Where to see Santa in London: 26 Christmas days out

As the days get colder and the nights get longer in the city, that can mean only one thing – it’s time to work out where to see Santa in London. UPDATED FOR 2026.

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And whether you fancy heading to a traditional department store, eating with the man in red, finding him on board a steam train, tube train, in a museum, gallery, market or Santa’s grotto in London, the real question isn’t where to meet Santa in London, it’s which one tempts you most.

With cheap and free places to meet Santa, as well as memorable experiences if you’re looking to splurge, I’ve rounded up the best places to see Santa in London this Christmas.

Hamleys

Where better to meet Santa in London than in the world’s oldest and largest toy store? It’s as close to the North Pole workshop as you can get!

Hamleys Toy Shop offers a magical Santa’s Grotto experience for families, where children can meet Santa Claus and his elves and receive a personalised Hamleys gift bag. Aimed at kids aged 2-10, the grotto is back for 2026.

The private 15-minute Santa’s Grotto experience cost from £75 for a group of 3 people, then from £25 for each additional person up to a maximum group of 6 (including adults). The dates closest to Christmas cost more, from £120 up to £195 for dates from December 14. Pre-booking is essential.

Where: 188- 196 Regent Street, London.

When: Runs from November 14 to December 24. Tickets went on sale on September 23 – and they do sell out fast!

For more of the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks

Santa’s tea party at John Lewis

For a twist on the classic grotto experience, head to John Lewis on Oxford Street, where you’ll join Santa and his elves for story time.

There’s cocoa and a snack for kids to tuck into (plus a hot drink and slice of cake for adults, too), as well as a gift to take home.

Must be prebooked, costs £27.50 (including booking fee) for children, £8.80 for adults.

London’s other John Lewis stores also have Christmas events including a chance to meet Santa at White City Stratford and Kingston.

Where: John Lewis Oxford Street

When: Select dates throughout December, depending on the store

Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace

There’s an exciting new festive experience coming to Fulham Palace this year, with the launch of Santa’s Winter Garden – with the special effects experts behind all your favourite snow-filled Christmas movies helping sprinkle their magic.

You’ll find a trail of snow within the historic walls, then with the help of the Guardians of the Winter Garden, you’ll step through a magical wardrobe into a world of snow, lights, wishes and wonder – and a chance to meet Santa himself.

With everything from a toboggan trail to a candy cane walk, this sounds like a magical new addition to London’s Santa scene.

Tickets cost from £38 per child, £20 for adults, plus a single booking fee of £5.50, and the experience lasts around 90 minutes to two hours.

Where: Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, London

When: November 20-December 23.

Father Christmas at Eltham Palace

Join Father Christmas at Eltham Palace this December for a magical start to the festive season, with some cosy storytelling sessions.

You’ll join the group in the Art Deco mansion to hear him tell some of his favourite seasonal stories, before the children get a chance to meet the man himself and take photos.

There’s also a traditional present for kids to unwrap and take home. Numbers are limited, so there’s only space for one adult per child.

Must be prebooked, tickets cost £15 per child for non-members and £12 for members. If you’re not already English Heritage members, you’ll also have to pay for admission to the property – make sure to add the Santa sessions to your booking under ‘enhance your visit’.

Where: Eltham Palace

When: Weekends from December 5-20, with seven sessions each day

Father Christmas at Kenwood

Alternatively, you can head to Kenwood this December, where Father Christmas will also be telling some of his favourite festive tales around the Christmas tree.

There’s a chance to meet Santa and take photos here too, while every child also gets a traditional present to unwrap.

Tickets cost £12 for members and £15 for non-members and must be booked in advance. Adults go free, and it’s free to visit Kenwood.

Where: Kenwood, Hampstead, London.

When: Weekends from December 5-20, with seven sessions each day.

Father Christmas at Marble Hill House

And there’s also another chance to hear Father Christmas telling some of his favourite festive tales around the Christmas tree at sister English Heritage site Marble Hill House.

