Santa's Christmas grottos in London 2014

dukeofyorksquare.com

Santa Land & Visit Santa

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Nov 21-Jan 4

Kids will be spoilt for choice at Hyde Park's land of wintry delights, which includes a giant observation wheel, Zippo's Christmas Circus and the capital's biggest ice rink. But the day wouldn't be complete without dropping in on Saint Nick in Santa Land, a theme park within the theme park complete with rides, games and food stalls. Little ones can meet Father Christmas and explore his toy factory, then jump on board the Santa Express. Entrance is free but tokens must be purchased for the rides.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo

London Zoo, Nov 22-Dec 24

Father Christmas and his elves will be enlisting your help to make festive treats for some of the zoo's furry residents. Kids can explore the temporary town of Elfville where they'll have the chance to take part in craft activities, write letters to Santa and have a sing-song with the elves, before getting to meet the big guy himself.

zsl.org

I Met Father Christmas at Hamleys

Hamleys, Nov 22-Dec 24

At the world's oldest toy store, little ones aged 4-11 can eat a meal with with Father Christmas and his elves — either breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, high tea or dinner — as well as hear magical stories and take part in seasonal activities. Each young guest will receive a gift bag at the end. Online booking only, no walk-ups.

hamleys.com

Santa's Snowflake Grotto

Kew Gardens, Nov 26-Dec 23

Dress up warmly and take an evening yomp through Kew Gardens, which will be illuminated by coloured lights from 5-10pm each night. Then head to the Princess of Wales Conservatory, home to giant waterlilies, tropical orchids and, for a limited time only, Santa Claus himself. Nearby you'll find Victorian Christmas rides and stalls selling warming food and drink.

kew.org

Enchanted Christmas House

London Art House, Nov 29-Dec 24

Not so much a grotto as a whole mansion of Christmas fun, where receiving a gift from Santa (under nines only) is just one of many festive activities kids can get stuck into. Creative children can help the elves in their workshop, decorate biscuits in the Gingerbread Kitchen, and explore all sorts of play zones in the Garden of Winter Wonder, while adults stand on the sidelines with mince pies and mulled wine.

enchantedhouse.net

Winterville

Victoria Park, Dec 2-Jan 1

This new alternative Christmas theme park will have a huge kids' quarter where the little ones can play in the House of Fairy Tales, transform themselves into superheroes, and of course, visit Santa in his grotto. Other child-friendly attractions include and ice rink and roller disco, fairground rides, and a Spiegeltent which will host a panto version of Robin Hood and, on Tue Dec 23, a kids' rave from the Big Fish, Little Fish crew.

winterville.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto

Museum of London, Dec 6-23

Museum of London Docklands, Dec 6-23

Santa will be residing in traditional grottos at both of these London museums: the Museum of London's will be decked out like a 19th century walk, while at Docklands there will be a Victorian Sailortown vibe. Young visitors to either destination will meet Santa, have their photograph taken against a 19th century backdrop, and go home with a gift.

museumoflondon.org.uk

museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

Meet Penguin Father Fishmas

Sea Life London Aquarium, Dec 15-28

Santa resides near the North Pole, but his cuddly Antarctic cousin, Penguin Father Fishmas, will be hanging out with the London Aquarium’s colony of Gentoo penguins in the Penguin: Ice Adventure area for the festive season. Kids can learn penguin facts from daily talks and watch the lovable birds being fed.

visitsealife.com/london