Santa grotto... is it too early to mention this?

[dibden]

I just spent ages online looking for a santa grotto to visit in London this year. Im totally in it for the photo, but I really dont want to spend an arm and a leg on it. We dont need a 4D experience (westfield) or a elf brunch (the rainforest cafe)or a free one with a mile long queue (winter wonderland).

I looking for a good old meet santa, get a toy, get a photo of my scared kids with santa so we can laugh at it when they are older.

We did the horniman one year before last and it was only ok, a bit rushed, all over in a few minutes.

Any suggestions ?

[Convex]

watching with interest...

[standswithfist]

I found last year the Goodrich Fayre had santa - i may have queued for 20 mins with 2 kids and i love the photo and my daughter was really happy.

[JDR]

We've been to one at Greenwich market in the past. The Elf who waits with you is great entertainment and Santa had a real beard!

[dibden]

I have since found this.

Santa Grotto in the Museum of London's Victorian walk.

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/whats-on/family-events/victorian-santas-grotto/

Tickets between ?7-9 per child (includes gift). Photographs available at an additional cost.

5, 6 & 12-23 December

Anyone been ?

[wellington]

We've been to the grotto at the Museum of London and enjoyed it. If it's really the photo you are after then I'd just go to one at a local school.

[twinsmom]

The fair at Dulwich college normally has a lovely Santa if you go early there is only a very short wait, low cost and includes a gift. Students are dressed as elves and entertain the kids while you wait. Friends of Dulwich College Christmas Fair, on Sunday 29th November 2015 from 10.30am-4pm.

[david_carnell]

Don't bother with the one in Dulwich Park. Massively overpriced and staffed either by lunatics or bored teenagers. Piss poor craft activities too.

[mummydaddyme]

Absolutely love the Santa experience at Ruxley Manor. There's a Christmas shop and I've rink there too. Can't fault it, we've been there for the last few years

[se15mum]

second david_carnell - whippersnappers is well avoided

[Jessicas429]

Apparently most of the ruxley manor slots had gone by September! Ditto places such as Harrods. We are going to one in Norfolk whilst visiting friends over December and that had limited slots left- in early October.

Big business apparently this year these grottos..

[esme]

Whippersnappers grotto in Dulwich Park :)

[esme]

I was reading about English Heritage events the other day, think we might try somewhere further afield

[se15mum]

the shrek experience at Westfield is good fun we went today, note no proper present from father christmas but he experience is great, and for 2/3 of what you pay in Dulwich Whippersnappers i thought it was much better

[alaska721]

We took my daughter to Whippersnappers last years and I have to say we were really disappointed. We found it quite disorganised and a bit shabby.

Last week we went the Harrods' Grotto and we loved it. It had that "magical" touch and only cost ?10.

[esme]

www.east dulwichmummy.com has events listed - there is a family event coming up on Sunday 13 Dec...