As a mum of two young children, Christmas is big news in my house! I have so much to think about from nativity plays to wrapping paper and the toys I think they will love. At the top of my list, however, is always booking a Santa visit, complete with a magical grotto.
While there are some seriously unimpressive grottos that you shouldn't waste your money on, there are also some incredible displays of festiveness for all the family that you can't miss - from places to go in London to Essex, Cornwall, and beyond.
Check out my guide and get festive!
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© GettySanta Land at Winter Wonderland, London
Get the Christmas celebrations underway at Winter Wonderland, which returned to London's Hyde Park on 21 November. Little ones will love a visit to Santa Land, which is filled with rides such as a 45m ice slide, and Santa's Toy Factory fun house where Santa and his elves are making toys ready for Christmas! You can't book a visit to Santa, but his grotto is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm and entry to the park now costs £5 - £7.50.
For more information visit hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
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© The Eden ProjectMeet Father Christmas at the Eden Project, Cornwall
Go behind-the-scenes at the camp Santa and his elves make their home in the countdown to Christmas, snooping at the elves' bunkbeds, seeing the letters from children and even reading a bedside story, before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a special gift. These fun 40 minute sessions will run on selected dates and times between 22–24 November, 29 November – 1 December, 5–8 December and 12–24 December and costs from £12 for a child with one adult.
For more information visit edenproject.com
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© GettySanta's Grotto at Hamleys Toy Store
What better place to write your Christmas list than in a toy store? Hamleys famous toy shop on Regent Street, London, offers children the chance to enjoy an interactive 60-minute experience with Santa, including festive games and activities, learning elf songs and dances plus meeting Father Christmas.
For more information visit hamleys.com
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© GettyVisit the Noir Kringle pop up
In 2018, Charlotte Lewis set up Noir Kringle 'The Black Santa's Grotto Experience', a family-run event that gives children and parents the opportunity to visit a magical Christmas grotto where Father Christmas and all of his elves are Black.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, Charlotte said: "The notion of a Black Santa figure has been around in the States since the 1940s, but when I had my daughter, I searched and searched but couldn't find anything like that in the UK.
"I decided there and then that I wanted to set up a grotto for myself. There were lots of people, not just Black people, that wanted something different. It's been my passion project ever since."
For more information visit www.noirkringle.co.uk
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© GettyThe Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm, Essex
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What better way to kick off a visit to Santa's grotto than with a trip to Elf Academy? A trip to Marsh Farm also includes a trip to the Teddy Bear market, a visit to Elfville’s Toy Shop and a ride on the Santa train.
Marsh Farm is open from 16 November to 24 December and tickets start at £30pp.
To find out more visit www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/father-christmas-experience/
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Traditional Santa at Brunel's SS Great Britain
From 7 to 8 December, Brunel’s SS Great Britain will be transformed into a Dickensian winter wonderland – complete with snow!
If you are into a more classic approach to YuleTide, Children can meet Old Father Christmas, who will be wearing the traditional green robes of the Victorian era. He’ll be accompanied by a crew of 19th century costumed characters who will be telling magical stories of Christmases past.
There will be a choir, and the dockyard will be covered in holly, ivy, mistletoe, and hand-made Victorian decorations. Crafty kids can also join in with craft sessions, and feast on mince pies.
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The Grotto Dome at Stockeld Park
From 16 November, Stockeld Park’s Christmas extravaganza is open and ready for families to enjoy. Immersive yourself in Christmas magic at the 2,000-acre stately home turned family adventure destination.
The Grotto Dome experience and brand-new Enchanted Elevator are new for 2024 are are not to be missed. The Dome has an explorative pathway through to Santa’s grotto, past streets of festive scenes with new interactive features to keep little ones busy and entertained. Children will now be able to spot the mice in the tailor's shop, find the gingerbread man in the Gingerbread kitchen, and have a chat with Rudolph in his stable, before hopping in the brand-new purpose built ‘Enchanted Elevator’ for a jingle ride to Santa in his log cabin.
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Visit Snata at Camden Market
Head to Camden Market this Christmas! Santa’s Enchanted Ice Grotto will open at Waterside Halls on 28 November, transforming the space with magical twinkling lights, a glistening mirror ball, and a handcrafted sleigh.
From 14 December, you can pre-book a meet-and-greet with Santa, with £1 from each ticket going to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Kids can enjoy face painting, art workshops, biscuit decorating, and a special lucky dip gift.
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Meet Santa at John Lewis
Want to take your kids to see Santa whilst you do your shopping? John Lewis has the answer. The Oxford Street and Liverpool stores are hosting the ever-popular Grotto this year, where shoppers will be able to choose from super cute experiences such as Santa's Storytime Tea Parties and Santa Craft Workshops. At each experience, kids can partake in a group story reading and have the chance for 1-1 meetings with Santa.
