He’s made his list, checked it twice and now Santa Claus is coming to town.
Father Christmas will be taking time from planning his worldwide present-delivering spree to say hello to festive revellers at sites all over London.
Grottos are popping up at various spots across the capital, offering the chance to meet the Big Man himself — more often than not, he’ll be on hand to give out a little festive gift (provided the recipient has been nice, not naughty) and pose for a photo.
So make a list of your yuletide wishes, pull on your best Christmas jumpers and head down to one of these magical meet-ups.
Leicester Square
There’s going to be a lot of festive fun to be had over at Leicester Square this Christmas, with everything from a burlesque carol concert to a Girls Aloud drag tribute. For the kids, there’s a toddler-friendly disco and a chance to meet Father Christmas inside Santa’s Grotto. After he has told a festive tale, Santa will hand out small gifts to all the children in attendance. Each session takes 30 minutes and tickets must be bought before entering the grotto.
From £11.50, until December 24, WC2H 7LU, christmasinleicestersquare.com
Belgravia Christmas Sunday
For one Sunday in early December, Elizabeth Street in Belgravia will get a festive makeover. There will be plenty going on, with more than 60 boutique stalls offering grown-ups the chance to splash out on some top-end stocking fillers while sipping on mulled wine. Elsewhere, for the whole family, there will be lots of festive food and carolling — as well as an appearance from Father Christmas.
Free, December 2, SW1W, grosvenorlondon.com
Royal Albert Hall
One of the capital’s most famous venues is getting in on the act, telling its own yuletide story: Father Christmas has made the Royal Albert Hall his HQ this year, but him and his elves are running a bit behind on the present-making front — and they need the assistance of some budding helpers. Across the course of the hour-long experience, kids will help the elves get the toys ready, sit in Santa’s sleigh and tuck into a pick ‘n’ mix sweet selection. At the end of it all, St Nick will deliver a gift to each child.
From £36.70, until December 22, SW7 2AP, royalalberthall.com
Hamleys
Father Christmas will be paying a visit to London’s iconic toy shop this year. There will be the chance for kids to write their Christmas wish lists and then post them to North Pole, before meeting Santa. There will also be a whole host of Christmassy activities for them to take part in across each 45-minute session, and all the children involved will walk away with a gift bag and a selection of sweet treats to enjoy afterwards.
£39.95, until December 24, W1B 5BT, hamleys.com
Westfield Stratford City
The east London branch of Westfield will be packed to the rafters with Christmas shoppers in the run up to the big day, but for families looking for a yuletide retreat, there’s the Snowflake Grotto. It will be home to the Snow Factory — where Santa’s elves will be busy making all the snow in time for Christmas — which kids can visit before meeting Father Christmas to receive a small gift and have their photo taken with him.
£7.50, until December 24, E20, uk.westfield.com
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is an excellent place to find a Christmas present, with around 150 stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to scrumptious festive food. There will also be a grotto, featuring Mr Claus and his merry elves. Entry costs £5 per child, raising funds for Greenwich and Bexley Hospice, which provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses.
£5, December 1-24, SE10, greenwichmarket.london
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park is home to the capital’s biggest Christmas extravaganza, Winter Wonderland. Whether it’s the rollercoasters and ice rinks, or the beer halls and food markets, there’s a lot going on to keep all the festive cheer flowing. For those wanting to give their season’s greetings to St Nick, head to Santa Land. Kids will get the chance to meet him in his grotto, and afterwards they can visit Santa’s toy factory, where all the elves will be busy at work. Elsewhere, there’s an ice slide and and ice trike trail, along with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Free, until January 6, W2, hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Museum of London
Not only will kids get to meet Father Christmas at the Museum of London — they’ll also get to travel back in time. This grotto is set back in the 19th century and is accessed by the Victorian Walk, which is replete with illuminated decorations and the sound of softly sung carols echoing through the air. Once children have told Santa their wishes for the festive season, they’ll receive a gift before taking a photo with him. There will be grottos at both Museum of London sites, by St Paul’s and in the Docklands.
£10, December 1-23, various locations, museumoflondon.org.uk
National Trust
Father Christmas will be popping into various National Trust sites this winter. In Sutton House, Hackney, he’ll reside by a open log fire and tell stories of his present-giving travels, before offering each child a gift. He’ll also be over at Richmond’s Ham House, and will find time to pay a few visits to Modern Hall Park in south London.
Various prices, locations and dates, nationaltrust.org.uk
