Activities & Days Out / 11 September, 2026 / Christina Walter
We’ve been following Father Christmas’s movements very closely to plot exactly when and where he’ll be appearing with his entourage of reindeer and elves at grottos in and outside of London this year. The officials at the North Pole have given us this insider information, so you can get booking your Christmas grotto experience asap!
We’ll be updating this feature with Christmas Grottos as they are announced.
With over one million twinkling lights of every colour imaginable, Kew Garden’s Christmas tour is truly magical.
Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.
Along the route, our delicious independent street food vendors will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.
Walk under the stars and have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas as seasonal sounds fill the air.
There will be limited capacity with timed entry to Christmas at Kew so make sure to plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
With plenty of kids’ rides, festive eateries and the chance to meet Santa himself, Santa Land in Winter Wonderland is the ultimate enchanting day out for all the family. Brand new this year, why not take part in Elf Dance Off where you get the chance to dance with one of Santa’s elves and show off your moves!
Located in the heart of London, Winter Wonderland is the place to visit this Christmas season, as Hyde Park transforms into a world of unforgettable festive magic.
This year, you must book your tickets in advance to keep everyone safe.
LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Chessington this year with your nearest and DEERest for some festive family fun!
Father Christmas and his band of merry elves are returning to Chessington once again for the festive season.
Meet Father Christmas in his Grotto, encounter the Elves in the Toy Workshop and even enjoy a selection of rides and attractions. Plus meet some incredible animals in the Zoo and Sea Life.
You will be transported to a magical world full of Christmas scenes and magic before meeting the big man himself.
London’s South Bank has a new guest coming to town, as Shrek’s Adventure! London announces that Shrek’s Grotto will return to Far Far Away this festive season.
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 from 1st to 24th December will get the chance to venture through the grotto and pose for a picture with Santa before being gifted a candy treat made by the elves themselves.
Have a sleepover at Legoland with a special twist this Christmas. Create the ultimate family memory this festive season, book your exclusive meet and greet with Father Christmas in his magical cabin.
This festive season you can enjoy awesome rides and attractions, live entertainment, yuletide activities and character meet & greets. Keep your eyes peeled, you may even spot Santa out and about!
Santa’s Sleepover is sure to be a true treat for all the family.
Hobbledown Heath – a fantastical adventure park, zoo and indoor play – will be welcoming Santa’s Secret Village this festive season. As the go-to family destination all year long, Hobbledown Heath is brimming with outdoor adventures and captivating animal encounters for families of all ages.
This years Fairytale Christmas extravaganza is inspired by Mrs Greville’s love for entertainment and unforgettable experiences with family and friends. So spread the word with your loved ones and enjoy scenes of A Fairytale Christmas at Polesden Lacey this winter.
Follow the immersive Christmas displays through the house on your way to find Father Christmas.
Christmas in the house at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust/Hannah Simion Malmcrona
Little ones will be transported to an adventure in the “Hamley’s North Pole” with Santa’s Elves guiding them on their way to meet the big man himself, they are special surprises and a sprinkling of magic around every corner; creating magical memories for the whole family.
The Chelsea Christmas Grotto opened on Saturday 19th November, as part of a magical new family experience on Sloane Square, Chelsea. Cadogan has partnered with festival and events organiser, Underbelly to create a winter terrace under Sloane Square’s twinkling lights, featuring a traditional Grotto, al fresco seating, festive food and drink along with a Bavarian Curling rink to enjoy one of the world’s oldest winter sports.
Follow the festive Fir tree-lined path into the Chelsea Christmas Grotto, the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with little ones – following a meeting and story time with Santa, each child will be given a small gift by his elves. The Grotto will also be scented by renowned parfumerie Diptyque (who have just opened a flagship store a snowball’s throw from the Grotto) to ensure it is a treat for adults and children alike!
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