The Oxford Street lights are already up, shops are 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.
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.
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 this December with 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!
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. Some dates are already sold out, but there is still some limited availability in November and December.
Hamley’s Grotto
For a traditional santa’s grotto
From 22nd November until 24th December 2023 you can 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!
London Zoo
For children who adore animals
On select dates throughout December, your little ones can join in with festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of London Zoo. They will even receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. Meet Santa tickets at London Zoo are strictly limited and as of 29th September have not been releases, so you can register your interest using the form at the bottom of the London Zoo Grotto page to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale.
Please note: Gold members, Fellows, and Patrons will get priority access to tickets. Those who have pre-registered will receive the ticketing links straight to their inbox once released, with details on how to book. The pre-registration form will close on 10th October at midday, so don’t miss out!
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.
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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