Visiting London week before Christmas, where can we meet Santa?

[2anddone]

Hi
We are coming to London for a couple of nights the week before Christmas to see the lights, head to south bank and visit winter wonderland. My Dc will be 11 and 8 and still believe, where can I take them in London to visit Santa please? I am not too worried about cost as know this will most likely be the last year for ds (he is now about to enter year 6 so secondary next year!)
I need a convincing Santa with real beard as all fake bearded Santas are only 'helpers' (Thanks Centre Parcs for the crappy pound land beard last year ) I have managed to find a convincing Santa to visit every year but don't even know where to start in London!
Is the one at Winter Wonderland any good? How about the department stores do they still have one?
Please help I am really hoping a convincing visit close to Christmas will get me through this year.
Thank you

[LaurieFairyCake]

The Harrods one is really good. Costs £5 last time I went but it was redeemable. Giant chocolate coin given.

[2anddone]

Do you know when booking for Santa opens? I thought I had read somewhere last year that only reward card holders could book to see him at Harrods?
Failing that has anyone been to see Santa at Hyde park winter wonderland?

[augustwashout]

dont wish to rain on your parade but I cant go near london for santa. Harrods has shut people out with its reward card thing and selfidges doesn't do it

[SliceOfLime]

London zoo! We've been the last two years and it's good fun, two trips in one as you get to visit the zoo too.

[SliceOfLime]

Can't comment on the quality of his beard though, I can't remember in that much detail. The zookeepers dressed as elves are pretty good though!

[augustwashout]

what a great idea I never knew LZ did santa?

I love LZ and I expect you get the real reindeer too?

[Muddlingalongalone]

Is Hamleys too young for them? They do a breakfast or tea (mine are too young to justify the price!)
Harrods was superb but I think getting a slot in the week before Christmas is practically impossible with the cardholder spend.
I think there is one at winter Wonderland too?

[augustwashout]

sold out apparently LZ when do they go on sale??

[LittleReindeerwithcloggson]

If you want somewhere really special do Lapland uk. Not London but in Windsor so close enough

[candyfloss88]

I took my then 5 year old to winter wonderland last year. The santa there was really good and they took photos (you have to pay for) which look amazing. Really good if your not bothered about the present as they gave a small plastic watch toy but can't complain as it was free. Santa's only there at certain times though

[Catanddogmake6]

Rainforest cafe do it. Actually the quality of FC was really good when we did it years ago. The restaurant is an acquired taste and cost overall not very cheap but you do get 1 on 1 with FC and didn't feel rushed and decent pressies - think it was a book and substantial cuddly penguin. They are booking now. Unfortunately eldest DD finds London too much so looking for other ideas.

[soundsystem]

The Muesum of London Docklanfs was the best one we found last year. You need to book, but not sure when booking opens. Department stores here are pretty rubbish for Santas!

[SnotGoblin]

Canary Wharf is about the only place that dues a Santa. Two quid a kid and Santa gives them a book. I queued for almost three hours last year..

[fryingtoday]

Kew Gardens - there will be a magical light trail too. And hot toddies - what more can you ask for?!!

[nancy75]

The London Zoo santa isn't sold out, it's not being advertised yet. If you look at the dates on the page that comes up it is for last year.
Most places start to release Santa tickets in September (that's when Harrods does it)

[dogdinner]

The one in whitleys shopping centre is usually great.
What about the zoo? They have reindeer and stuff not sure on the quality of beard though.

[nancy75]

A lovely place to go is Kew - tickets are on sale already here
It's not central but very easy to get to on the tube. The stuff is all in the evening so you can have the day in London and then go over to Kew in the evening. more info

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

I know Westfields did a Grotto and had a screen where you made a video of yourself.

Hamleys is a nightmare at Christmas, the queues to even get in, let alone up the stairs are horrendous.
Winter Wonderland got busier,muddier and ££ every time we went.
We went to Kew Gardens on the first year it did the Lighted Walk. It was pouring with rain (hey it was December) but not as lit or magical as we hoped.

What about a film at the IMAX?
Or there's the Peacock Theatre / Sadlers Wells?

[TelephoneTree]

Oh hang on - I just saw something on facebook about harrods registration date for the grotto...

[TelephoneTree]

Here!

mobile.harrods.com/mt/www.harrods.com/style-insider/news/ss16/harrods-christmas-grotto-2016?un_jtt_v_ucontrol_redirect=true&un_jtt_redirect