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It’s that time of year, where the big man himself starts popping up all over London. A visit to Santa in London can be truly magical and memorable experience. However it is good to do a bit of research to avoid it transcending into a day of queuing and disappointment.

Thankfully in London we have a wonderful selection of tried and tested experiences to choose from, but you have to be quick as many have sold out already. Here are some of the top tips we have received from readers and friends. Thank you, and Merry Christmas all!

1. Your local School or Church fair

You may not go home with the enormous present your little one was hoping for, but a pocket money toy and opportunity for a good chat with Santa, without queuing or travelling miles. Santa is in it purely for the love of the job, and he won’t leave a huge dent in your Christmas budget.

2. Santa Spectacular, Willows Activity Farm, near St Albans

We are very excited to be visiting Santa at Willows Activity Farm again this year. Read our top tips for visiting Willows Activity Farm at Christmas here. 

There is so much on offer to keep your little ones feeling festive all day; an Elf Academy for budding Elves, a cuddle workshop where you can make a soft toy to take home, and the Nativity story acted out by the children in amongst the barn animals. This year there is also an ice rink and gingerbread decorating. By the time they visit Santa’s Grotto the children will be full of the joy of Christmas. Using their golden key to enter Santa Toy Store and choose from hundreds of gifts will top off a wonderful day.

Tickets available starting from £14 per adult and £30 per child.

3. Royal Albert Hall

What could be better than visiting Santa in his top-secret London headquarters at the iconic Royal Albert Hall?

Father Christmas once again returns to his secret London headquarters at the Royal Albert Hall, this year with one of his favourite books, ‘Tiny Reindeer’.

In this very special festive experience, magic awaits your little ones as our beautiful porch is transformed into an enchanting North Pole street.

We invite you to step inside a whimsical world where you’ll be greeted by Father Christmas and his merry Head Elf as they take families on a joyful journey in this charming Christmas storytime session featuring Chris Naylor-Ballesteros’ ‘Tiny Reindeer’, ending with each child taking home their own gift.

https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2022/storytime-with-father-christmas-2022/

4. London Wetland Centre, Barnes

No Santa in Barnes this year, but this winter get closer to nature as, guided by larger-than-life illuminated sculptures, you embark on a glowing animal adventure.

https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/

5. Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead Surrey

A trip to Santa at Bocketts Farm is one our family favourites. The children board Santa’s trailer and a tractor pulls them to a beautifully decorated hay barn to meet Santa. Each child receives a lovely gift and has a chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. A visit to the farm is included in the price of the ticket so children can also enjoy all that is on offer there, including  festive crafts, a large indoor play area and hopefully some newborn lambs.

Enjoy a magical and festive family day out at Bocketts Farm including a visit to meet Father Christmas in his traditional workshop.

24th November – 24th December 2022

https://www.bockettsfarm.co.uk/explore/christmas-at-bocketts-farm-2022

6. Crockford Bridge Farm, Weybridge

A visit to meet Santa at Crockford Bridge Farm comes highly recommended and is promised to be a smaller, more magical experience this year. Children enjoy a 30 minute walk through The Wonder Wood (30 year old real Christmas Tree Forest), meeting a cast of characters along the way, before finding Father Christmas in his Log Cabin. There is a gift for every child and a chance to share Christmas wishes. You can also cut your own Christmas Tree at the PYO farm whilst you are there.

Tickets to visit Father Christmas go on sale at the beginning of November after their Pumpkin Festival ends.

You can register for email updates to be informed when tickets are released. Priority is given to regular customers of the Farm

http://www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

6. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

As Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, Santa takes up residence in his Grotto in Santaland, which is packed full of children rides and entertainment. It is FREE to enter the Grotto, but you cannot prebook so be prepared to queue.

18 NOVEMBER 2022 – 02 JANUARY 2023

MON – SUN: 10AM – 10PM

Free entry.

https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

7. National Trust – Morden Hall

We have so many wonderful national trust properties in London, and Santa tries to visit as many as he can. Further details of his visits can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/father-christmas-in-london. Mini Travellers recommends the festivities at Morden Hall Park.

8. Hamleys Toy Store, Regent Street

If a visit to Hamleys wasn’t exciting enough, your child can meet Santa and tell him about all the amazing toys they are hoping to receive on Christmas Day. At the time of writing just a few spaces remain so you will need to book very quickly.

At the time of writing there are only tickets available in November, December has already sold out.

https://www.hamleys.com/santa-s-grotto

9. Westfield Shopping Centres – Shepherds Bush and Stratford City

It is not yet known if Westfield will be having a grotto in 2022.