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If you’re visiting London at Christmas with young children and looking for something festive without the crowds and chaos, Santa in the Sky on the London Eye is a truly magical experience.
We recently experienced Santa in the Sky as a family, and it’s one of those rare Christmas activities that feels special, calm, and genuinely designed with young kids in mind.
What Is Santa in the Sky?
Santa in the Sky is a seasonal Christmas experience run on the London Eye, where families are invited into a private pod to meet Santa while enjoying breathtaking views of London dressed up for the festive season.
Each pod includes:
- A suitably convincing Santa and Elf
- Festive storytelling
- A small gift for each child
- An interactive landmark spotting challenge
- A slow, gentle rotation around London’s skyline
Because the pods are small, the experience feels intimate and unrushed, which makes a huge difference for little ones. However it gets better – the experience actually starts with a meet and greet with Mrs Claus in her cosy ‘departure lounge’ in County Hall. This dual aspect adds to the value for money and is the perfect warm up for the big event.
Our Personal Santa in the Sky Review
We experienced Santa in the Sky as a three-generation outing — taking our three-year-old daughter along with my mum — and from the moment we arrived, it genuinely felt like a VIP Christmas experience. We were met by wonderfully warm, highly trained actors posing as Mrs Claus and a friendly elf, who stayed with us throughout and made everything feel calm, organised, and special.
One of the biggest highlights was dodging the queues entirely. Everything was perfectly timed — no waiting around, no rushing — just a quiet sense of your carriage awaits. We were escorted straight through, and honestly, it felt a bit like being royalty.
Once inside the pod, the experience became even more magical. We love London, and seeing it from above at Christmas felt incredibly special. Santa pointed out iconic landmarks like Big Ben, The Shard, Nelson’s Column, and Buckingham Palace, making it feel like a very London experience rather than just a generic Santa visit.
I had been slightly worried that my three-year-old might feel nervous about the height, but Father Christmas was such a reassuring presence that she was completely at ease. He kept her gently engaged and distracted throughout, and any nerves disappeared almost immediately.
It was calm, personal, and beautifully thought-out — exactly the kind of festive experience that works wonderfully for young children (and the more mature grandparent) and makes parents feel relaxed too.
Is Santa in the Sky Good for Young Children?
Yes — this is one of the best Christmas experiences in London for toddlers and primary-school-aged children whilst also being still relevant and engaging for older siblings and adults.
Unlike busy grottoes or loud attractions:
- There’s no long queue inside
- The environment is calm and warm
- Kids aren’t rushed through
- Santa takes time to talk to each child
If your child is shy or easily overwhelmed, this experience is particularly well suited.
What Happens During the Experience?
After arrival at the London Eye VIP reception, families are met by an elf who takes them to Mrs Claus’s Departure Lounge – a cosy festive fireplace setting – to enjoy songs and stories, Santa letter writing and colouring. They are given a sweet treat and finally escorted to their pod at a scheduled time. Once inside:
- The pod begins its rotation over London
- Santa is inside the capsule for the whole trip.
- Children listen to festive stories and chat with Santa
- Each child receives a small gift
- Parents can enjoy incredible Christmas views of the city.
The whole experience lasts around an hour (30 mins in the pod) , which is the perfect length for young children.
Is Santa in the Sky Worth the Price?
Santa in the Sky is definitely a premium Christmas experience, but in our opinion, it’s worth it if:
- You want something memorable rather than chaotic
- You’re visiting London for Christmas
- You have young children who love Santa
- You value quality over quantity
It also makes a lovely one-off festive treat, especially if you’re already planning to visit the London Eye.
Tips Before You Book Santa in the Sky
- 🎟️ Book early — tickets sell out quickly
- ⏰ Choose a time close to sunset for the best views or early in the day for tired toddlers
- 🧣 Wear Layers – London may be cold but if the sun is shining the pods become quite warm
- 📸 Have your camera ready, the views are breathtaking!
Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend Santa in the Sky?
Absolutely. Santa in the Sky is one of the most magical and stress-free Christmas experiences for families in London.
If you’re looking for something special that your children will genuinely remember — without queues, noise, or crowds — this is a beautiful choice.
