4 alternatives for where to meet Father Christmas in and around London 2018
With Harrods having changed its Christmas Grotto to an invite-only event and LaplandUK slots going quickly on the date they were released, I’ve now heard several looking for alternative Father Christmas experiences in London. Here are some ideas I would suggest exploring:
1. Father Christmas at the Hall
The other year I was invited to review the Royal Albert Hall Father Christmas experience (see picture above)–Father Christmas at the Hall–and I left feeling it was a festive event with a historic twist. The historic setting and the magic of Royal Albert Hall made for a believable Father Christmas experience, which I felt was particularly good for school-aged children. This year’s experience will take visitors on an interactive journey through the Hall’s beautiful spaces where they will meet enchanting characters from the North Pole, including toy soldiers, fairies, workshop elves, toymakers, and Father Christmas. As part of the experience, there is also the opportunity to visit a pick n’ mix stand. Father Christmas at the Hall will run from 22 November to 22 December, and when I checked there was still availability for weekday slots.
2. Father Christmas at Hamleys
I was meant to review Father Christmas at Hamleys one year, but the experience ended up being sold out and I’ve noticed the slots for meeting Father Christmas at the Regent Street toy shop appear to be going fast this year too. I like the sound of the Hamleys Father Christmas experience because of the toy shop-setting and the children get to take part in seasonal activities in addition to meeting Father Christmas. Children will also leave with a special gift bag. The experience will be available from 24 November to 24 December, and there was still weekday availability when I checked.
3. Father Christmas at Crockford Bridge Farm
I’ve heard great things about the Father Christmas experience at Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey where visitors walk through a Christmas tree forests where they meet characters, and then at the end they get to meet Father Christmas in his log cabin. This is one I’ve been following for ticket release dates, and tickets are due to go on sale in early November. It’s also possible to add on a Christmas tree-cutting experience, as Crockford Bridge Farm is one of few venues in the South East to offer this opportunity to customers from late November.
4. Santa’s Grotto at Wyevale Garden Centres
For something different, I’ve also been contacted by Wyevale Garden Centres, which offers Santa’s Grotto experiences in various locations. There is a Wyevale Garden Centre in Osterley, for example, and there children can come along, meet Father Christmas and receive a present. This experience is recommended for children aged 3 to 8 years, and tickets can be booked online. Santa’s Grotto at Wyevale Garden Centre in Osterley will be open from 17 November to 24 December.
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