Santa in London 2023: Where to find Father Christmas this year
Updated: Nov 22
This is where to find Santa in London in 2023, and as soon as new intel is in from the elves for more Santa fun, we'll update, so keep checking back!
Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
All the profits for this one go back into caring for the 600+ rescued residents at this Essex animal sanctuary, and we've had a sneak peek of the Santa fun which definitely tickled our tinsel. Tickets go on sale mid-October and are limited, so get in quick. There will be a miniature Christmas village, Santa letter writing activity, free mulled wine and mince pie for the grown ups (warm ribena and mince pie for the kids), Christmas trail, Elfie Station, and, of course, that all important meet with Santa in his Christmas Barn, plus a gift for each paying child. The sanctuary will also be open for you to visit all the animals. Psst: we also hear rumour that there is also a Santa Paws Grrrrotto happening for your four-legged friends, and festive Xmas quiz too.
When: Every weekend from 2nd December until 23rd December 2023. Where: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyer's Hall Lane, Brentwood CM15 9BZ
Shrek the Halls!
One of our fave things to do in London with kids is Shrek Adventure, so we can't wait to meet Shrek Santa this December and pose for a picture with him! Guests will be gifted an Xmas card included in the ticket time, and everyone will have, we promise, a most shrekcellent time!
When: 1st to 24th December 2023 Where: Shrek's Adventure, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvZPY
Santa at Legoland Windsor
You will get to see the big man himself – Father Christmas! - at Legoland during the festive period and we just know everything will be awesome. He’ll be roaming around the Park on the back of his magical sleigh, so don’t forget to wave! You can also expect puppet shows, elves and a giant Duplo Xmas tree. There's also the option to upgrade your visit to an overnight stay that includes Father Christmas making a personal visit to your hotel room door!
When: From 25th November 2023
Where: Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY
www.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lKmJK
Jingle Bell Blast with Thames Rockets
Rev up for one of the most exciting sleigh-rides of the season as you carol sing your way along the River Thames with Santa himself! You and your small elves will sweep across the docklands, whizz past the London Eye, and float by Tower Bridge with the awesome Thames Rocket team on a Christmas experience sure to put the jingle in your bells: don't leave the booking too late though, spaces are limited and yule be sorry to miss out on this treat for sure! We tried it last year and we've got to say it was one of our all-time fave adventures in London EVER! Our advice? Even if you don't make it to see Santa in London this year, book a trip on the Thames Rocket for the next time you can get into town: ridiculously good fun!
When: Selected dates from 2nd December 2023 - sells fast!
Where: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB
www.thamesrockets.com/ultimate-london-adventure/?offer=londonforkidz
Santa's Grotto at Alexandra Palace
Santa Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London as he sets up camp in the East Court at Alexandra Palace this December. Little ones will love meeting with Santa, bagging a small gift and having a photo taken with Santa in his festive grotto. Why not up the festive ante by also booking a slot on the ice skating rink?
When: 1st until 23rd December 2023 Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/santas-grotto-5/
Hobbledown Adventure Farm Private Santa Experience
It's no secret that here at London for Kidz we love a day out at Hobbledown (check out our review here), and we were feeling ding, dong, merrily on high after visiting Santa last year. Included are a teddy bear workshop session and a visit to the magical grotto for a private meeting with Father Christmas himself.
When: Until 24th December 2022
Where: Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT
www.hobbledown.com/epsom/christmas-at-hobbledown/premium-christmas-experience
Santa Express, Audley End Miniature Railway
All aboard the Santa Express for magical, family, Christmas experience that will put get you in a 'full steam ahead' Xmas mood. You'll be boarded on the train by the station nutcrackers before setting off to Father Christmas's Winter Wonderland. Included in the price is the train ride to meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their Elves, a gift for every child, letter writing, Illuminated Christmas walk to the Reindeer Food Factory, Holly the Christmas Fairy Storytelling Show and an Adventure Play Area. it's a tad out of town but close enough to count for a Santa in London adventure. When: Now until 24th December 2023 Where: Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/christmas
Victorian Santa's grotto at the Museum of London Docklands
It’s almost time to get into the Christmas spirit with a Dickensian-style Victorian Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands! Santa will be waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto with a festive gift wher you will also have the chance to capture the moment with a snap or two. Once Santa has your wish list safely stored it will be time to experience the Sailortown gallery, which has been transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. Tickets are already on sale and some slots are already sold out! When: Check website for specific dates still available, happening from 2nd December 2023 Where: No1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london
Black Santa & Grotto
Black Santa is back in town for a magical 90-minute experience in Streatham where you can shop in a festive market, while your children get busy with decorating a Xmas cookie and bauble before watching a short Christmas movie. Plus, of course, the all-important, meet and greet with Santa complete with gift.
When: 16th December 2023 Where: Sternhold Avenue London SW2 4PA www.eventbrite.com/e/santas-christmas-grotto-market-black-santa-is-in-town
Chelsea Christmas Grotto
Santa has moved into a grotto on Sloane Square for the festive season, and you'll find the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto situated among the sparkling lights along with a Bavarian Curling Rink and Winter Terrace open until Christmas When: Now until 24th December 2023 Where: Sloane Square, Chelsea www.chelseachristmasgrotto.com
Santa Land at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Sound the trumpets and grab your hat and scarves because Winter Wonderland is back this year and with it comes the chance to not only meet Santa in London, but also to snag a small gift from him (so long as you're on the nice list!). A festive destination designed for the whole family to enjoy and escape from the hustle and bustle of the main event, expect plenty of kids’ rides, festive eateries as well as the Main Man in Red.
When: Now until 1st January 2024
Where: Hyde Park, London
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/santaland/
Santa's Grotto at Romford Shopping Hall
Father Christmas will be returning to his Grotto in the east of town over at Romford Shopping Hall and you're all invited to take unlimited pics and bag a gift for the kids from the Big Man himself. Our kids love this one!
When: 2nd December 2023
Where: Romford Shopping Hall, 43 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3AB
That's all we've got for now on the Santa in London 2023 score, folks, but we'll keep investigating and updating when more news comes in from the North Pole.
www.eventbrite.com/e/santas-grotto-returns-tickets
Meet Santa at London Zoo
Little ones will get a sprinkling of Christmas magic as they learn what it takes to become one of Santa’s helpers in London Zoo's elf school, before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the Zoo. Every child will receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. We'r checking this one out this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled for the verdict. When: 25th November until 24th December 2023
Where: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/meet-santa-london-zoo
Need some more very merry guides to the festive season? Look no further:
DIY Xmas cards to make with the kids
Essential guide to Elf on the Shelf ideas
Homemade hot choccie recipes we love
Board game ideas to put on the Xmas list
DIY Christmas advent calendars
Countdown to Xmas with these 24 festive flicks
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