Winter Wonderland 2014 santa land
Photograph: Winter Wonderland
Photograph: Winter Wonderland

Santa's grottos in London 2025: where to meet Father Christmas

Old Saint Nick is taking time out of his hectic festive schedule to greet the kids of London – here’s where to find him.

Rosie Hewitson
Contributor: Andrzej Lukowski
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The great thing about having kids at Christmas is that you can vicariously relive the joy that comes with believing in Santa Claus. You may be a boring grown-up now, but it’s just as magical to watch your own little ones’ eyes light up as they see big man IRL. From a traditional Victorian hut to a gingerbread-themed alcove and the city’s only immersive black Santa experience at Noir Kringle, London has an assortment of grottos suited to every family. With help from Santa’s elves, each leaves kids with a special gift and a photo with the main man. Many also boast bonus Christmas activities from crafts and wintry trails, to film screenings and story time sessions.

Be organised, though. Santa is a popular guy and often there isn’t enough of him to go round aren’t enough to meet the demand, particularly at peak times on weekends. So you’ll need to act fast to secure your slot and avoid tears and tantrums. Here are some great grottos in London to try for a holly jolly good time this year. 

RECOMMENDED: Find more festive fun with our guide to Christmas in London.

Find more kids’ Christmas fun in London

  • Kids
Best London Christmas activities for children
Best London Christmas activities for children

December is never more exciting than when you’re littler than Santa’s elves. Your kids have been waiting for this all year: help to make their festive dreams come true at these great Christmas events for children. And you can have lots of wintry fun at London’s ice rinks, Santa’s grottos, Xmas lights and Christmas theatre shows too.

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