Santa Claus Is Coming to The Sidings This Christmas – And Grotto Tickets Are Free

Families can get into the festive spirit this Christmas as Santa Claus returns to The Sidings Shopping Centre, with free grotto tickets available from 28 November to 24 December 2026.

Located on the upper ground floor by the escalators, The Sidings Grotto promises a magical festive experience for children and families, offering the chance to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes and enjoy the magic of the season.

Visitors can look forward to a festive setting filled with Christmas cheer, with Santa and his merry elves ready to welcome little ones throughout the run-up to Christmas. Every child who visits will also receive a special free gift from Santa, making it an extra-special experience for young visitors. A small booking fee of £1.00 per child applies, and all funds raised by this £1.00 charge will be used to buy presents for children at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE

The festive fun doesn’t stop at the grotto! The Sidings will also be hosting a series of free Christmas craft workshops, giving families the chance to get creative and make their own seasonal decorations and festive keepsakes. Running from 11am to 4pm on selected dates in December, the workshops offer a fun activity for children and families to enjoy during the Christmas countdown.

The workshop programme includes:

• Saturday 12 December: Design and create your own Christmas card.
• Saturday 19 December: Create your own mini wreath decoration.
• Monday 21 December: Decorate and fill your own bauble.
• Tuesday 22 December: Create your own decoration using wooden shapes and pipe cleaners.
• Wednesday 23 December: Decorate your own wooden “Santa Stop Here” sign.
• Thursday 24 December: Make your own reindeer food.

With a different festive activity on each date, there’s plenty of opportunity for young visitors to get creative and take home something special they’ve made themselves. They’ll also be a letter to Santa station and post-box available on 12, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026.

Whether families are visiting Santa, joining a craft workshop, starting their Christmas shopping or enjoying a festive day out, The Sidings is offering plenty of opportunities to make magical Christmas memories this year.

Santa’s Grotto

• Dates: 28 November – 24 December 2026
• Location: Upper ground floor, by the escalators, The Sidings Shopping Centre
• Tickets: Free, with booking required
• Special treat: Every child receives a gift from Santa

Free Christmas Craft Workshops

• Dates: 12, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026
• Time: 11am – 4pm
• Location: Upper ground floor, by the escalators, The Sidings Shopping Centre
• Cost: Free

Families are encouraged to plan their visit and book grotto tickets in advance.