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Victorian Santa's grotto

London Museum Docklands — Activity

  • Child in Sailor town gallery at London Museum Docklands

    Take a walk through Sailortown to meet Santa.

Various times

23 Dec 2025

Snow has fallen, the decorations are up, carols are being sung – it can only mean one thing.

Stroll through our Sailortown gallery decked out in festive decorations to meet Santa in his Dickensian-style grotto. And if you’ve been nice, you'll receive a gift!

Each ticket includes a memorable visit with Santa and an age-appropriate gift to take home. Inspired by traditional Victorian toys and games, these special presents are made from classic materials with minimal plastic.

At London Museum Docklands, we’re proud to reflect the rich and diverse culture of London, especially within our local community. We believe that Santa is for everyone, and it’s important to us that every child has the chance to see themselves represented in this magical experience.

Photography is allowed, so feel free to take a photo to capture the moment before exploring the museum.

Please check availability and book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price

For:
Families
How to attend:
In-person only
Good to know:
Adults don't need tickets, but must accompany children. Babes in arms are welcome to join their siblings without a ticket, but won't receive a present.
Duration:
15 mins
Concessions:

Some concessions may be available – read our policy

Need to know

Victorian Santa's grotto sessions run every 15 minutes between 9.45am – 4.15pm. The first two sessions are quiet sessions – more information about these sessions can be found below.

Each 15-minute session accommodates four children, and they will visit Santa in arrival order. Families who book multiple tickets can choose to go in separately or together.

Adults don't require tickets but must accompany children.

Babes in arms are welcome to join a session with their siblings without a ticket, but they won't receive a present.

We understand that visiting Santa can be overwhelming for some children, so we offer quiet, sensory-friendly sessions from 9.45am and 10am.

During these times, background music and other sounds are turned off to create a calm and welcoming environment, perfect for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to enjoy meeting Santa comfortably.

There are sensory stockings available to play with while you wait. Please ask one of Santa's helpers when you arrive at the grotto.

Our address is London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. We're just a few minutes away from Canary Wharf and West India Quay.

Check our need to know page to get the answers to all the frequently asked questions about visiting, facilities and accessibility.

While food and drink isn't permitted in the gallery, our family-friendly cafe is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. We have lunch boxes for kids, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.

You’ll also find our shop with a curated range of gifts and souvenirs, including posters, prints, toys, books and jewellery.

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Tags

Activity London Museum Docklands Families

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