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.
What to Expect
A festive grotto celebration centering Black British culture and positive representation.
Event Details
Duration
Each workshop tour lasts 90 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Shoreditch
Organizer
Noir Kringle Ltd
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with babies and children up to 8
Vibe
Magical and inclusive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- 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. – Get tickets
- Hours: 11:30 am for the relaxed/SEND sessions.
- 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.
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.
Quick Actions
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.
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