Santa in London 2023: Where to find Father Christmas this year
We are a bit of a sleigh ride away from Christmas yet, but we're already turning our minds to Father Christmas and where his grottos will be at in London. 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.
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: Dates tbc
Where: Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB
www.thamesrockets.com/ultimate-london-adventure/?offer=londonforkidz
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
Tottenham Hotspur FC Santa's Grotto
As part of the already-fun Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Family Tour, the team will also be treated to a visit to Santa's Grotto this December. To up the festive feels, if you've got kids age 8-years-and-above, why not also challenge them to put their spidey skills to the test on The Dare Skywalk? Just like Santa, you'll be heading to lofty heights, 46m to be precise, for views not only of the famous pitch, but of London too. We also hear rumour of mulled wine and hot chocolates. Christmas goals right there. Read our review right... here!
When: Dates tbc Where: Lilywhite House 782 High Road London N17 0BX
www.tottenhamhotspurstadium.com/see-do/stadium-tour/
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: 18th November until 24th December 2023 Where: Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/christmas
Santa's Grotto, Spitalfields
We never need much persuasion to head to one of our fave London markets, Spitalfields, so news that Santa will be heading there too this December fills us with Xmas joy! There will be a multitude of merriness throughout the month of December and the grotto experience itself allows each child 3-5 minutes with Santa (accompanied by a parent or guardian): plenty of time to tell Santa all about the wish list, snap some photos and leave with a gift.
When: Dates tbc
Where: Spitalfields Market, 56 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA
www.spitalfields.co.uk/events/
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 will be moving into a grotto on Sloane Square this December, but he's not quite ready to reveal all yet.
When: Date tbc Where: Sloane Square, Chelsea www.chelseachristmas.co.uk/holding
Shrek the Halls!
For kids and grown-ups looking for some much-needed yuletide cheer, the big green ogre has teamed-up with Santa to create a festive misadventure the whole family will love.
Guests who visit Shrek’s Adventure! London on selected days between December 3 and 24 December 2022 will get the chance to meet Shrek Santa and pose for a picture with him to mark the special occasion. When: 1st to 24th December 2023 Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvZPY
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.
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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