Looking for the best Santa’s Grottos in London for Christmas 2026? From traditional Christmas grottos to magical immersive experiences, I’ve rounded up the best places to meet Santa and Father Christmas in London with kids this year.
As a mum of two, I’ve tried more than my fair share of Santa’s Grottos and I think I’m well-qualified to give you so great suggestions!
For even more Christmas ideas, see my full guide to the best things to do in London with kids at Christmas 2026.
My Top Picks for Santa’s Grottos in London
Best luxury Santa experience: Anya’s Grotto
Best classic London experience: Hamleys
Best immersive grotto: Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
Best for toddlers: Meet Santa at London Zoo
Best unusual Santa experience: The London Eye
Best Santa train: The Polar Express
Best outside London: LaplandUK
Best Santa’s Grottos in London
Anya’s Grotto
What to expect: Anya’s Grotto in Anya’s Village in Belgravia has long been one of my favourite Santa experiences in London.
It’s so much more than just saying hi to Father Christmas and receiving a present. Children enter through the shop, where you can browse the baubles and gingerbread, before heading downstairs with a cheeky elf for an immersive storytelling adventure. Along the way they complete festive tasks before eventually finding Santa in a beautifully decorated icy wonderland filled with distinctive Anya touches. The experience lasts around 30 minutes and includes a gift for each child.
SilverSpoon Tip: Book well in advance as this is a popular one! Before or after the grotto I recommend experiencing the Festive Afternoon Tea at Anya Cafe – we loved the spring one.
Best for: Ages 2-8
Dates: 7 November – 24 December
Price: £65 for one adult and one child
Getting there: The Village is located in Pont Street, nearest tube is Knightsbridge
Booking: Book here
Hamleys
The Christmas Grotto at London’s most famous toy shop, Hamleys is a classic London experience. We went a few years ago and of course, no one does Christmas quite like Hamleys. Further details to come.
Santa’s Grotto at The Queen’s House
What to expect: Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen opens at the Queen’s House Greenwich. Led by actors you are guided on an adventure meeting different characters such as the powerful and cold Snow Queen herself, her amusing assistant the Hobgoblin, friends Gerda and Kai and the little robber girl. The adventure concludes at the Snow Queen’s palace and Santa’s Grotto, where little ones will meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home.
SilverSpoon Tip: The Queen’s House will also feature a Christmas ice rink which can be combined with a visit to the grotto.
Date: 14 November – 24 December
Best For: All ages
Price: From £27
Getting there: There are lots of options for getting to Greenwich but getting a boat is the most fun way. The pier is situated right next to Cutty Sark and a five minute walk from Queen’s House.
Booking: Book here
Fortnum & Mason
What to expect: London’s iconic department store will be hosting a Storytelling with Father Christmas. This is an extremely popular ticket and is actually already sold out. Father Christmas will be welcoming all the little ones this year to hear a festive story in the grand Boardroom on the Fifth Floor. Every child will also receive a gift.
Sold out for 2026 but it’s worth checking for cancellations or joining any official waitlist. Or just putting this one on your wishlist for next year.
SilverSpoon Tip: Pay a visit to the Christmas shop even if you can’t get a ticket to Santa.
Date: 27 November – 24 December
Best for: 3–11
Price: From £49.46 per child, adult £20
Getting there: Near Picadilly tube
Booking: Book here
Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
What to expect: I love the sound of Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace – it’s giving total Narnia vibes and sounds great for kids, especially younger ones. There’s a snowy garden, candy cane walk, jingle bells trees snow maze and vintage sleds – families can glide through the snow on Toboggan Trail. Finally there’s a meet-and-greet with Santa at the North Pole Lodge.
SilverSpoon Tip: The event is set to be limited capacity, giving it a premium unrushed and unhurried feel.
Date: 20 November – 23 December
Best for: Aimed at children aged 2–11
Price: £38 per child, £20 per adult
Getting there: Near Putney Bridge tube.
Booking: Book here
Chiswick House and Garden
What to expect: Chiswick House and Garden was a huge hit for us last year when we stepped inside a magical world of Georgian Christmas in the historic rooms of Chiswick House which were transformed into a dream-like Twelfth Night celebration hosted by Duchess Georgiana of Devonshire.
There were opulent rooms, whimsical peep chambers, festive tableaux, dramatic installations, dazzling costumes and florals, with all the extravagance of the Georgian age brought together in one magical journey. The adventure ended in a spectacular visual banquet in the Lower Tribune — a true feast for the senses.
