Illustration of Santa reading a storybook to children sitting on cushions beside a decorated tree (The Black Santa's Grotto Experience)
Other Christmas Activities

The Black Santa's Grotto Experience

Families step into Santa’s workshop surrounded by twinkling presents, stockings, and letters to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas celebrating Black British culture. Visitors join Mrs. Kringle and her helpers to make reindeer food with her secret recipe and participate in a mini Elf School workshop. Children can share their Christmas wish lists with Mr. Kringle, take a photo with him, and receive a special gift.

All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

My First Christmas Experience (0-12 months): £32-£35; child Experience aged 1 to 12 years: £37-£42; additional adult ticket: £17.50; Under 1's Experience ticket (accompanying entry only): free; group bookings: £460-£560.

Hours

11:30 am for the relaxed/SEND sessions.

Neighborhood

Shoreditch

Parking

No car parking is available.

Accessibility

The main event space is fully wheelchair accessible for the first hour, but the final area involves a short flight of stairs.

Location

The Old Shoreditch railway ticket hall · 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP, London Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with babies and children up to 8

Vibe

Magical and inclusive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive ten minutes before your slot, because nobody is let in once the session has started.
  • Print your tickets rather than relying on your phone, so a flat battery or poor signal doesn't cause problems at the door.
  • Check every name and detail on your booking before 12 November, because no changes can be made after that and gaps can affect your child's personalised experience.
  • Buy tickets only through the Noir Kringle website, because tickets offered by other sites or individuals may be fraudulent.
  • Book early, because tickets are online only, demand is high and earlier seasons have sold out.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Relaxed/SEND sessions on Thursday 17, Sunday 20 and Tuesday 22 December have reduced lighting, lower volume, a rest space and smaller groups.
  • New this year: Noir Kringle Golden Coins, limited-edition gold-plated coins you buy in advance and collect when you arrive, first come, first served.
  • New this year: a free Under 1's ticket for a baby in arms who comes with a paying child or First Christmas ticket.
  • Ticket holders can buy a personalised invitation from Mr and Mrs Kringle, with a magic key and a NICE stamp. It is an extra and does not get you in.
  • Ticket holders can pre-book a photo with Santa, which comes as a print plus a digital copy.

Links & Contact

Run by Noir Kringle Ltd

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the grotto for?

Believers of all ages, from a baby's first Christmas upwards. The activities are aimed at young babies up to about 8, but older children have come before and loved it. The grotto is designed for families who value positive Black representation, inclusion and diversity.

What happens during the visit?

Mrs Kringle and her helpers guide you through the grotto. Children make reindeer food with her secret recipe and do a mini Elf School workshop. Then they meet Mr Kringle, the Black Santa, share their Christmas list and have a photo. Every child gets a special gift and takes home their workshop creations.

Will our time with Santa be private?

The first part is shared with a group of up to 22 children. You then meet Santa in a smaller group of up to 11. If you book the group ticket (Genius Gingerbreads), your time with Santa is private.

Do babies need a ticket?

Yes, everyone needs a ticket. A free Under 1's ticket covers a baby in arms who comes along with a paying child or First Christmas ticket. That ticket doesn't include a gift or workshop creations. If you want your baby to take part, book the My First Christmas Experience ticket.

Can I buy tickets on the door?

No. All tickets must be bought online in advance, and only from the Noir Kringle website.

Browse Christmas in Islington

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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