There’s a chance to meet Santa and take photos here too, while every child also gets a traditional present to unwrap.

Tickets cost £15 for non-members, £12 for members and must be booked in advance. Adults are free and there’s no entry charge for the property.

Where: Marble Hill House, Twickenham.

When: Weekends from December 5-20, with seven sessions each day.

Visit Father Christmas at Morden Hall Park

Head to Morden Hall Park and you’ll find Father Christmas in a brand new festive grotto, set within the site’s Garden Centre.

Kids can write a special note to Father Christmas before the festive delivery team send it magically to the grotto – followed by a chance to head in there and meet the man in red himself.

Add in festive music and a gift selected by the elves to take home and it’s a lovely way to start the festive season.

Aimed at babies and children aged up to 8, the 15-minute slots run throughout the day from 11am to 4pm – arrive 15 minutes beforehand to write your note. Tickets cost £15 per child.

Keep an eye out for the Save the Sleigh trail around Morden Hall Park from November 28-January 3 too – follow the festival trail, track down all six missing piece and there’s a Christmas gift to collect – £3 per trail.

Where: Morden Hall Park, Morden, London.

When: December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-22

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

There’s more than just Santa at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with one of London’s biggest Christmas markets, an ice rink, rides, food and a whole lot more.

But it’s also one of the best places to see Santa in London in Santa’s Grotto at Santa Land, including a free gift for kids. Included in entry to Winter Wonderland, it’s first come first served so you may have to queue and it’s a good plan to get there early. Mrs Claus will be back again after making a new appearance last year.

Check out the Elves Workshop and the snow sculptures of the Magical Ice Kingdom while you’re there too, as well as the Winter Wonderland parade on some days.

Prices cost £5.50 for standard entry to Winter Wonderland, although there are some off-peak morning sessions where it’s £1 to visit. If you prebook rides, attractions and games worth £27.50 in advance, such as a Santaland Unlimited pass, your entry ticket is also free. There’s also a SantaLand package.

Where: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (What Three Words location ///ties.sunk.intelligible)

When: From November 19 to January 3, 2027.

For more of the best Christmas markets in London with kids, check out my top picks

Gingy’s Sweet and Great at Shrek’s Adventure! London

TBC FOR 2026 For fans of everyone’s favourite green ogre, there’s usually lots of festive fun with the Christmas Experience at Shrek’s Adventure! London, where kids can head deep into the swamp to meet Shrek Santa in his finest Christmas gear and pose for a fun photo.

Instead of Santa, you’ll find a big green ogre inside this unique grotto, with some festive adventures to add plenty of cheer to your day. Last year, the adventure ended with a Sweet and Greet with Gingy the gingerbread.

Entry to the Grotto and Sweet and Greet is included in the regular admission price.

Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London 

When: Dates tbc

Legoland at Christmas

Keep your eyes peeled at Legoland Windsor this Christmas, with more than just the Lego Santa making an appearance.

And as well as some other fun festive activities, including the Elf Training Academy show, the Nutcracker’s Marching Band and the Build to Give workshop which donates Lego for every heart built, you can also book a meet and greet with Father Christmas in his grotto.

Snap a few fun photos as you go, with a huge Duplo Christmas tree, before spotting the festive scenes hidden in Miniland – not to mention some of the rides open specially for Christmas. Tickets from £27.50 to meet Santa plus you’ll also need to pay for entry unless you’re a passholder.

Where: Legoland Windsor

When: Selected dates from November 21-January 2, 2027.

London Transport Museum

TBC FOR 2026 Each December, the London Transport Museum normally organises a special Christmas event for families, which gives kids the chance to meet Santa Claus in a Routemaster bus inspired by a sleigh.

All the museum’s Christmas activities, including meeting Santa, are included in the museum entrance ticket and kids under 17 go free, making it one of the cheapest places to see Santa in London (especially if you’ve got an annual pass!)