There was also a Christmas Mouse Trail, with mischievous mice hidden throughout the beautifully dressed rooms. Children could follow rhyming clues and spot them along the way. I look forward to seeing what they do this year! We ended with a special meet-and-greet with Santa and a present of course.
Further details TBC
Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
What to expect: Celebrate Christmas at Chelsea Physic Garden with a cosy Father Christmas storytelling experience inside a festive greenhouse-themed grotto. Father Christmas will share a heartwarming Christmas story before meeting each child, giving them a special gift and posing for a festive photo. Afterwards, families can explore the winter gardens and take part in an eco-friendly Christmas craft activity.
SilverSpoon Tip: This feels like a lovely gentler option for younger children, especially if you want to combine meeting Father Christmas with a peaceful festive day out rather than a huge immersive production like Winter Wonderland. Have hot chocolate or mulled wine in the café afterwards. The Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair is one of my favourites, so check back here for details.
Best for: Younger children and families looking for a quieter, more traditional experience
Dates: Friday 4, Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Friday 11, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December 2026
Price: £14.50 per child, £12.50 per adult
Getting there: Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. Sloane Square is the nearest Tube station.
Booking: Book via Chelsea Physic Garden’s website
Unusual Places to Meet Santa in London
Not every Santa experience comes with a traditional grotto. From meeting Father Christmas high above London to travelling with him aboard a steam train, these are some of the most unusual ways to meet Santa in London this Christmas.
The London Eye
What to expect: I didn’t manage to do this last year, but it’s firmly on my list for this Christmas. Imagine floating above London in a private festive pod on the London Eye and meeting Santa above the rooftops. The experience begins with a VIP welcome in a dedicated Christmas space, with crafts, games and sweets before boarding a specially decorated pod. During the 30-minute rotation there are stories, festive fun and gifts from Santa.
SilverSpoon Tip: The perfect way to have a classic London experience and meet Santa at the same time!
Date: 21 November – 24 December
Best For: Little London lovers of all ages.
Price: From £39
Getting there: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road – nearest tube in Waterloo
Booking: Book here
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to expect: All aboard the Polar Express! This has got to be one of my favourite London Christmas experiences. Mr S, Oscar and I boarded the Polar Express steam train from Platform 16 at Euston Station for hot, hot, hot chocolate, cookies and an all-singing, all-dancing cast of characters. It’s a fully immersive experience with storytelling, theatrical performances and, of course, a visit from Santa. While it’s not technically a grotto, it’s a really wonderful and unusual way to meet Father Christmas.
SilverSpoon Tip: Wear PJs like in the film for that extra magical touch! I have to say we didn’t do that (it is NOT Mr S’s thing but I did regret it). This is one of London’s hottest Christmas tickets, book in advance.
Date: 5 December – 23 December
Best For: All ages (children under 2 receive a gift bell only and no food or drink)
Price: From £69; under-2s are £5
Getting there: The Polar Express leaves from Euston Station, it’s well signposted
Booking: Book here
Steam Dreams Santa
What to expect: Steam Dreams Santa is another great and slightly more affordable option if you’re keen to do a Santa train. I’ve actually done this one a few times with Oscar. It’s a 90-minute steam-hauled journey with festive entertainment and activities, plus a visit from Santa and even Mother Christmas. Children also receive a snack while adults get a hot drink.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a great option if you want the magic of a Santa steam train without the full theatrical production – and it’s considerably more affordable than The Polar Express.
Date: 12 and 19 December with different time slots.
Best for: All ages
Price: From £45
Getting there: The train leaves from Victoria Station
Booking: Book here
Meet Santa with Thames Rockets
What to expect: Who says Santa only travels by sleigh? This festive Thames Rockets experience combines a meet-and-greet with Santa with one of London’s most exciting speedboat rides. Families meet Father Christmas before boarding, children receive a complimentary Christmas gift, and then it’s time to head out onto the Thames for a 50–60 minute adventure.
The ride starts with views of London’s festive landmarks before picking up speed through the Docklands and Canary Wharf, all to a soundtrack of Christmas music with live commentary from the Thames Rockets crew.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is such a fun option if you want something completely different from a traditional grotto. It combines meeting Santa with a proper London experience, so I think it would be especially good for older children who might have outgrown a more conventional grotto.
