Looking for the best Santa’s Grottos in London? In this guide, you will find where to book tickets to meet Father Christmas in London this festive season.
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Christmas in London with Kids Map
I am also pinning London Christmas events for kids, Santa’s Grottos in London, Christmas Markets, ice skating rinks and more in the “Christmas in London with Kids” Google Map Guide. For a direct link to the map to bookmark, click here. To explore the map, click on the door sign with an arrow just before the map title.
For the full list of Christmas days out in London, have a look at our post, Fun Things to Do at Christmas in London with Kids.
Santa’s Grottos in London 2026
Bookings are now open for Santa’s Grotto experiences at Hobbledown Heath, Hamley’s, London Museum Docklands, Queen’s House, John Lewis and more.
Read on about how to book tickets to meet Father Christmas in London in 2026.
Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the top Christmas events in London for kids, offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food and drinks.
Santa Land at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland features various kids’ rides and the largest free Santa’s Grotto experience in London. This year, Mrs. Claus will be joining the festivities. Children will receive a present from Santa himself at the grotto.
Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
14 November – 24 December 2026
This Christmas, the magic returns to Hamleys Regent Street as Santa once again opens the doors to his world-famous grotto.
Meet the enchanted Santa’s elves, who will guide you through a world of wonder before introducing you to Santa himself. Santa will share festive stories and give you a special keepsake.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
Santa’s Grotto at the Queens House
14 November – 24 December 2026, selected dates
Step into a world of snow and Christmas wonder at the Queen’s House this festive season. The formal royal residence will be transformed into the icy land of the Snow Queen, inspired by Hans Christmas Andersen’s enchanting fairy tale.
Follow an actor-led story adventure that finishes in Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can meet Father Christmas himself and take home a special gift. There must be at least one child within each party.
Tickets cost from £30 per person, free for under 1s.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House
Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
20 November – 23 December 2026
Embark on an immersive, outdoor Christmas experience set within the historic walled gardens of Fulham Palace in West London. Guided by the Guardians of the Winter Garden, families will follow along a snow-dusted trail of twinkling lights and storytelling before a private visit with Santa himself.
The experience promises to bring a true cinematic white Christmas to life, using the same professional special effects seen across television and film. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to your visit with Santa and the end of your journey.
Ticket prices start from £38 per child and £20 per adult for super off-peak times and from £48 per child and £28 per adult for off-peak times. Standard tickets are £67 per child and £38 per adult.
Book tickets for Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands
20 November – 23 December 2026
Santa is waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands with a festive gift. Afterwards, experience the museum’s Sailortown gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance.
Personal photography is now permitted at the Santa’s Grotto. Tickets start from £15.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands
Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo
21 November – 24 December 2026
Plan a festive family day out this November and December as Santa returns to his magical grotto at London Zoo! Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts and will receive a very special Christmas gift to take home.
Related: Days Out at London Zoo
Choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Deluxe and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions. Prices range from £19.50 per child for Meet Santa sessions to £40 per child and £20 per adult for the Meet Santa Penguin Feed sessions.
Book tickets to Meet Santa at London Zoo
Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
28 November – 24 December 2026
Discover a fully immersive festive experience this Christmas at Hobbledown Heath. Embark on a spellbinding journey through Santa’s Secret Village, with magical locations such as Santa’s Post Office and the Toy Distribution Centre, before making your way into Santa’s Grotto.
The Santa’s Grotto experience lasts about an hour and includes a special gift, festive photo points and a hot chocolate for the adults. Ttickets start from £30 for children on weekdays and from £42 on weekends and peak dates. Tickets also includes full admission to stay and play at Hobbledown Heath.
Toddler Santa Experience is an option designed especially for toddlers up to 5 years. Meet the Hobbledown elves and listen to an enchanting festive tale. Tickets start from £40 for 1 adult and 1 toddler.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum
1 – 22 December 2026
Visit Santa in his wintery wonderland this festive season at the Natural History Museum. Santa will be telling a special Christmas story, and there will be the opportunity to have a photo taken with him afterwards.
Each child’s ticket includes a gift from Santa, a special T-rex tree decoration! Make sure to also stop by the dinosaur gallery to see the animatronic T-Rex decked out in its Christmas jumper and Santa hat, throughout November and December.
Tickets cost £20 per child (£18 for NHM members) and includes up to two adults.
Book tickets for Storytelling with Santa at Natural History Museum
Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
4 – 20 December 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays
Enjoy a special storytelling experience with Father Christmas at Chelsea Physic Garden’s greenhouse-themed grotto.
Each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas and have the opportunity to capture this magical moment with a photo.
Book your storytelling session between 10am to 3:50pm. Tickets are £14.50 per child (includes gift) and £12.50 for accompanying adults. Tickets include entry to the Garden on that day.
Book tickets for Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
Father Christmas at Marble Hill
5 – 20 December 2026, weekends only
Join Father Christmas at Marble Hill for a magical way to start the festive season. Father Christmas will be telling some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree in a group storytelling session.
Afterwards, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present.
Tickets cost £15 per child (£12 for English Heritage members) and must be booked in advance.
Book tickets for Father Christmas at Marble Hill
Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis White City
10 – 11 December 2026, selected dates
Join Santa and his elves for story time, including cocoa and a snack for kids and a hot drink and slide of cake for adults, too.
Tickets cost £25 per child and £8 per adult (plus additional booking fees) and includes a special gift. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis White City
This post is currently being updated with latest information on booking tickets for Santa’s Grottos in London.
Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum
2026 dates TBA
Meet Santa and join in the festive activities at the London Transport Museum. Explore the London Transport Museum galleries with a fun festive trail and meet costumed characters.
Tickets: Adult tickets are £27 and valid for one year. Children and young people under 17 enter free. All visitors, including children, are required to have a timed entry slot booked in advance.
Book tickets for London Transport Museum
Christmas Activities in London with Kids
I hope you have found this post on where to find the best Santa’s Grottos in London helpful! Find more ideas for Christmas days out in London and surrounding areas with our round-up posts and reviews;
Guide to Christmas in London with Kids
Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour London
Where to See Christmas Lights in London
Family Day Out at London Wetland Centre Barnes
Children’s Garden at Kew Gardens
Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace
London Museum of Water and Steam with Kids
Top Museums in London for Kids
Family Day Out at the British Museum
Visiting the Horniman Museum and Gardens with Kids
Wonderlab at the Science Museum London
London Transport Museum with Kids
Day Out at the National Maritime Museum
Dino Snores for Kids at the Natural History Museum
Royal Air Force Museum London with Kids
Cutty Sark Activities for Kids
Visiting Osterley Park National Trust with Kids
Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park Epsom
Pin for Later – Where to Find Santa’s Grottos in London 2025
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way. This Where to Find Santa’s Grottos in London post was updated on 6 November 2025 with latest information on London Father Christmas experiences.
