London is jam-packed with tourists during December. There are many Christmas-related events and attractions to see after all. Among them are the numerous Santa’s grottos in the city.

Basically, a Santa’s grotto is a site where kids can get gifts from and talk to a man dressed up as Father Christmas. Also called Santa’s workshop, it’s decorated with Christmas trees, toys, and lights. One or a few employees may also play as elves. 

Santa’s grottos can be found in London’s tourist spots and stores. The best ones are as follows:

• Hyde Park’s Santa Land

Santa Land forms part of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The entrance to the royal park and its holiday-themed attractions are free. This covers the visit to its Santa’s workshop.

Every kid will get a gift from the park’s Santa. But because it’s free, expect long queues. Make sure you arrive early at Hyde Park Corner Tube Station to lessen your waiting time or to reach on time you can book any budget hotels near Wembley Stadium. There’s no need to book a ticket.

• Chelsea’s Christmas Grottos

For £27.50, your child can enter Chelsea’s Christmas grotto. While it’s not free, the fee saves you and your child from waiting for so long. Your kid can join the storytelling sessions and games as well.

Located at Pavilion Road, you can go there by riding the tube and alighting at Piccadilly station. Book your ticket in advance to further save time. If you have a preschooler, he or she is more suitable for the baby grotto. The regular grotto is for school-aged children.

Santa’s Grotto in Leicester Square

A few steps from Leicester Square tube station, you can reach the nearby Santa’s grotto. With a ticket worth £11.50, your child can listen to Father Christmas’ story. Afterward, Santa will listen to his or her requests. 

A small cabin serves as the grotto. Up to 20 children can join each reading session.

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Father Christmas’ Headquarters in Royal Albert Hall

The holiday-inspired decors and activities delight kids visiting the century-old concert hall. Meeting Father Christmas is among the said activities. The ticket costs £39.24 per child.

The ticket covers an hour-long set of activities spent with Father Christmas, his elves, and other well-loved characters. There’ll be puppet shows and live music, too. After the activities, your child will bring home a toy. 

You can visit the hall before or after a stroll in Kensington Gardens. High Street Kensington and South Kensington are the nearest tube stations.

Museum of London’s Victorian Grotto

Fantasy meets history in the Museum of London’s Victorian-inspired grotto. Located near the South Kensington tube station, a child can enter the grotto for £10. 

Expect to see decors and listen to carols from inspired by the Victorian era. Aside from meeting Santa and taking home a gift, finding the grotto is also a fun experience for kids. It’s at the end of a walkthrough filled with Victorian decorations and designed like a wonderland.

Experience London Christmas at its finest by staying in a family-friendly place like Best Western Palm Hotel. It’s near three tube stations namely Golders Green, Brent Cross, and Kilburn.

Kids can feel the joy of giving and receiving in a Santa’s grotto. Visiting one is enough for them to have a memorable holiday in London.