Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a friendly visit to see Santa in his grotto with his helping elves, so we’ve compiled a guide for where you can stop by and say hello. Don’t forget to check out our special offers on train tickets to get the most value out of your journey. Kids travel for £2 on weekends and school holidays!
Travel from Southend to London return for £12.10 with our Online Advance tickets
Santaland at Winter Wonderland
- 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
Winter Wonderland is back this year with plenty to do for the whole family, including lots of family rides and a chance to meet Santa in his grotto. Keep your eyes peeled for Santa’s parade which is happening on specific days in November and December.
With plenty of kids’ rides, festive eateries and the chance to meet Santa himself, Santaland is the ultimate enchanting day out for all the family. Entrance to the grotto is free but you must purchase tickets for Winter Wonderland. Entry is free during off-peak hours and from £5 per person for peak hours.
- Nearest c2c station: West Ham, then Jubilee Line to Green Park, then Piccadilly Line to Knightsbridge
Wish Upon A Star, Westfield Stratford City
- 8 December – 24 December 2023
This Christmas, Westfield Stratford City in partnership with Disney’s Wish will host an enchanting grotto for families to experience over the festive season. The magical ‘Wish Upon A Star” experience gives kids the chance to make a wish and send it on a star before actually meeting Santa in his sleigh. Each kid will also receive a Christmas gift from Santa himself! The experience is free and walk-ins are welcome, but ticket holders do get priority, read more and book here.
- Nearest c2c station: Stratford
The Magic of Christmas, London Zoo
- 25 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Little ones can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the Zoo and receive a special early Christmas gift to take home. There’s also a vibrant family trail filled with festive-themed animal talks, marshmallow toasting and a Giant Animal Advent Calendar. There’s no shortage of Christmas fun – visit the Polar Post Room where you can write a letter to Santa which will be specially delivered to him by the magical elves!
- Nearest c2c station: Fenchurch Street, then head to Bank and catch the Northern line to Camden Town.
Adventure Inside Wonderland at Adventure Island, Southend
- 2 – 24 December 2023*
Adventure Inside at Adventure Island is packed full of Christmas magic. Visit Father Christmas in his magical village called Christmasville. Receive a special ticket to choose a toy from the selection in the Christmas Toy store, entry for one free adult to join a little one to see Father Christmas, each kid also gets a free round of gold, free Sealife entry, plus even more freebies. There’s plenty of Christmas cheer to go around this season and you don’t want to miss it!
- Nearest c2c station: Southend Central
Christmas Wonderland, Lakeside shopping centre
- 15 November 2023 – 3 January 2024
There will be rides, skating, food and drink and lots more for visitors to enjoy at Lakeside this year. Guests will be able to explore their festive Christmas Market, get a birds eye view on the Giant Wheel or go ice skating on the largest ice rink outside of London. Ring-in the festive season at Lakeside with the family!
- Nearest c2c station: Chafford Hundred
Great savings when you buy online
Make sure to nab the best savings with a GroupSave offer valid on all off-peak tickets (weekends and weekdays), or book ahead online in advance and save on off-peak weekday ticket too. Bargain!
