The Oxford Street lights are being prepared, shops are already stocking their shelves with Christmas goods, and London’s most popular Santa Grottos are already getting booked up. While Christmas still feels aeons away for some of us, it’s fast-approaching and London’s finest Santa Grottos have already opened their booking portals – and we advise booking as soon as possible to give your little ones the delight of visiting these luxurious Grottos.
1. Harrods Christmas Grotto
For exclusivity and luxury
Harrods’ Father Christmas experience is the most exclusive in London. From 1955 until 2019 the Grotto was free, but these days not just anybody can book tickets, you must be invited. To be invited you need to be a Harrods Rewards Green Tier 2 and above member and to have spent at least £2000 in the store in the calendar year. There is an additional fee of £20 per child to visit the Grotto.
Visits include a secret gift from Father Christmas, which is often a small Harrods branded teddy bear, and the entire experience is a magical wonderland from the moment you enter the store. Harrods provide one of the most authentic looking Father Christmas’s that you will come across and there are many Christmas activities for the children to take part in as they make their journey through a magical experience to meet Father Christmas.
2. Hamley’s Grotto
For a traditional santa’s grotto
Hamley’s are yet to announce their 2024 dates, with their usual webpage saying the details are coming soon.
In 2023 you could take the children to visit Santa’s Grotto at Hamley’s on Regent Street. Their enchanted elves are ready to welcome you to the Christmas festivities and they’re giving you and your family the opportunity to meet Santa. One ticket costs from £55 depending on the date, and allows access for up to 3 people.
To make your time with Jolly St Nick even more special, each child will receive a treat for you to take home so you’ll remember your visit with him forever. Don’t forget to tell them your families names and favourite things to do so Hamley’s toy testing elves can let Santa know before you arrive!
3. Anya Hindmarch Grotto
Fashionistas at the ready!
Join Anya Hindmarch for a magical expedition with Father Christmas this festive season as he guides you through a wonderland of candy cane forests and crunchy snow, twinkling baubles and icicle caves, ending with a festive story by the fire, all in the heart of Chelsea at Anya’s Village.
Anya’s Grotto will be welcoming children of all ages (recommended for ages 2-8) from 18 November to 24 December, with tickets priced at £50 for 1 adult and 1 child (you may add additional adults and children for £40 per person). This 30-minute experience must be booked in advance and includes a gift for children. You can even choose to follow your experience with a special festive afternoon tea, where you’ll enjoy a glass of mulled wine, followed by a selection of our exclusive seasonal cakes. Everything is served on a beautiful bespoke festive-themed carved stand inspired by spinning Swedish angel chimes.
4. Royal Albert Hall Christmas Orchestal Adventure
Calling Santa’s Little Helpers!
While not a traditional grotto, the Royal Albert Hall’s My Christmas Orchestral Adventure returns on Sunday 8th December 2024, with shows at 12:30 and 4:30pm, and a brand-new story. Oh no! Father Christmas is due at the biggest Christmas concert in the whole world but conductor Tim has lost his Christmas spirit. Join his brother Tom, Albert’s Orchestra and a cast of special guests as they take Tim through Christmas’s past, present and future to try and bring his Christmas cheer back in time to meet Father Christmas!
5. Fortnum & Mason Storytelling
For iconic storytelling Santa
This Christmas, the Man in Red will be returning to Fortnum & Mason at Piccadilly once again for their ever-popular Storytelling with Father Christmas event. With tickets starting from £36, Fortnum & Mason are bringing back their ‘Storytelling with Father Christmas’ event this year. Tickets go on sale on 5th September 2024.
6. London Zoo
For children who adore animals
From 23rd November until 24th December 2024 Santa returns to London Zoo! Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts before they meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. Choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Upgraded and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions. Relaxed sessions are also available. Gold members, Fellows and Patrons who register their interest will have one week’s priority access to book for four special dates at a discounted rate, and will be the first to know as soon as tickets are live!
7. Chelsea Christmas Grotto on Sloane Square
For good old fashioned fun
From 19th November until 24th December 2024, Santa has moved into a grotto on Sloane Square for the festive season. This festive season, visit the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto situated among the sparkling lights on Sloane Square, with a Bavarian Curling Rink and Winter Terrace open until Christmas Eve. A chance to create unforgettable memories with family and friends – meet Father Christmas, listen to his stories and receive a special gift from him during your session.
Tickets for the Grotto are £15, which includes a 50p donation to the K&C Foundation. Each ticket admits one child and an accompanying adult.* Sessions last up to 25 minutes and are limited in size to ensure every child will enjoy a magical moment with Father Christmas and receive a gift straight from the elves’ workshop.
Bonus Grotto: John Lewis Oxford Street
Although not the fanciest Christmas grotto in London, John Lewis on Oxford Street is a Christmas classic. Settle in for a festive story session with Santa. Join his team of merry elves and create a Christmas keepsake to take home. Then head in to meet Santa to share your Christmas wishes – and receive a special gift.
Prices start from only £20 per child plus a £2 booking fee and £3 per adult plus a 30p booking fee.
Alternatively you can book Santa’s Story Time or Santa’s Tea Party experience.
And if your child is a four-legged dog? Book a ticket to the John Lewis ‘Santa Paws Experience’. Explore the grotto with your four-legged friend where they’ll have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa – and get a very special gift to take home too.
Christmas Grotto’s that are yet to be confirmed
Previous luxury Christmas grotto’s in London that are yet to be confirmed for 2024 are:
London provides unique Grotto experiences
Britain’s capital city really does do Christmas like nowhere else in the world, and London’s Santas Grotto experiences are just as wonderful with a Grotto experience for every child no matter their preferences and interests.
Related Reading: 21 Best Luxury Beauty Advent Calendars for Christmas 2024
Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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