From Hamleys to hotels – here are the best Christmas grottos in London.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in London. The capital is going full sleigh-speed ahead into the festive season. Whether you’re after a traditional meet and greet or a toy-tastic experience, there are cracking Christmas grottos in London. From winter wonderlands to historic houses, London is offering a Santa experience for every family. Meet Father Christmas in Georgian rooms, Routemaster buses, and charming chalets. Here are the best Christmas grottos in London.
Alexandra Palace
Santa Claus is coming to town – and he’s swapping the North Pole for Alexandra Palace. The former site for the BBC is getting a Christmas makeover. Meet the man in red himself, enjoy a magical photo moment and step inside his festive grotto. Runs from 28 November to 23 December.
GO: Visit www.alexandrapalace.com for more information.
Borough Yards
Step into Christmas at The Wundrful World of Christmas in Borough Yards. Hop into a lift powered by Santa’s little helpers, wander through an Enchanted Forest and try your hand at the elves’ toy-sorting station. Stop by Mrs Claus in the kitchen and snap a photo at the North Pole Post Office. Runs from 8 November to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.wundr.live/london for more information.
Camden Market
Rock around the Christmas tree in Camden, the legendary home of London’s music scene. Camden Market goes full festive with a grotto, an ice rink. Browse artisan stalls for gifts and seasonal treats. The grotto is located in an icy palace – so wrap up warm when you meet Santa. Runs from 1 to 23 December.
GO: Visit https://camdenmarket.com for more information.
Chiswick House
O come, all ye faithful, to Chiswick House’s The Twelfth Night of Christmas. Inspired by the classic carol, this Georgian-themed experience invites families to explore historic rooms before stepping into an 18th-century grotto. Santa awaits with a story, a present and a festive photo. Runs from 21 November to 4 January.
GO: Visit https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk for more information.
Fujifilm House of Photography
Have yourself a picture-perfect Christmas at the Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden. Children can enjoy festive games, crafts and a cosy chalet-inspired grotto. Meet Santa among snow-dusted trees and capture a professional Christmas card-worthy snapshot. Runs from 7 November to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.fujifilm-houseofphotography.com for more information.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is turning 18 – and it’s still spreading Christmas cheer by the sleigh-load. Visit Santa Land for festive parades and a free grotto, where every child receives a gift. Get there early to avoid the crowds and keep spirits bright. Runs from 14 November to 1 January.
GO: Visit https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com for more information.
Hamleys
All I want for Christmas is a visit to Hamleys. Book a 15-minute festive session at the Hamleys North Pole, complete with elves, workshop fun and a special gift. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on toys galore. Runs from 15 November to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.hamleys.com for more information.
The Langham
Hamleys and The Langham Hotel have teamed up for a glamorous grotto experience. Children can play festive games, sample sweet treats and meet Father Christmas himself. Presents are included, and the experience accommodates up to four people. Runs from 15 to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.langhamhotels.com for more information.
London Museum Docklands
Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas. London Museum Docklands offers a traditional grotto complete with classic décor and even a sprinkling of snow. Every child receives a low-plastic, Victorian-inspired gift. Runs from 21 November to 23 December.
GO: Visit www.londonmuseum.org.uk for more information.
Fulham Palace
Here comes Santa Claus – straight to the library at Fulham Palace. Welcome to the former residence of the Bishops of London. Children can join workshops with the elves before meeting Father Christmas for photos and festive cheer. Runs from 22 to 23 November and 6 to 7 December.
GO: Visit www.fulhampalace.org for more information.
John Lewis
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at John Lewis, where Santa will be visiting stores across the country. Created with LEGO, the grotto includes a special set, Santa’s Post Office and a festive photo moment. Plus, it gives you a great chance to shop for gifts. Runs from 27 November to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.johnlewis.com for more information.
London Transport Museum
Driving home for Christmas? Stop by the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. Meet Santa’s elves, hop aboard a Routemaster-meets-sleigh and grab a festive photo with Father Christmas. Runs from 27 November to 23 December.
GO: Visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk for more information.
London Zoo
Even the animals are feeling festive. London Zoo offers meet-and-greets with Santa, plus special VIP breakfasts. Combine your visit with a tour of the zoo to make it a truly wild Christmas outing. Runs from 22 November to 24 December.
GO: Visit www.londonzoo.org for more information.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum transforms into a winter wonderland for Storytime with Santa. Children can cosy up for festive tales and learn how Santa gets ready for the big day. Expect a T-Rex tree decoration and a photo opportunity. Runs from 1 to 21 December.
GO: Visit www.nhm.ac.uk for more information.
Peter Jones
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Peter Jones in Chelsea. The LEGO-created grotto includes Santa’s Post Office, festive photo opportunities and a special LEGO gift. Runs from 18 to 24 December.
GO: Visit https://experiences.johnlewis.com for more information.
