There's a chill in the air, nights are getting dark and Christmas is fast approaching. That means it's the time for all things seasonal, and what better way to get in the festive spirit than by meeting the big man himself?
There are countless places across the city to meet Father Christmas, and we've picked out the very best. Wondering where to find them? Read on to discover the best London Santa grottos for 2025, from pop-ups in a palace to museum meet and greets.
Best Santa's Grottos In London 2025
1. Winter Wonderland Santa's Grotto
- Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
- When: 14th November 2025 to 1st January 2026
- Price: Winter Wonderland entry from £1, grotto is free to enter
- Why we recommend: Winter Wonderland is an absolute must at Chistmastime, and this festive grotto makes it all the more magical for kids
Winter Wonderland is pretty much the home of Christmas in London, with countless attractions for the whole family. One of the best parts is Santa Land, with a whole load of activities designed for kids - from fairground rides to miniature trains and even a street food market designed just for kids.
Santa's grotto is part of this, and is free to enter - though they offer packages for the hole of Santa Land for £35. Kids will receive a small present, and get to meet Father Christmas. You can't book this specific element, so we'd advise getting there early to queue.
Soak up the festive magic at Winter Wonderland.
2. London Zoo Santa Grotto
- Location: Outer Circle, NW1 4RY
- When: 22nd November to 24th December 2025
- Price: from £18.50 per child
- Why we recommend: there are so many different options to make your kids' festive season extra special here, and it's a great choice for children with additional needs too
Quite possibly the best Santa Grotto in London for kids is the one at London Zoo, where there are so many different packages on offer. Your little ones will get to take part in some fun Christmas crafts, before spending time with the big man himself. Plus, they'll get to take home a special gift each.
This is all included with the standard ticket option, though you can upgrade to add on VIP breakfasts, hot drinks and sweet treats, or even a special early morning tour of the zoo. They're also offering relaxed sessions for each experience, where it'll be quieter and the lights will be dimmed - designed for children with additional needs.
London Zoo is providing a magical experience that they'll never forget.
3. Fulham Palace
- Location: Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA
- When: 22nd and 23rd November, 6th and 7th December 2025
- Price: £30 for two adults and one child
- Why we recommend: this s a full festive day out that the entire family will enjoy, and the beautiful setting makes it even better
This Christmas, the historic Fulham Palace has been transformed into a magical wonderland of festivities. The library is beautifully decorated, featuring lots of pretty lights and a huge Christmas tree - and this is where you'll meet Santa. Kida can share their wishes, before receiving a special gift and a photo to capture the moment.
Children will also get the chance to craft their own Christmas keepsake to take home with them, and there's even a Christmas market to explore. Browse seasonal treats as a family, costing just £30 for the whole experience.
Fulham Palace offers festive family fun.
4. Hamleys
- Location: 188-196 Regent Street, WIB 5BT
- When: 15th November to 24th December 2025
- Price: from £65 for three people, £20 per additional guest
- Why we recommend: this is one of London's classic Christmas experiences, that everyone should do at some point in their lives
If you want to really get into the Christmas spirit, you simply have to pay a visit to Hamleys Santa Grotto 2025. This world-famous pop-up makes for some fantastic photo opportunities, with traditional trees and lots of red and gold decor.
Their friendly elves will welcome you, before kids get the chance to meet Santa. He'll be sharing special festive stories, before gifting each child a keepsake to take away with them.
Meet Santa and his elves at Hamleys.
5. Chiswick House
- Location: Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2RP
- When: 29th November to 24th December 2025
- Price: from £5 per child and £5 per adult
- Why we recommend: this is certainly one of the most gorgeous settings to meet Father Christmas in, and it's pretty affordable too
Within their stunning 18th-century Georgian sitting room, the historic Chiswick House are hosting a magical Santa's Grotto. Expect beautiful period furniture decorated with twinkling lights, perfect for family photos.
Children will listen to a heartwarming Christmas story and receive a small gift to take home, with price starting from as little as £5. Babies are welcome for free, but they'll need a ticket to get a present.
