Top 5 places to visit Santa

Want to take your little elf along to see Santa but don't know where to find him?

SELFRIDGES This year, you won't find Santa holed up in his grotto at Selfridges (so passé). Instead, he'll be taking part in Feast every weekend on the run up to Christmas, which means he'll be winding his way throughout the store with his 'Sweet Helpers', who'll be handing out treats and gifts galore.

There's also a gamut of activity in the Kids' section with puppet shows, gingerbread and marzipan decorating, and a Crayola colouring-in competition. Selfridges, Oxford Street, W1 (08708 370 470). Sat 13 & Sat 20 Dec, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, Sun 14 & Sun 21 Dec, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm.

BLUEWATER Father Christmas spotters need to head for the heart of the Water Circus, where singing animatronic animals are the main attraction at Santa's Grotto this year. There is also a Giving Tree, where shoppers can spread a little Christmas cheer by donating a gift to disadvantaged local children. Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent (0845 6021021). Visit to Santa plus gift £3.50, phone for times.

HARRODS Over in Knightsbridge, Mrs Christmas (Father Christmas's wife) has been busy baking gingerbreads. These animated characters from all over the world are on display near the entrance to Father Christmas's Grotto, so there's plenty to view as you queue. If you want to avoid the crowds, early mornings or late visits are recommended. Harrods, Knightsbridge, SW1 (020-7730 1234). Mon-Sun, entry to Father Christmas's Grotto free with free book and badge, photo with Father Christmas £9.95.

DAISY & TOM London's only department store dedicated to kids has come up with the clever idea of dodging queues by offering slots to see the man himself - just phone and book. They've also included a modern twist on the traditional theme with some Christmas rabbits in store (and you thought bunnies only came out at Easter? Tsk). Daisy & Tom, King's Road, SW3 (020 7352 5000). Father Christmas is in his grotto every day until Christmas Eve, Mon-Fri 1pm-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, Christmas Eve 10am-4pm, entry with gift £4, to book an appointment to visit Santa, call 020-7349 5800.

KEW GARDENS If you want to catch Father Christmas in his Winter Wooded Dell, point your compass in this direction. Making Spirits Bright is the theme for Kew's seasonal celebrations this year, and if you can't face braving the department-store crowds, this is the most picturesque way to catch a glimpse of Santa. Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey (020-8332 5655). www.kew.org.

Father Christmas visits on Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas, plus
Thur 18, Fri 19, Mon 22 and Tue 23 Dec, noon-3.45pm, £7.50, concs £5.50, child free.