With a festive trail and costumed characters appearing as well, it’s a more relaxed way to see the man in red if your kids get easily overwhelmed by grottos.

There’s no need to book tickets in advance, but there might be a small queue during busy times.

Where: Covent Garden Piazza, London.

When: TBC

Check what we thought of a Christmas day out at the London Transport Museum

Santa in the Sky at the London Eye

Who needs a sleigh when you can soar above London with Santa in the London Eye. Book the Santa in the Sky experience and you’ll start with a VIP welcome and a chance to meet one of Father Christmas’s enchanting friends in a special Christmas area.

There are festive crafts, games and some sweet treats before you board the decorated London Eye pod to meet the big man while soaring over the city – expect stories, a few surprises and a special gift during your 30-minute flight.

Runs on slected dates from November 21-December 24, tickets must be prebooked.

Santa’s Grotto Experience, Fujifilm House of Photography, Covent Garden

The fun Santa-spotting experience at Covent Garden is back again this Christmas as Fujifilm transforms its entire first floor into an enchanted immersive wonderland – and this year is promised to be the biggest yet.

Expect plenty of festive fun plus some other interactive games and crafts, plus photo gift to take home as part of your ticket. Not to mention lots of immersive photo oportunities.

The whole experience lasts 30 minutes, including a three-minute meet and greet with Santa, plus a chance to see the elves and enjoy the other Christmassy things to do.

Tickets cost £37 per child, including two adults attending free (and you can also add additional children when you book), with timed slots.

Where: First floor of Fujifilm House of Photography, 8-9 Long Acre

When: November 14 to December 24, 2026.

Santa Steam Express, London

This popular Santa steam train experience in London sees the Santa Steam Express set off on a festive journey from Victoria station, including a chance to meet the big man himself on board.

As well as puzzles and games for kids, plus a singsong with the elves, both Mrs Claus and Santa make their way through the carriages during the Steam Dreams experience.

Kids also go home with a gift after the 90-minute steam train journey, as well as plenty of other treats on board. Tickets cost from £45 for adults and children aged two to 16 in standard class up to £575 for a private compartment seating six.

Where: From Victoria station

When: Four times per day on December 12 and 19, 2026

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is surely the most famous – and the most popular – of all the Santa steam train rides across the world, thanks to the Warner Bros movie back in 2004 (itself based on the much-loved book). It came to London for the first time in 2024 and will returning for its third year in 2026.

More than just a simple Santa steam train ride, this wonderful festive experiences is known for being more immersive, to make your kids feel like they’re riding the real deal.

Dressed in your cosiest pyjamas (you can even get your own personalised Polar Express pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the movie as well as the man in red himself, Santa, and some also have story read-a-longs if you want to bring your own book. 

The journey lasts between an hour and 90 minutes (although allow around two hours for the entire experience), with tickets priced from £69. Book at London Polar Express.

Where: Euston station

When: Select dates from December 5-23, 2026

Meet Santa from Thames Rockets

Another of the most unusual places to meet Santa in London is on a speedboat on the River Thames with Meet Santa experience by Thames Rockets.

The thrilling speedboat ride takes you past the many city’s top landmarks, with a guide providing commentary with a festive twist. Kids will also get to meet Santa before you set off and receive a gift.

The Meet Santa trip (formerly the Jingle Bell Blast) sells out quickly, so you’ll need to book as far in advance as possible. Meeting Santa is included in the experience ticket price – £64.95 for kids, £69.95 for adults.

Where: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, London

When: Weekends from December 5-27

Meet Santa at London Zoo

London Zoo’s Meet Santa event features Christmas crafts before seeing Father Christmas himself in his Grotto in the middle of the zoo as well as some festive fun throughout the zoo.

While most seasonal activities are included with entry throughout December, the Zoo’s “Meet Santa” sessions only take place on certain dates and need to be booked in advance and paid for separately.

