It’s nearly December, which can only mean one thing - Santa is coming.

Despite being a very busy man he's going to be putting in appearances at various places in our area over the next few weeks.

We have a list of where you can find him in the different grottos that his elves are setting up.

Kew Gardens - November 22 to January 1

Kew Gardens is the perfect place to take the whole family, whether you want to sit on Santa’s knee or not. From November 22 to January 1, between 5pm and 10pm, the Royal Botanic Garden will be transformed into an after-dark light show. As well as watching the mesmerising lights, you can spot Santa and his elves along the festive trail.

Squire's Garden Centre - Twickenham - Every weekend from now until Christmas

Santa swapped his traditional sleigh for a Routemaster Bus when he arrived at Squire’s Garden Centre in Twickenham last weekend. Tickets cost £5 per child, which includes a gift, and Squire’s will donate £1 from every ticket to their charity of the year ‘Richmond Carers Centres’. There’s no need to book, simply turn up on the day.

The Glades, Bromley - Open until December 24

The Glades has so many amazing Christmas events happening this year and of course Santa is dropping by to say hello. Visit ADVENTureland and see Santa and his elves before the big day. Your adventure will culminate in meeting Santa, where you can take your own pictures. Children will leave with a souvenir, certificate and sticker from Santa.

Bluewater - Open until December 24

It is not just a magical grotto at Bluewater this year, treat the little ones to a festive journey. They will be welcomed by Mr Crumb the Christmas Chef and will be magically transformed into elves to help Mr Crumb make a gingerbread man. Then they will enjoy creating a tree decoration with Mrs Claus in her magical craft room, then meet the man himself and receive a lovely soft toy to take home.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - Open until January 1

Christmas at Hyde Park is always a huge deal. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, and for children there is Santa Land, where they can meet Santa in his very festive grotto. And don’t forget about all the Christmas shows once you’ve met the man of the hour. Winter Wonderland is open every day except Christmas Day.

Greenwich Wintertime Festival - December 1 to December 31

This December, Santa will be flying his sleigh into the beautiful grounds of the Old Naval College to provide a captivating and unique theatrical performance at his very own Christmas Launch Pad.

Battersea Park Zoo - December 2 to 10 and 15 to 24

Explore Santa’s animal lair at Battersea Park Zoo, where you can tell him what you want for Christmas, have you picture taken and receive a small gift and Christmas treat.

Painshill Park, Cobham, Surrey - December 2 to 24

Find Santa’s beautiful Crystal Grotto at Painshill Park. Pick up an activity pack at the Christmas Wishing Tent, and then follow the elves to share your wishes and receive a gift from Santa surrounded by shining stalactites.

Eddie Catz, Wimbledon - December 16 to 23

Santa's made his base in a playcentre at Eddie Catz in Wimbledon. Write a letter to Santa with his elves, make a bag of reindeer food for Rudolph, receive a luxury plush toy from Father Christmas in person plus a framed photo of your child's visit.

Hobbledown, Epsom - Nov 25 – Dec 24.

The Traditional Christmas grotto returns for another year of festive fun and general merriment with Santa. The price includes a gift, personalised souvenir photo keyring and candy cane, plus as many photos as you'd like to take with Santa.

Chessington World of Adventures - December 2-3, 9-10, 18-24.

Visit Chessington's Winter Tail and enjoy a festive day out with the animals, Santa and the Gruffalo. For a day ticket you can do special Gruffalo activities and go on selected rides, entry to Santa's grotto, receive an early gift, entry to the zoo and the SEA LIFE centre.

Ruxley Manor - November 27 - December 1

Take a very special journey through the magical Christmas Grotto, where you will be greeted by our Elves and Mother Christmas who will guide you through our enchanting Christmas experience.

Make Father Christmas’ very own secret, magical reindeer feed to sprinkle across your lawn on Christmas Eve.

Lewisham Shopping Centre - December 1 to 24

Last year, Santa's specially decorated Gingerbread House cost just £5.99 to enter, and this year the cost is yet to be confirmed, however this is a festive treat which will not blow the budgets of families over the Christmas period. Each child visiting the Santas Grotto at Lewisham Shopping Centre will receive a free gift as a memento of their special time with Father Christmas. 

Pollhill Garden Centre - November 25 to December 24

This is selling out really quickly so If you are planning to go book fast. The unique Experience will create magical memories to last a lifetime!
This year, children will enter Santa's Magical Grotto in Groups of up to 15 children per session.
Each child will receive one Present suitable for their age.

For Grottos around the country visit - https://www.opening-times.co.uk/publications/find-santa-s-grottos-in-london-this-christmas/

We will continue to add to the list as we get more information