which is the best santa's grotto in london?

[kleist]

I really want to take my Santa-obsessed 3-year-old to a grotto this Christmas. Anyone know of a specially good one?

I went to one in Stratford shopping centre last year. I thought it was really good, DS got to ride on a sleigh and then meet FC. He was fascinated.

Traditionally, Harrod's is one of the most popular places. But, it is hugely crowded.

I took dd last year. We got there about 12.30 (came straight from nursery), and the number of people waiting was ludicrous. We waited almost 3 hours to see Santa! When we finally exited about 3:00, the lines were much shorter. So, I would gamble on going about 2.30 when the nursery kids have already been, but the older children have not yet arrived. If you go, definitely go with more than one adult, so that one of you can wait on line while the other wanders around with the kids killing time...

Would love to hear of any other places that might be better....

Two years agao we were shoppiung in John Lewis Oxford Street adn a Santa just appeared in teh Toy dept - it was great , really relaxed and not scary for the children at all. He had a proper chat with them adn they both got really nice presseis. I reccommend ringing JL and seeing if there is anything planned in a simialr vein. No queques either!

Thanks!

Any other suggestions?

Not quite London, but have taken DS to Watford Harlequin centre the past couple of years, and has been great.

Selfridges was always the famous one but haven't been for years. They used to have a grotto and Santa at London Zoo, not sure if they're doing it this year. They do have reindeer though!

any more?

No idea about a Santa's grotto at Selfridge's, but would guess not based on their current Christmas windows. I went by last week, and was stunned to see truly awful Christmas disco bling nightclub scenes that appeal to I can't imagine who....

any more grotto advice?

lockets - what time of day were you there, and how long did you have to wait to see Father Christmas?

That sounds a great option, lockets, thanks! Although dd virtually hyperventilates at even the mention of the word 'Hamleys'!