Naughty Or Nice: The 8 Greatest Christmas Grottos
Ho, ho, ho! Whether you have children or are just on babysitting duty, win some serious brownie points and keep the little ones entertained with a trip to see Father Christmas. Here are just some of the places you can catch the big guy and keep the magic and their belief in him alive – after all you need someone to pass the blame onto if you don’t get the right presents.
The Sharky And George Christmas Grotto
It’s a given that seeing Santa is top of all the children’s Christmas lists. Knowing this, Sharky & George have launched a Father Christmas grotto experience that’s got us adults envious! The kids will be whisked off to the a magical, snow-filled “North Pole” were they’ll be greeted by a range of Christmas games, cosy reading with the big man, a variety of creative stations and, perhaps most magically, a pre-arranged Santa experience. Basically, he’ll refer to your little ones’ previous xmas gifts, alongside name dropping their teacher’s name. Pretty cool! Parents, your job will be to snap as many photos as you can of your favourite little people as their faces meet Santa’s perhaps even for the first time!
On various dates from Saturday 1st December 2018
Where: Market Hall Fulham, SW6 1BY
Website: www.sharkyandgeorge.com
The Harrod's Grotto
This glam grotto experience will take your little elves through a variety of enchanted spaces, from a gingerbread house to a story land filled with imagination, before making their way to Santa’s knee to discover the verdict of the naughty and nice list (they’ll all be on the latter of course!) And whilst you wait, why not squeeze in a spot of xmas shopping?
Open now until the 24th of December
Where: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
Website: www.harrods.com
Santa At The Winter Forest
The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle already has the same amount of Christmas spirit as Will Ferrell in Elf, however it’s about to get a whole lot Christmassier (if that’s a word?) Yes, Father Christmas will arrive to meet families and greet a sea of excited faces. If the little ones after feeling a bit down beat after he heads off in his sleigh, there will be plenty of food, drink and card crafting to treat them to, in what is an enchanting snow-covered location, with an atmosphere akin to that of a snow globe!
On the 24th of November, 3-5pm
Website: www.broadgate.co.uk
The Hamley's Grotto
Have you made it onto this years naughty or nice list? Well, it’s worth popping down to Hamley’s Christmas grotto regardless as the famed toy shop hosts a truly dazzling event. Granted, it might be a risky move taking your child to a shop filled with toys so close to Christmas, but if you’re prepared to brave it you’ll be greeted by the most magical of atmospheres, bursting with various games and activities to keep the little ones amused whilst they wait. They’ll also get a little goody bag to take home, that should distract them for a while whilst you wrap up the Christmas pressies.
From the 24th of November until the 24th of December
Where: 188-196 Regent St, Soho, W1B 5BT
Website: www.hamleys.com
Winter Wonderland
In the heart of Hyde Park, in the middle of a Winter Wonderland, you can find him. Visit Santa’s elves in the toy factory and watch them busying with present wrapping and toys as they get everything ready for the big day. There are plenty of rides and many stalls offering sweet and savoury delights to keep the festive spirit high, after all who doesn’t love Winter Wonderland?
From the 22nd of November until the 6th of January 2019
Where: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Website: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Santa's Gingerbread Workshop, Camden
Camden Market has introduced a grotto with a difference this Christmas; the focus being on gingerbread! In true elfish style, little feet have been running around getting Stables Market up to scratch. There will be gingerbread decorating, a visit to Saint Nick and festive cheer galore. The grotto comes by the hand of The Ministry of Fun, the creative team behind events such as Harrods’ 2017 grotto and Cath Kidston’s Milk Float Tour.
From the 24th of November until the 23rd of December
Where: Camden Market, Stables Gate, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH
Website: www.eventbrite.com
Westfield Grotto
How snazzy does this grotto look? Westfield certainly don’t do Christmas in half measures, and their North Pole Snow Factory is sure to get your little ones in the Christmas spirit, emanating serious festive vibes. The Snowflake Grotto will contain a variety of activities, gifts for the kiddos and the opportunity for the parents to snap a load of photos.
From the 22nd of November until the 24th of December
Where: Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GF
Website: www.uk.westfield.com
Duke Of York Square
The hotly-anticipated Duke of York Square grotto returns, allowing the kiddos to grab a gift from Santa after visiting him in his magical, Christmas spirited abode. The grotto has been up and running every Christmas for the past few years and has been a huge success each time!
Where: 80 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, SW3 4LY
Website: www.dukeofyorksquare.com