Best for: Families looking for an unusual and high-energy Santa experience. Possibly most suited to older children
Dates: Selected sailings throughout December
Price: Check current ticket prices when booking
Getting there: London Eye Pier, Boarding Gate 1, SE1 7PB. Waterloo is the nearest major station.
Booking: Book via Thames Rockets. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the Santa meet-and-greet.
Meet Santa at London Attractions
Meet Santa at London Zoo
What to expect: Meet Santa at London Zoo is returning for 2026, although full details are still to be announced. Last year there was a VIP Breakfast session or children could take part in a Christmas quest with a Meet Santa Deluxe session in the new ZooTown play area.
SilverSpoon Tip: Combine it with a trip to the zoo — little ones will love the penguin enclosure.
Best for: A great option for younger children and toddlers.
Dates: 21 November – 24 December
Price: Additional charge on top of zoo entry.
Getting there: Camden Town is the nearest tube, around 16 minutes away.
Booking: You can register interest here
If you’re visiting with little ones, you might also like my guide to the best Christmas activities in London for babies and toddlers.
Natural History Museum
What to expect: Natural History Museum – Dino-loving kids will love this one! Last year we joined Santa for a magical dinosaur-themed Christmas story, and every child received a cuddly dinosaur to take home. There was also time for a festive photo and a special T. rex tree decoration. Afterwards, you can visit the famous animatronic T. rex, dressed for Christmas in its own dino-sized festive jumper.
SilverSpoon Tip: Beat the crowds by booking a morning slot – the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular family attractions.
Date: 1 December – 22 December
Best for: All ages
Price: £20; members £18
Getting there: Near South Kensington Tube
Booking: Book here
London Museum Docklands
What to expect: London Museum, Docklands – Victorian Santa’s Grotto takes place inside the atmospheric Sailortown gallery, which is decorated for Christmas. Children can meet Santa in his Dickensian-style grotto, with additional festive activities including performances and sensory sessions for babies.
Date: 20 November – 23 December
Best for: All ages
Price: From £15
Getting there: The nearest stations are West India Quay (DLR), Westferry (DLR) and Canary Wharf.
Booking: Book here
London Transport Museum
What to expect: London Transport Museum – Climb aboard an interactive sleigh with buttons and bells, and meet Santa at this brilliant museum dedicated to the different modes of transport in London.
SilverSpoon Tip: I’ve always found this to be a great relaxed option with no extra charge on top of museum entry. Hopefully it will be the same this year.
Date: TBC
Best for: All ages
Price: Usually included with museum admission – 2026 details TBC
Getting there: Near Covent Garden tube
Booking: Book here
Wundrful World of Christmas
What to expect: Wundrful World of Christmas is an immersive festive experience at Immerse LDN at ExCeL London. Rather than visiting Santa in a traditional grotto, children go on a journey through a magical Christmas world with live actors, animated characters, an Enchanted Forest, the elves’ workshop and Mrs Claus before eventually reaching Santa’s cottage for a special meeting and photo. There’s also an Elves’ Playground with festive food, market stalls and family rides.
SilverSpoon Tip: This looks like a great option if you want something more immersive than a traditional grotto. I think younger children would enjoy the whole journey to meet Santa rather than just the final visit.
Dates: 13 November – 24 December
Best for: Ages 3–8
Price: Check current ticket prices when booking
Getting there: Immerse LDN at ExCeL London. The nearest Elizabeth line and DLR station is Custom House.
Booking: Book here
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the largest free grotto in London. Children can meet Santa inside the grotto, and little ones receive a present from him too. Mrs Claus also makes appearances, greeting families from the grotto balcony.
SilverSpoon Tip: We did this a few years ago and honestly it’s underwhelming but decent if you’re already visiting Winter Wonderland and want to add in a Santa visit without paying extra. Go early in the morning that whole place place gets very busy after around 3pm.
Best for: Families looking for a free and easy Santa experience
Dates: During Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Price: Free
Getting there: Hyde Park. The nearest Tube stations include Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch and Green Park.
Booking: Walk-in only; no advance booking required.
For more budget-friendly festive ideas, see my guide to the best free things to do in London at Christmas with kids.
Best Santa Grottos Near London
Lapland UK
What to expect: LaplandUK is one of the UK’s biggest immersive Christmas experiences, and we absolutely loved it. You move through a full theatrical Christmas world, packed with plenty of beautifully designed, hands-on festive experiences. The original experience is in Ascot, with a second location now in Manchester.
