Santa’s grottos · Christmas 2026
Santa’s grottos near London
We’ve checked 13 Santa’s grottos within 21 miles of London. 12 have confirmed 2026 dates, 1 is still to announce. The first opens on Saturday 7 November (Anya's Grotto).
Where prices are published, entry runs from £15 to £38 per child, and 2 are free to get in. 10 include a gift in the price. Where booking hasn’t opened yet, the listing says when it does.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands
London Museum Docklands, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Canary Wharf · 4 miles from London · run by London Museum
- When
- Fri 20 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- Sessions every 15 minutes, 9.45am - 4.15pm
- Price
- From £15
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £15
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Visit length
- 15 minutes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Prices: Children from £15; no ticket needed for accompanying adults
Dickensian-style grotto with a gift inspired by Victorian toys, made from classic materials with little plastic. Each 15-minute session takes four children. Babies in arms can come along without a ticket or gift. Book in advance for the lowest prices.
Access: Quiet, sensory-friendly sessions at 9.45am and 10am for children with SEND, with reduced noise and sensory stockings.Under-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: londonmuseum.org.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace walled gardens, Fulham · 5 miles from London · run by Santa's Winter Garden
- When
- Fri 20 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- From £38
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £38
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Daily 20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026 (daytime and evening sessions, hours vary by date)
Prices: Child tickets from £38, adult tickets from £20, plus a £5.50 booking fee per order
Outdoor snowy trail with a sledge ride, snow maze and a visit with Santa in the North Pole Lodge marquee. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to seeing Santa. Event entry is at Church Gate, SW6 3LF. Dogs are not allowed apart from assistance dogs.
Parking: No public parking on site. Blue Badge holders can use free spaces on Bishops Avenue.Access: Pushchairs welcome. Step-free routes where possible; the historic outdoor setting has some challenges.Dogs: Not allowedChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: santaswintergarden.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House
Queen's House, Greenwich, Greenwich · run by Royal Museums Greenwich
- When
- Sat 14 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- From £30
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £30
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Saturday 14 Nov - Thursday 24 Dec 2026
Prices: £30 per person (£27 for members), under-1s free, plus a £3 booking fee per transaction
An actor-led Snow Queen story takes children through the house to meet Father Christmas, who gives each child a gift. Booking is open; several slots are already sold out and many dates have low availability.
Access: Relaxed SEND sessions are available; pre-booking recommended.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: rmg.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Santa Land, Hyde Park · run by Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- When
- Thu 19 Nov – Sun 3 Jan
- Times
- 10am - 6pm
- Price
- Free entry
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Per child
- Free
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Winter Wonderland runs 19 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027
Prices: Free. Separate Santa Land packages start at £36.50 per child and include rides and meals
Free and first come first served; you cannot book. On busy days the queue may close early, so allow plenty of time. Well-behaved children get a present from Santa.
Access: No height or age restrictions.Under-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Father Christmas at Kenwood
Kenwood, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead · 5 miles from London · run by English Heritage
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Price
- Free ticket; Kenwood entry is free
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- Free
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Weekends only, Saturday 5 - Sunday 20 Dec 2026
Times: 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm
Seven short sessions a day on the weekends only. Father Christmas gives presents to two children per session. Book a free ticket online in advance.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: english-heritage.org.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Wundrful World of Christmas at ExCeL London
Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront, Royal Victoria Dock · 7 miles from London · run by Wundr
- When
- Selected dates between 13 Nov and 24 Dec 2026
- Price
- From £24.90
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £24.90
- Gift included
- No
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 50 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Prices: Peak: children £29.90, adults £34.90. Off-peak: children £24.90, adults £29.90. Family pass £24.90-£29.90 per person
Designed for children aged 3 to 8. The main experience takes about 50 minutes and ends with a photo with Santa in his grotto; photo packages cost extra. Allow 90 minutes or more with the Elves' Playground and letter writing.
Access: Fully wheelchair accessible; Changing Places facilities at ExCeL. No dedicated sensory sessions this year; email london@wundr.live for specific needs.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: wundr.live Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa Special Trains at Epping Ongar Railway
Epping Ongar Railway, Epping · 21 miles from London
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 150 minutes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 28-29 Nov, then 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Dec 2026
Times: 28-29 Nov: 11.40, 13.20, 15.00. December: 10.35, 12.15, 13.55, 15.35 (no 15.35 on 24 Dec)
Prices: Family space for 2 people £65-£70, for 4 people £130-£140; compartments for 6 £240-£260, for 8 £320-£345; early-bird rates on 28-29 Nov
Fares cover a vintage London bus from Epping or Ongar, a return train journey from North Weald and a present for every child. Everyone in the party needs a ticket; under-1s are not counted. Allow up to 2.5 hours in total.
