3 London family Christmas experiences to book early
1. Harrods Christmas Grotto
Every September I start worrying about having missed the release date for tickets to the Harrods Christmas Grotto. I first didn’t think people planned Christmas in the first weeks of term, but it turns out they do–and Harrods Christmas Grotto slots go quickly. The Grotto experience will this year include an immersive journey to become an elf and a meeting with Father Christmas. The experience is free for under 3s and £10 per child 3 to 17, and there is a £10 minimum charge per booking. The Harrods Christmas Grotto is only open to book to reward cardholders who have used their card in the past 12 months before 13 September 2017, and the higher Harrods reward card tier the earlier access you get to booking slots. There will not be an option to walk-in. (I took the picture above after a Harrods Christmas Grotto gift in 2015)
2. Lapland UK
For the ultimate Father Christmas experience that doesn’t require flying the family for a day trip to Lapland in Finland, Lapland UK, located a stone throw from London on the Windsor Estate, is the place to go. Before the day, children receive personalised invitations to help Father Christmas in the toy factory, and on the day, families can enjoy a three and a half hour experience, taking them through a magical winterland where little ones meet elves, Father Christmas himself, see the toy factory, join in Father Christmas’s favourite sport of ice skating, receive a present, a photo from the meeting and more. Tickets,start from £65 per person and are now on sale. (The picture above was taken on our visit to Lapland UK in 2015)
3. Christmas at Kew
The magical after dark experience Christmas at Kew is another family favourite, and this event also gets booked up early. It is an evening event, which takes place after Kew Gardens close, and visitors get to go on a one-mile trail through the beautiful garden, experiencing a light show with laser beams, singing trees, giant baubles, a flickering Fire Garden and more. There are nine entry times to start the trail, and visitors can also enjoy festive food and drinks, Christmas shopping and meeting Santa and his elves in North Pole village. A children’s menu will be available in the cafés.
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