The best Santa's grottos in London this Christmas
Here are the best Santa's grotto events happening in London over the Christmas period.
Last updated: 12th Nov 2024
Originally published: 22nd Nov 2022
Visiting Santa's grotto is always something that the kids enjoy. It's often a great way to spend a day out over the festive period and there are plenty of them happening in London this year. Here is where you can see Santa in London this year, which will help you create some special memories for your young ones.
London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum (Website)
When: Saturday 23rd November - Sunday 5th January
Where: London Transport Museum, London
The London Transport Museum may not be the first place you think of when it comes to Christmas cheer but Santa will indeed be visiting. The whole place will be dressed up in festive decor and there will be a range of cosy activities for you to enjoy. Your young ones can hop aboard Santa's sleight too, which is interactive and makes for a good photo opportunity.
Find out more about Christmas at London Transport Museum here
Christmas at Hamleys
Image credit: David M. Bennett
When: Monday 25th November - Wednesday 3rd December
Where: Hamley's, London
One of the most in-demand grotto's in London, Hamley's always go all out at Christmas and a huge part of their reputation is built upon the efforts they go through over the festive period. This year Santa's Grotto has been fully rebuilt and you will be able to access the elves' workshop, with plenty of fun activities in store.
Find out more about Father Christmas at Hamley's here
Christmas at London Zoo
When: Saturday 23rd November - Sunday 5th January
Where: ZSL London Zoo, London
The animals love Christmas just as much as you do at the London Zoo and dotted across the area you'll find various Christmas activities that you can enjoy. Your kids will receive a very special gift from Santa to take home. Animals and Christmas joined together will leave you with smiles all around.
Find out more about Christmas at London Zoo here
Santa's Grotto at Alexandra Palace
Image credit: Lloyd Winters
When: Friday 29th November - Monday 23rd December
Where: Alexandra Palace, London
Swapping the North Pole for North London, Santa will be at one of London's most iconic venues, Alexandra Palace, where he will be giving out small gifts to children and there will be photo opportunities too.
Find out more about Santa's Grotto at Alexandra Palace here
Christmas at Kew
When: Friday 13th November - Sunday 5th January
Where: Kew Gardens, London
Kew Gardens are putting on their extravagant light displays up this Christmas and it forms a light trail that is littered with delightful sights. All kinds of festive displays will be up from lit-up Santa's to gingerbread men and reindeer. Along the path you'll find Santa's grotto too.
Find out more about Christmas at Kew here
Shrek's Grotto at Shrek's Adventure!
When: Saturday 30th November - Tuesday 24th December
Where: Shrek's Adventure! London
Have a merry Shrekmas as Shrek's Adventure, a mainstay in London, will be putting their own unique twist on our Christmas traditions. Yuletide cheer will be found throughout the halls as Shrek gets all dressed up as Santa.
Find out more about Shrek's Grotto at Shrek's Adventure! here
Vauxhall City Farm
When: Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th December
Where: Vauxhall City Farm, London
Just before Christmas, the animals at City Farm will be receiving a very special guest. Santa will be heading down to make sure the animals haven't made the naughty list. He'll have some time to meet people too on his flying visit.
Find out more about Vauxhall City Farm's grotto here
Santa's Grotto at Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland attracts people from all over the place to come and celebrate the festive season. One of the best areas to explore Santaland which features their Santa's Grotto as the main attraction in the middle as well as plenty of other activities for you to enjoy.
Find out more about Santa's Grotto at Winter Wonderland here.
Not looking for any Santa's Grotto events in London? We have guides for Nottingham, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds and Bristol.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
Header image credit: Jack Levick (Unsplash)