5 Ways Santa's Grotto Just Got Better for 2026

Santa's Grotto returns to FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden this year, running from 14 November to 24 December 2026. Step off Long Acre and into a floor full of snow-dusted trees, twinkling lights and the hum of Santa's workshop. Then it's a few magical minutes with Santa, the whole family together.

This year brings a calmer pace, a printed photo for every child, and a brand new Sensory option alongside the usual festive favourites. Five changes stand out for 2026, each shaping a different part of the visit.

1. A photo and a gift with every ticket

Every Santa's Grotto ticket now includes a 6x4 print, made by the House of Photography team inside the Grotto room and handed to you before you leave. There's nothing extra to pay at the till. Every child also takes home a teddy to remember the day by.

The £37 ticket price already covers three minutes with Santa, a printed photo, a gift, and the full 30-minute session on the floor, with more games and activities laid on this year. If you'd like extra copies, a larger size, or want to turn the day into a proper keepsake, the team can make an instax™ print or photo gift for you in store during your visit.

Book your Santa's Grotto session in Covent Garden today.

2. Smaller, calmer sessions

Each session is now capped at six families, so there are never more than six in the experience at any one time. Santa meets each family on their own, and the three-minute slot and 30-minute session length haven't changed.

While one family is with Santa, everyone else is in the workshop, where children can try the games and craft activities laid on for them. Weekend and evening slots fill up fastest, so booking ahead is worth doing rather than turning up on the day.

3. What's included, and what's optional

Every child's ticket includes free entry for up to two adults, on top of the Santa visit, the photo and the gift that now come as standard.

Photo gifts, larger prints and extra copies stay optional, available to add in store on the day or afterwards if you'd like them.

4. Sensory Santa's Grotto, new for 2026

Sensory Santa's Grotto is new for 2026, open to any family who'd like a gentler pace. There are two dedicated dates: Saturday 21 November and Tuesday 15 December.

The changes run through the whole session:

•   The music is switched off and voices stay low.

•   Lighting is dimmed, with no flashing or strobe effects.

•   Quiet, tactile toys and a calm corner with cushions are set out for anyone who needs a break.

Pricing, the two free adult places, and the standard booking terms all carry across from the regular Santa's Grotto sessions. It's the same warm welcome from Santa and the team, just at a slower, quieter pace.

Choose a Sensory Santa's Grotto date.

5. Longer opening hours through the week

Opening hours have been extended for 2026. Thursday to Saturday, sessions run from 10am to 8pm, with last entry at 7.30pm. Monday to Wednesday, it's 10am to 7pm, and Sundays run from 12pm to 6pm. In the final week before Christmas, hours stretch further still, up to 8.30pm.

Other things to enjoy on the day

The 30-minute session leaves plenty of time either side of Santa himself, and there's more to do in the workshop this year:

•   Children's books with stickers.

•   Festive craft activities, including making your own Christmas decorations.

•   Photo opportunities with instax™ cameras.

•   Writing a letter to Santa.

Staff are on hand throughout, and the welcome from the team and Santa himself makes the visit feel personal.

Photo bundles available after your session

Your 6x4 print is included in the ticket. If you'd like the digital images or a larger print as well, two bundles can be bought in store once your session is over.

Planning your visit

Santa's Grotto is on the first floor at 8-9 Long Acre, Covent Garden, a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square tube stations. The building is wheelchair accessible with a lift. You can book up to five children per booking, and anyone supervising the group needs to be 18 or over. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekend and evening slots.

Find more on getting here on our visit page, including full terms and conditions for Santa's Grotto.

FAQs

Is a photo included in the Santa's Grotto ticket?

Yes. Every ticket now includes a 6x4 print of your child with Santa, made by the team and handed to you on the day. Extra copies, larger prints and photo gifts can be added in store.

Is there a santa grotto near me in London?

Santa's Grotto runs at FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden, on the first floor at 8-9 Long Acre. It's a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square tube stations.

What is Sensory Santa's Grotto?

Sensory Santa's Grotto is a quieter version of the regular session, with the music off, lighting dimmed, no flashing effects, and quiet tactile toys available. It runs on two dates in 2026, Saturday 21 November and Tuesday 15 December, and any family can book it.

Can I buy a gift voucher for Santa's Grotto in Covent Garden?

FUJIFILM School gift vouchers make a good Christmas present and can be put towards courses, walks, workshops and experience days at the House of Photography through the year. In-store gift cards can also be bought on the day if you'd like to give the gift of photography.

Book your Santa's Grotto session

Book your Santa's Grotto session in Covent Garden, or choose Sensory Santa's Grotto if a quieter pace suits your family better. Sessions run from 14 November to 24 December 2026 and tend to fill up fastest at weekends, so it's worth booking ahead. Looking for a present rather than a ticket? A FUJIFILM School gift voucher makes an easy stocking filler for the photographer in the family, and visit the House of Photography homepage to see what else is on this Christmas.