Parking: Public car parks at Epping and Ongar.Access: Limited disabled parking for Blue Badge holders by prior arrangement. Email santaspecials@eorailway.co.uk about accessibility.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: eorailway.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Tea Parties at John Lewis (Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford, White City)
John Lewis stores, Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford, White City · run by John Lewis
- When
- See dates below
- Price
- From £25
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £25
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Booking opens
- Monday 28 September
- Type
- Event
Dates: Throughout December 2026; dates and times vary by store
Prices: Children £25 plus £2.50 booking fee; adults £8 plus 80p booking fee
Each paying child gets a toy gift and a drink and snack; adults get a hot drink and cake. Arrive 10 minutes early, as late arrivals may be refused entry. Booking opened to everyone on 28 September.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: johnlewis.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa Steam Express from London Victoria
Steam Dreams, departing London Victoria, Victoria · run by Steam Dreams
- When
- Sat 12 Dec – Sat 19 Dec
- Price
- Contact Steam Dreams for prices.
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 Dec 2026
Times: Departures 09.15, 11.45, 15.15 and 17.15 on both days
Two Saturdays only, four departures each day. Prices and availability are by phone on 01483 209 888.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: steamdreams.co.uk Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Hamleys Santa's Grotto
Hamleys, Regent Street, Regent Street · run by Hamleys
- When
- Sat 14 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 14 Nov - 24 Dec 2026
Meet Santa and take home a keepsake gift.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: silverspoonlondon.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Meet Santa at London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park, Camden · run by ZSL London Zoo
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 21 Nov - 24 Dec 2026
Meet Santa returns in 2026, with Christmas crafts before meeting Santa. Zoo entry is charged separately and full details are still to be announced.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: whattheredheadsaid.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Anya's Grotto
Anya's Village, Chelsea, Chelsea · run by Anya Hindmarch
- When
- Sat 7 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Times
- Sessions start on the hour
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £65 (child plus one adult)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 30 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 7 Nov - 24 Dec 2026
Prices: £65 for one adult and one child; extra people £45 each
Up to 30 minutes with a maximum of 9 guests per session. Each child receives a gift from Father Christmas. Recommended for ages 2 to 8, though all ages can attend. Bookings can be cancelled up to 72 hours before.
Access: Call +44 (0)20 7501 0168 or email assistant@anyahindmarch.com to arrange access.Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: anyahindmarch.com Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Willows Activity Farm, London Colney
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Visit length
- 60 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Last year: selected dates up to Christmas Eve, closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve
Prices: Tickets booked online only; 2026 prices not yet published
Includes a visit to Santa's grotto, choosing a gift in Santa's Toy Shop, a Create-a-Cuddle workshop, gingerbread decorating, reindeer, shows and funfair rides. Plan at least 4 hours; the Santa journey takes about 60 minutes. Children under 90cm need an extra top-up ticket.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: willowsactivityfarm.com Book a visit
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands | Canary Wharf (4 mi) | Fri 20 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £15 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Winter Garden at Fulham Palace | Fulham (5 mi) | Fri 20 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £38 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House | Greenwich | Sat 14 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | £30 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Hyde Park | Thu 19 Nov – Sun 3 Jan | Free | Turn up |
| Father Christmas at Kenwood | Hampstead (5 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | Free | Book ahead |
| Wundrful World of Christmas at ExCeL London | Royal Victoria Dock (7 mi) | Selected dates between 13 Nov and 24 Dec 2026 | £24.90 | Book ahead |
| Santa Special Trains at Epping Ongar Railway | Epping (21 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Tea Parties at John Lewis (Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford, White City) | Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford, White City | Throughout December 2026; dates and times vary by store | £25 | Book ahead |
| Santa Steam Express from London Victoria | Victoria | Sat 12 Dec – Sat 19 Dec | — | — |
| Hamleys Santa's Grotto | Regent Street | Sat 14 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Meet Santa at London Zoo | Camden | Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Anya's Grotto | Chelsea | Sat 7 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm | London Colney | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
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Common questions
When do Santa’s grotto bookings open near London?
Santa's Tea Parties at John Lewis (Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford, White City): Monday 28 September. Popular weekend slots can go within days, so it pays to be ready.
Which London grottos include a present?
Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands, Santa's Winter Garden at Fulham Palace, Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House, Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Father Christmas at Kenwood and Santa Special Trains at Epping Ongar Railway and 4 others include a gift for each child in the ticket price.
Are any Santa’s grottos near London free?
Yes: Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Father Christmas at Kenwood are free to get in. The cheapest paid option is Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands at £15.
When do Santa’s grottos near London open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Anya's Grotto (Sat 7 Nov); Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House (Sat 14 Nov); Hamleys Santa's Grotto (Sat 14 Nov); Santa's Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Thu 19 Nov); Victorian Santa's Grotto at London Museum Docklands (Fri 20 Nov); plus 5 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
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