This Christmas, Londoners are invited to step inside a world of festive wonder as The Grotto opens its doors in the capital for the very first time.
Launching at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, the much-loved immersive Santa experience will welcome children – young and old – from later this month.
Since 2020, The Grotto has been enchanting families across the UK and beyond, with previous sell-out festive seasons in Manchester and Dubai. Its London debut brings this beloved, story-led Christmas experience to North London, with a beautifully designed journey through the North Pole brought to life through sight, sound, and snow.
Families are invited to join Santa’s Cheer Task Force – a team of festive heroes led by Cinnamon, Giggleberry, and Chestnut the Elves – on a mission to fill the magical Cheer-o-Meter high enough to power Santa’s sleigh.
Children will wander down Candy Cane Lane to write and post their wish-list letters to Father Christmas, continue through the Enchanted Forest filled with twinkling lights and softly falling snow, and become part of the story at every step.
In the heart of North London, visitors will meet busy elves in the Merry Mailroom before being welcomed into Santa’s Cabin for a one-to-one moment and keepsake photo, a true taste of Christmas magic.
The Grotto experience opens on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Tickets are on sale now at www.thegrotto.co.uk/london, priced from £27 per child (including a gift) and £9.50 per adult, with free entry for babies under 12 months and carers.
The Grotto will be housed in a specially transformed space within Brent Cross, glittering with candy colours, twinkling lights, and festive surprises around every corner. A dedicated “Whispering Winter” session is also available for children with autism, sensory sensitivities, or additional needs, offering a calmer, low-stimulus environment so every family can enjoy the experience.
“Bringing The Grotto to London has been a dream of ours,” said Robyn Isherwood, Co-Founder of The Grotto. “We’ve poured everything into the design and build of this experience, from the handcrafted sets to the smallest sensory details. It’s been created to feel cinematic yet intimate, where every corner tells a story and every visitor feels completely immersed in the magic of Christmas.”
Amy Morris, Co-Founder of The Grotto, added: “For us, The Grotto is about more than meeting Santa, it’s about creating unforgettable moments for families through performance, storytelling and play. Every scene and every character interaction has been designed to make children feel part of the story – the heroes of their own North Pole adventure.”
