Monday to
Saturday
8AM – 8PM
Sunday
9AM – 7PM
The Sidings,
Waterloo Station,
London SE1 7BH
After 00:00, enter via the Curve, next to the Leeke Street arches, off York Road.
The Sidings Launches a Magical, Completely Free Christmas Grotto for Families
This December, The Sidings is unwrapping a festive treat for families: a brand-new Santa’s Grotto experience that’s 100% free for all visitors. At a time when the cost of Christmas is climbing, the centre is giving back to the community by making the ultimate festive experience accessible to everyone.
Located on the upper ground floor, the grotto invites children to step into a cosy, enchanting Christmas setting. Young visitors can meet Santa and his cheerful elves, share their wish lists, and leave with a special gift to take home. Official pictures with Santa will be charged separately. Warm lighting and whimsical décor help transform the space into a joyful escape, perfect for families looking to embrace the spirit of the season.
The excitement doesn’t stop at Santa’s Grotto. Families can explore even more festive fun through The Sidings’ Free Christmas Trail, designed to keep little adventurers engaged as they tour the centre. Children can search for hidden Christmas-themed pictures, each containing a secret letter. Once the mystery word is solved, they can redeem a free shiny gold coin at one of several participating venues, including:
Adding to the holiday atmosphere, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree has been installed near Sainsbury’s. Throughout December, local school choirs will perform on select dates by the tree, offering a heart-warming soundtrack to the season’s celebrations.