Meet Santa in gorgeous Georgian surrounds.
6. Fujifilm
- Location: 8 and 9 Long Acre, Covent Garden, WC2E 9LH
- When: 7th November to 24th December 2025
- Price: from £30 per child, adults go free
- Why we recommend: naturally, you'll get some of the best photos at this event, and there's so much to keep your kids entertained
Returning for its second year in a row, Fujifilm's immersive winter wonderland is home to a magical Santa's grotto experience. They've transformed their 3,000-foot first floor into a joyous, festive landscape, complete with trees, decorations and twinkling lights.
This is much more than just a photo with Santa - you'll get to met his elves, play games and do arts and crafts, before leaving with a gift. Plus, there's a photo booth to capture even more memories.
Immerse yourself in this picture-perfect grotto.
7. Noir Kringle: The Black Santa's Grotto Experience
- Location: The Old Railway Ticket Hall, 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP
- When: 17th to 22nd December 2025
- Price: from £35 for one child and one adult
- Why we recommend: this unique pop-up makes Christmas a kore diverse and inclusive experience, with plenty of fun activities along the way
Aiming to diversify Christmas celebrations, Noir Kringle: The Black Santa's Grotto Experience is an East London pop-up celebrates Black British culture. This is a full festive experience ingroups of up to 11 children at a time, with multiple different packages available to purchase.
Mrs. Kringle and her friendly helpers will welcome you in, guiding you on a tour around their magical grotto. This hour-long session involves making reindeer food, a mini elf school workshop and a meet and greet with Mr Kringle, a.k.a Black Santa. Every child will get a chance to share their Christmas wishes, as well as a photo opportunity and a gift to take home. Plus, they offer SEND sessions earlier in the day.
This Shoreditch pop-up aims to diversity Christmas.
8. Alexandra Palace
- Location: Alexandra Palace Way, N22
7AY
- When: 28th November to 23rd December 2025
- Price: from £18 per child, adults go free
- Why we recommend: this is a gorgeous setting to meet Father Christmas in, and the ice skating tops off any festive day out
Trading the North Pole for North London, Santa is making a stop off at Alexandra Palace this winter. He's setting up shop in their East Court, ready to meet and greet children for a festive photo.
They'll get to chat with the man himself, as well as receiving a small gift to take home. looking for a full festive day out? Why not try their ice skating rink afterwards.
Let your little ones meet Santa at Alexandra Palace.
9. London Transport Museum
- Location: Covent Garden, WC2E
7BB
- When: 27th November to 23rd December 2025
- Price: free with museum entry - annual passes from £22.50
- Why we recommend: there's all sorts going on at the London Transport Museum this Christmas, and it' totally free for anyone with an annual pass
Head to the London Transport Museum for a magical grotto po-up, where your little ones can meet Santa and his elves. They can climb aboard an interactive sleigh, with an opportunity to take the perfect family photo. Plus, they can share their Christmas wishes with Santa.
There are other festive installations going on too, from themed musical performances to interactive Christmas characters. What's more, there's a seasonal trail through Christmases past, exploring over 200 years of yuletide stories.
Soak up the Christmas vibe at this London museum.
10. Hobbledown Heath
- Location: Staines
Road, Hounslow TW14 0HH
- When: 29th November to 24th December 2025
- Price: from £31.50 per child, and £16.50 per adult
- Why we recommend: this is a full day of festivities, with access to the zoo and play areas as well as Santa's Grotto
Located in Hounslow, Hobbledown Heath offers a fully immersive festive day out, created especially for families. There are multiple magical locations to visit, from Santa's Post Office to the Toy Distribution Centre, before you end up in Santa's Grotto.
This includes a special gift for kids and a hot chocolate for adults, with marshmallow toasting available for an extra fee. There's also an outdoor play area, a zoo with farm animals and indoor play barn, all as part of your ticket price. What's more, they've got a separate experience designed for toddlers.
From Santa to zoo animals, there's so much for your little ones to see at Hobbledown Heath.
For more festive fun, check out these family-friendly Christmas events in London.