General admission is already sold out for 2026, but there is still availability for the premium Golden Experience.
SilverSpoon Tip: LaplandUK is extremely expensive, but what I love is that it covers so much in one go. Toy making, ice skating, gingerbread, reindeer and Santa are all included, so you really don’t need to book lots of other Christmas experiences as well. Also you get plenty of gifts so don’t feel the need to be tempted by getting Lapland Jingles, the Elves’ magical currency.
Best for: Families looking for a full-scale immersive Christmas experience and a day out.
Dates: 7 November – 24 December
Age: All ages, although groups must include at least one child
Price: From £299 per person; under-1s go free
Getting there: LaplandUK is in Ascot, Berkshire
Booking: Book here
Christmas at LEGOLAND Windsor
What to expect: LEGOLAND Windsor goes all out for Christmas, with plenty of festive extras alongside the rides and attractions. Families can see the giant DUPLO Christmas tree, meet Father Christmas, take part in the Elf Training Academy and enjoy seasonal entertainment including the Festival of Flurries Show and Nutcracker Marching Band. Festive overnight stays are also available if you want to make a weekend of it.
SilverSpoon Tip: If you’re travelling from London, a festive overnight stay in the theme park’s Woodland Village would make it feel like a proper Christmas break.
Best for: LEGO-loving families who want a full festive day out
Dates: 21 November – 2 January
Price: From £34
Getting there: LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Windsor
Booking: Book here
Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
What to expect: Chessington World of Adventures transforms for Christmas with Winter’s Tail, combining festive entertainment with the theme park and zoo. Families can visit Santa’s grotto, enjoy a Christmas panto, follow illuminated trails and listen to carolling, with selected rides and attractions adding to the day out. Festive short breaks are also available.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a good option if you want more than a grotto and would rather turn meeting Santa into a full festive day out. We visited last year and it’s worth knowing that many of the larger and more popular rides are closed. However, we didn’t have to queue for anything we did want to go on.
Best for: Families who want rides, animals and Christmas activities all in one place
Dates: 21 November – 24 December
Price: From £32
Getting there: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Surrey. From London get the train to Chessington South and it’s a short bus ride away.
Booking: Book here
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
What to expect: Willows Activity Farm hosts a full Santa Spectacular with a grotto alongside festive funfair rides, Christmas shows, a teddy bear workshop, reindeer and plenty of seasonal activities for younger children.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is especially good for little ones as there is lots for toddlers and preschoolers at Willows.
Best for: Toddlers and younger children
Dates: November – December
Age: All ages
Price: Prices vary by date
Getting there: Willows Activity Farm, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Booking: Book here
Port Lympne
What to expect: Port Lympne is one of my favourite festive experiences outside London – I went on a little trip with Noah last year and it was just beyond magical. The 600-acre wildlife reserve is transformed with an incredible light trail featuring animal-inspired installations, glowing tunnels, holograms, interactive displays and a Santa’s grotto. Noah loved receiving a cuddly lion from Santa and the one-on-one meet and greet felt very VIP.
New for 2026: Elfwood brings even more festive magic to Pinewood, with the area transformed into a winter wonderland full of family-friendly seasonal fun.
If you want to make a proper trip of it, Port Lympne also offers Nightlights packages combining the light trail with an overnight stay in one of its unique lodges – or you can do what we did and stay in a treehouse.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is much more than a quick Santa visit. We did an overnight break at a treehouse. If you’re travelling from London, staying over makes the experience feel even more incredible.
Best for: Families who want a festive overnight escape.
Dates: 27 November – 22 January
Price: From £19 per adult and £10 per child
Getting there: Port Lympne Reserve, Kent
Booking: Book via Port Lympne’s website
Final Thoughts on the Best Santa’s Grottos in London
There are so many brilliant Santa’s Grottos in London that choosing the right one really comes down to the kind of Christmas experience you want. From traditional Father Christmas grottos and luxury experiences to Santa trains, immersive adventures and unusual places to meet Santa in London, there really is something for every family.
My favourites are always the experiences that offer a little more than just a quick photo and present, whether that’s the storytelling at Anya’s Grotto, the theatrical magic of the Polar Express or a full festive day out at one of the attractions near London.
Whatever you choose, I’d recommend booking early. The most popular Christmas grottos in London sell out quickly, particularly at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.
I’ll keep updating this guide throughout the festive season as more 2026 dates and Santa experiences are announced.
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