Santa's grottos to book now

Storytime with Father Christmas at the Hall, Royal Albert Hall

Father Christmas is making his annual visit to the Royal Albert Hall. In this immersive experience, families will enjoy an exclusive tour around the 19th-century Hall and have the chance to interact with a range of North Pole characters along the way. Kids will learn about Christmas, the characters, the RAH – and even pick up some exciting secrets from the elves – before meeting the big man himself.

Santa's Grotto at Hamleys

Where better to host a grotto than in a toy shop? Well, for the pocket of said toy shop, anyway. Your little ones will surely add some last-minute items to their wish-list on their way to meet Santa himself in this charming (if a little expensive) grotto experience. Tickets are £15pp / £45 for groups of three, but the gifts they leave with are likely to make up for it.

Santa's Grotto at Ally Pally

Santa has swapped his home in the North Pole for London's palace on top of a hill. Here, little ones can have their photo taken with him, present their wish lists and leave with a small gift to tide them over until the big day.

Marylebone Village Santa's Grotto

As part of its ‘Merry Marylebone’ Christmas campaign, Marylebone Village is hosting its annual personalised Santa's grotto this festive season. Email [email protected] to book in, and once your slot is confirmed, make a donation to this year's chosen charity.

Storystock Father Christmas storytime

Storystock has teamed up with Anderson Press and The Polar Express to give its immersive offerings for children a festive twist. Keeping his communications online this winter, Father Christmas will be streaming from his cosy study on weekend nights in the lead-up to Christmas. Guests will get a downloadable activity pack that includes festive songs, Christmas cracker jokes and gorgeous recipes (hot chocolate from Thomasina Miers, anyone?). If you opt for a First Class ticket, you also get a copy of The Polar Express to enjoy.

Ticket prices: from £12.50; First Class ticket, £22.50

Santa's Calling You

Another option for those who'd rather schedule a meeting with Santa from home: Santa's Calling You offers little ones the chance to chat with an elf or Mrs Claus as well as the big man himself. Storytelling sessions are available too! Experiences start at £19.99.

Photo: Mel Poole

Greenwich Grotto

If you want the in-person experience, visit Santa in the festive confines of Greenwich Market. While the kids present their Christmas wish lists, you can get on with a bit of present buying at the numerous stalls lining the market walls. Tickets start at £11.

Photo: Nick Fewings

Santa's Grotto Live

We love the range of options available from Santa's Grotto Live, with experiences starting at £20 for a 10-minute, customised video call with Santa. You can also choose packages on Christmas Eve, or ones where Santa personally replies to your child's Christmas list and sends a small toy.

Photo: Karsten Winegeart

Santa HQ

More a virtual advent calendar than a one-day event, Santa HQ offers activities like storytelling and arts and crafts and a digital photo journal (£10) as well as the chance to have a personalised chat with Father Christmas (£30) or get a video recording from him (£25).

Photo: Alicia Slough

The Virtual Santa

Book in for a virtual Santa experience with Father Christmas himself – as well as any grandparents or friends – with The Virtual Santa, working in partnership with Children's Hospice South West. Zoom chats with Santa start at £19.99.