Santa's London Grottos

Nope, he's not in the North Pole in the run up to Christmas, you can spot him around and about London.

Farther Christmas can be found in just some of the eye catching grottos across town and if don't have kids, you'll definitely want to borrow some, just as an excuse to pop in and give him your wish list.

We have put together some of the best places to see the big guy.

If you really need an excuse to get yourself down to Westfield then this could be it. At Santa’s Wish Kingdom in Westfield London all your little darlings can meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas and enjoy a 3D inter-active seasonal experience to boot. All donations taken will go to Capital’s Help a London Child so it's for a great cause too.

Santa will be hanging out at his legendary Grotto in Harrods this Christmas . From November 3rd Santa will be in store to meet all the kids and listen to their Christmas wishes. Expect it to get busy and loads of classic Christmas decorations to keep you in the spirit.

Santa’s Grotto at Selfridges is another great afternoon out for the kids. They'll get to meet Farther Christmas and all his North Pole helpers, ride on Santa’s Express and let the guy in red know what they want for Christmas. Not only that but it costs a mere £2 and all the money is going to charity.

Visit Santa in an animal Kingdom at the Wetland Centre in Barnes . Check out some of the wildlife as well as meeting Santa and walking away with a goodie bag. All for just £4 we think its great value for money.

A fantastic free day out near Christmas is the Christmas Merrie Day in Kingston Town Centre . A whole host of activities will be happening as well as music and Santa in his Grotto as the North Pole descends on Kingston on 7th December.

Between the 20th and 30th December Father Christmas is coming to Docklands . Kids can drop in for a chat and tell him about their Christmas hopes and dreams.

If the idea of tinsel and fake beards is already making your stomach turn head down to one of these great alternative events.

We love doing our bit for the world but at Christmas it can be hard with all the wrapping paper, greetings cards and cheap sweatshop made stocking fillers. If you have a conscience this season then head on down to the Ethical Christmas Emporium at the Bargehouse in the Oxo Tower on Southbank.
While you're there you be entertained by a Youth Club Choir and a green Santa Clause, while browsing the ethical gifts and tasting fair trade treats.

If Christmas all together makes you feel quite 'bah humbug!' then something happening at the London Dungeons from 7th December will most definitely put a smile on your face. You can visit Satan (yep that's right) in his holiday hideaway. Sell your soul to the devil this festive season and receive a gift in exchange. Expect giant evil snowmen, elves on a spit roast and a boiled kidnapped Santa in a witch’s cauldron. A great escape from the Christmas shoppers and a traditional Christmas experience.