Visit the site to book tickets to Meet Santa at London Zoo – cost £19.50 per child. There are also relaxed sessions, and the chance to add on a mini penguin-feeding experience on top of seeing Santa this year.

Where: Regent’s Park, London. 

When: Select dates from November 21-December 24.

Victorian Grotto at London Museum Docklands

For something a little different, head to the London Museum Docklands which has its Dickensian-style Victorian Santa’s Grotto, featuring vintage decorations and 19th-century Christmas carols back for 2026.

Stroll through the Sailortown gallery decked out in festive decorations, then little ones can meet Santa in his Dickensian-style Grotto, take some photos, and receive a special present – minimal plastic, which is lovely, and always age appropriate.

Tickets cost from £15 per child for the 15-minute session (with four children meeting Santa in turn per session), and prebooking is essential. There are also quiet sessions in the mornings from 9.45–10.15am. Adults don’t need tickets but must accompany children, and admission to the museum itself is free for the rest of the family.

Where: 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London.

When: November 20-December 23, 2026.

For more of the attractions at the Museum of London Docklands, check out my review

Alexandra Palace

TBC FOR 2026 Mr Claus usually swaps the North Pole for North London to set up a Grotto in the East Court of Alexandra Palace, where children can meet Santa, take a festive photo, and receive a small Christmas gift.

Tickets previously cost £16 (TBC) per child under 16 and you’ll need to book a slot in advance, with booking normally opening in early October. Up to two adults can visit the Grotto for free with each child.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to go for some festive ice skating at Alexandra Palace after you meet Santa for the ultimate festive day out in North London.

Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London.

When: TBC

For more ideas of the best ice rinks in London with kids, check out my tips for some festive favourites

Selfridges

TBC One of London’s most famous department stores, you can Meet Santa at Selfridges as well as spotting his elves roaming around the store.

There’s no word yet if the breakfast with Santa event will run again this year (previously priced £60 including a personalised Christmas gift).

Where: 400 Oxford Street, London 

When: TBC

Fortnum & Mason

SOLD OUT FOR 2026 Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most popular destinations during the holidays, thanks to its amazing decorations and beautiful gift selection.

The store also offers “Storytelling with Father Christmas” sessions for kids, in which Santa will read one of his favourite Christmas books and give little ones a very special F&M goodie bag.

There’s a limited number of children per session and spaces often book up far in advance, usually within hours of tickets going on sale (on September 5, 2026). Tickets start at £36 per child. Any cancellations will go back on sale on the eventbrite page.

Where: 181 Piccadilly, London.

When: Select dates from November 27 to December 24, 2026

Springtime Nurseries

While it may be less well known than other locations on this list, Springtime Nurseries in Enfield is actually home to one of the biggest and most magical Santa’s Grottos in London.

The north London Christmas Wonderland includes an exciting train ride through magical wintery scenes and a reindeer forest, before arriving in the Ice Kingdom at the North Pole to visit Santa himself.

The whole experience costs £18.95 per child and includes a choice of present from the elves’ toyshop. Adults can also join on the train for £5.95. You can no longer buy tickets on the day, so entry much be prebooked.

Where: Crews Hill, Enfield, London.

When: Dates from November 21 to December 23, 2026

For more Santa train experiences, check out my pick of the best around the UK, including London’s Santa Steam Express

Christmas storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden is transforming itself into a magical landscape as midwinter approached with a Greenhouse-themed Grotto where kids can meet Father Christmas.

There’s storytelling and a special gift to receive, as well as a chance to snap a photo with Santa himself. Priced £12.50-14.50, the fee also gives you access to the gardens to explore, with craft activities to make Christmas decorations as well as the chance to stop for a hot chocolate (and mulled wine!) in the cafe.

Tickets do sell out, so prebooking is strongly advised (pretty much essential, really) although you can buy entry tickets for the garden only on the day.

