Latest Update
John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party is back for Christmas 2026, with festive sessions taking place at selected stores from 4–24 December 2026. Exact dates and times vary by store.
There is an early-booking window too: tickets are exclusive to My John Lewis members from 26 August to 28 September 2026. From 28 September, booking opens to all customers. John Lewis recommends booking in advance because availability is not guaranteed and sessions can sell quickly.
Overview
Rather than a traditional walk-through grotto, Santa’s Tea Party combines a festive tea-party experience with story time and a Santa meet-and-greet. Children get cocoa and a festive snack, enjoy story time with Santa and his elves, receive a gift and have some individual family time with Santa. Adults receive a hot drink and a slice of cake.
John Lewis is working with Eskimo Jo Events to deliver its 2026 Santa experiences, so you may see the Eskimo Jo name during booking or in confirmation emails.
What’s Included?
- Story time with Santa and his elves
- Cocoa and a festive snack for children
- A hot drink and slice of cake for adults
- Individual family time with Santa
- An age-appropriate Plus-Plus or Plus-Plus BIG gift with each full-price child ticket
- The chance to take your own photographs when meeting Santa
Dates
Santa’s Tea Parties take place in participating John Lewis stores between 4 and 24 December 2026. Start and finish dates differ between stores, and individual session times are shown during booking.
Tickets & Prices
- Child: £25 + £2.50 booking fee
- Adult: £8 + 80p booking fee
The child price includes cocoa, a festive snack and a gift. The adult price includes a hot drink and cake. Payment is required in full when booking.
Tickets are generally non-refundable. John Lewis says changes to another available date or time may be possible in exceptional circumstances, and an optional Ticket Refund Protection Plan may be offered when booking.
Check Santa’s Tea Party availability and booking information at John Lewis.
John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party Locations 2026
Participating stores listed by John Lewis are:
Bluewater, Brent Cross, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cheadle, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Kingston, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Reading, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford, Welwyn and White City.
London & South East Locations
For London families, the most useful options include Brent Cross, Kingston, Stratford and White City. Bluewater in Kent is another handy option for families travelling from South East London and the surrounding area.
What Age Is Santa’s Tea Party For?
John Lewis describes the experience as suitable for children aged 18 months to 10 years, although babies and children of all ages are welcome.
A baby under 12 months accompanying a paying sibling can attend free without a ticket if they do not require a gift. If the baby is attending without a paying sibling, or you would like them to receive a gift, a full child ticket is required.
Accessibility & SEN
John Lewis states that there is full disability access throughout the experience. Registered carers can receive one free carer ticket for each paying child who requires care. These bookings need to be arranged with the event customer service team with proof of entitlement.
Special needs groups and school parties can also contact the event team to discuss their visit and any specific requirements. Guide dogs are welcome, although other dogs cannot attend the Tea Party.
If your child has additional needs, it may be worth contacting the organiser before booking to ask about anything specific to your chosen store or session, including seating, sensory requirements or other adjustments. You can also browse our Accessibility & SEN hub for more family planning information.
Food, Allergies & Dietary Requirements
Each paying guest receives a drink and snack as part of the experience. John Lewis asks visitors not to bring their own food and drink into Santa’s Tea Party.
If someone in your group has special dietary requirements, contact the event customer service team before attending. John Lewis says the team will do its best to accommodate dietary needs.
Practical Information
Santa’s Tea Parties are held in The Place to Eat or Platter, depending on the store. Visitors are asked to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their booked session. Latecomers may not be admitted because sessions cannot be delayed once they begin.
There is a buggy parking area, although buggies are left at the owner’s risk. John Lewis stores also have parent rooms with baby-changing facilities. E-tickets can be printed or shown on a mobile phone.
Why Book Early?
This is one of those Christmas experiences worth looking at before December arrives. John Lewis specifically warns that availability is not guaranteed and tickets can sell quickly, while the My John Lewis priority period gives members an early chance to secure their preferred store and session.
More Christmas Days Out
We’re building our Christmas 2026 coverage across London, the South East and beyond. Browse Travel & Days Out for more family attractions and seasonal ideas.
FAQ
When is John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party 2026?
Santa’s Tea Parties run at participating stores from 4–24 December 2026, although individual store dates and session times vary.
How much is John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party?
Tickets cost £25 per child plus a £2.50 booking fee and £8 per adult plus an 80p booking fee.
Does every child meet Santa?
Yes. John Lewis says each family group will have some individual time with Santa.
Does my child get a present?
Yes. Each full-price child ticket includes an age-appropriate Plus-Plus or Plus-Plus BIG gift, subject to availability.
Are carer tickets available?
Yes. John Lewis offers one free registered-carer ticket for each paying child who requires care. The booking must be arranged with the event customer service team and proof of entitlement is required.
Can we take photographs with Santa?
Yes, families are welcome to take their own photographs when meeting Santa.
Do I need to be a My John Lewis member?
My John Lewis members have exclusive booking access from 26 August to 28 September 2026. From 28 September, tickets are available for all customers.
Information checked against the official John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party page on 14 September 2026. Dates, availability and event details can change, so check your chosen store and booking confirmation before travelling.
