this year, culminating in an encounter with Father Christmas himself. Explore the grand rooms of the former royal residence, meeting all manner of festive characters who need help to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, before receiving an ethically-sourced gift as a thank you for helping.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace, 23 November-22 December 2024.
Meet Santa at London Zoo: Christmas 2024
Santa returns to London Zoo this winter, with Meet Santa, Meet Santa Deluxe and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions available. At time of writing, booking hasn't yet opened. Sign up on the website to be alerted when tickets go on sale — this one sold our very quickly last year.
Meet Santa at London Zoo, 23 November-24 December 2024.
Shrek The Halls for Christmas 2024 Shrek's Adventure, South Bank
Shrek's Adventure invites you/the kids on an immersive journey through Shrek's swamp, where the green ogre has taken over from Santa. Each kiddo receives a Christmas card (no mention of a gift at this one, so do manage expectations with your little ones), and a photo with Shrek Santa. Note that you need to book attraction entry tickets in addition to grotto tickets.
Shrek The Halls Christmas Grotto at Shrek's Adventure, selected dates 30 November-24 December 2024. Included in admission price.
Storytime with Father Christmas at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum promises a fairy-lit wonderland filled with snowy Christmas trees as the setting for Storytelling with Father Christmas. Settle down on cushions to hear the big man read The Night Before Christmas, and hear how he, his elves and his reindeer get ready for the festive season. Children all receive a festive gift and chance to have a photo with Father Christmas.
Storytime with Father Christmas at the Natural History Museum, 1-15 December 2024.
Santa's Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street and White City, and Peter Jones Chelsea 2024
Father Christmas drops by loads of John Lewis stores across the country, for a variety of festive experiences this year. Oxford Street is graced with a traditional Santa's grotto beginning with a story session held by the elves, followed by a chance to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift.
Over at the White City branch, and at Peter Jones in Chelsea, families can take part in Santa's story time, while in Brent Cross, Canary Wharf and Stratford, Santa hosts a tea party with cocoa, a slice of cake and a special gift.
Oh, and if your 'child' is of a different species, the Santa Paws Experience is back this year, where well-behaved pooches can enter the grotto, have a photo with Santa, and take home a special gift.
Santa experiences at John Lewis and Peter Jones. Various dates and prices.
Father Christmas at Fulham Palace
Father Christmas is a magical man — he's managing to be in two rooms at Fulham Palace at once over one weekend in December. Both Bishop Sherlock's Room and the historic library are taken over by the man in red. Children can take part in a crafting activity led by the elves among cosy fires and festive decorations, before meeting Father Christmas himself for photos and a special gift.
Father Christmas at Fulham Palace, 14-15 December 2024.
Santa's Grotto at Hamleys 2024
OBVIOUSLY, Santa has to visit the world's most famous toy store as he preps for Christmas. Full 2024 details TBC, at time of writing: watch this space and sign up for updates to be alerted when tickets go on sale, as this one is likely to sell out.
Santa's a busy man, and some of his London appearances — including at Fortnum & Mason — have already sold out for 2024. Get yourself on the mailing lists to hear when tickets for 2025 go on sale.