Where: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London

When: Friday to Sunday from December 5-20

Santa’s Grotto at Chiswick House

TBC for 2026 Last year saw a special 18th century Santa’s Grotto at Chiswick House, part of their Twelfth Night of Christmas event including a festive tale read by the man in red.

There’s also a chance to have photos with the big man and get a gift (as long as you’ve been good, of course!)

Previously priced £20 for children, £5 for adults. Prebooking is strongly recommended as each session is for small groups only with a maximum of two adults per booking.

Where: Chiswick House, Chiswick

When: TBC but ran from late November to Christmas Eve last year

Noir Kringle, Shoreditch

Discover Santa’s Magical Grotto and Market in East London, where you can meet Black Santa and receive a gift as part of the Noir Kringle event.

There’s also a chance to get hands on and make reindeer food, join elf school and meet Mr Kringle, as you learn more about black British culture, before sharing your Christmas list and capturing a photo or two.

Then head out explore the market to pick up a few more presents, decorations and stocking fillers from among the handcrafted gifts.

Tickets go on sale on October 2. Prices from £32.00 (including booking fee) for children under 1 or from £37 for children aged 1-12. One adult is included per child, additional adults cost £17.50.

Where: Old Railway Ticket Hall, Shoreditch

When: December 17-22, 2026 (relaxed sessions at 11.30am on December 17, 20 and 22)

Santa at The Queen’s House, Greenwich

Head to the Queen’s House, transformed into the icy land of the Snow Queen for the festival season, including a chance to visit Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House. 

As you step into the world inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, you’ll be swept up in a whirl of interactive storytelling as you meet everyone from friends Gerda and Kai to the powerful Snow Queen herself, as well as her amusing assistant the Hobgoblin.

Then your adventure finishes in the grotto with a private meeting with Father Christmas

Tickets cost £30 for all ages excluding babies under one and includes a gift, plus there’s a booking fee of £3 per order. Maximum of two adults per visiting child.

Where: Romney Rd, London

When: November 14-December 24

Greenwich market also gets a festive makeover at Christmas, with the Greenwich Children’s Lantern Procession to kick everything off on November 18, where Santa often makes an appearance.

Where else to see Santa in London (and where not to look)

Kew Gardens

During the holidays, Kew Gardens is transformed into one of London’s most magical winter wonderlands, with an amazing festive light trail and tasty street food of Christmas at Kew. There’ll be a visit from Father Christmas this year, but no official grotto as part of the trail.

For more great festive light trails in London with kids, check out my pick of the best

Harrods

There’s no doubt that Harrods Grotto was one of the best Santa experiences in the city, with its stunning decorations, authentic Santa, and lovely Harrods branded teddy bear for each child – as well as being one of the most exclusive and most expensive options.

But after being cancelled two years running because of Covid, it’s been missing from the festive fixtures ever since.

Royal Albert Hall

There are always a string of special Christmas events at London’s Royal Albert Hall, including some wonderful carols, but while previous years saw Father Christmas reading his favourite holiday stories to little guests, this hasn’t taken place for several years now.

Chelsea Christmas Grotto

For years, you could meet Santa and receive a special festive gift from the elves’ workshop at the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto in Sloane Square but it hasn’t taken place for the last couple of years and there’s no word if it’ll be back for 2026.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery used to host an annual family-friendly event where kids could meet Santa Claus and take part in festive craft workshops and storytelling sessions, before running a special festival event, A Picture Perfect Christmas in 2022, but there have been no festive events for the past few years.

The Grotto at Brent Cross

Last year’s immersive Santa experience, The Grotto at Brent Cross shopping centre, took you on a journey to the North Pole.

But while it’s scheduled to take place in Manchester, there are no details about a London event for 2026.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Main image/Winter Wonderland/Santa with letter/Santa with gift/ Santa with tree/Santa with presents/Royal Albert Hall courtesy of Depositphotos, Santa in the Sky courtesy of the London Eye, Santa Steam Express courtesy Steam Dreams, Christmas at Kew: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew, all others copyright MummyTravels

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