Guide

How to Write a Letter to Santa in the UK (Plus How to Get a Reply)

Published 31 October 2026.

Writing a letter to Santa is one of the oldest and loveliest Christmas traditions in the UK. It helps children think about what they really want, gives you a sneaky insight into their wish list and, if you post it in time, can even bring a reply. Here's how to do it, step by step.

When to write the letter

The best time is early to mid-November. That gives you time to:

• Find out what your child is hoping for while the shops still have stock
• Post it before Royal Mail's deadline for Santa replies (usually early December, so check the Royal Mail website for this year's exact date)
• Build excitement through Advent

Some families write it on the first weekend of November with hot chocolate and Christmas music on, which makes a tradition out of it.

The UK address for letters to Santa

Royal Mail runs a long-standing letters-to-Santa service. Children can write to:

Santa/Father Christmas

Santa's Grotto

Reindeerland

XM4 5HQ

Do check Royal Mail's website before posting, as they publish the latest address details and deadline each year. Remember to:

• Use a first or second class stamp
• Include your full return address clearly inside the letter, or Santa can't reply
• Post it before the deadline to be sure of a reply in time for Christmas

How to write a letter to Santa: a simple structure

Younger children can draw pictures or dictate, while older children may want to write it themselves. A good letter has five parts.

1. A friendly greeting

"Dear Santa," or "Dear Father Christmas,". Some children like to ask after Mrs Claus and the reindeer too.

2. Introduce yourself

Name, age and where they live. ("My name is Isla, I am 5 and I live in Leicester.")

3. Share something they're proud of

This is the best bit, and something parents often skip. What have they done well this year? Learned to swim? Started school? Been kind to a new sibling? It turns the letter from a shopping list into a moment of reflection.

4. The wish list

Encourage a short list of two or three things. It helps manage expectations and makes it easier for Santa (and you).

5. A kind sign-off

A question for Santa, a thank-you, and their name. ("I will leave you a mince pie. Love from Isla.")

A printable-style template

Dear Santa,

My name is __________ and I am ____ years old. I live in __________.

This year I am really proud that I __________________________.

For Christmas I would love:

1. __________
2. __________
3. __________

How are the reindeer? Is Rudolph's nose still shiny?

I will leave you a __________ on Christmas Eve.

Love from __________

Tips for a letter your child will love

• Make it messy. Stickers, glitter (biodegradable!), drawings and crossings-out all add charm.
• Photograph it before posting. You'll treasure it in years to come, and you'll keep a copy of the wish list.
• Include siblings. Younger children can add a drawing to a big brother's letter.
• Add a kindness pledge. "I promise to help tidy my room" gives you something to gently remind them of.
• Don't panic about big asks. If they ask for a pony, Santa can reply that the reindeer would get jealous!

Other ways Santa can reply

If you miss the Royal Mail deadline, or want something extra, there are lovely alternatives.

A handwritten reply from "Santa"

Write a reply on nice paper in different handwriting (or get a grandparent to), mention a detail from their letter, and leave it by the tree or post it through the door.

A video reply

A personalised video from Santa that mentions your child's name, age and their top wish feels like Santa has really read their letter. Many families find it's the moment that gets the biggest reaction.

A call from Santa

Our video call from Santa lets Santa speak directly to your child about their wish. Pair it with their posted letter: "Did you get my letter, Santa?" "I certainly did!"

Santa visits the house

For the grand finale on Christmas morning, Santa caught on camera shows him in your own room, thanking your children by name.

Where to put the letter if you're not posting it

Not every family posts their letter. Popular UK alternatives:

• Up the chimney: an old Scottish and northern English custom where the letter is burned in the fire so the smoke carries the wish to the North Pole. (Grown-ups only to handle the fire!)
• Left on the windowsill for an elf to collect overnight.
• Given to the Elf on the Shelf to deliver. See our Elf on the Shelf ideas.
• Handed to Santa at a grotto visit.

Turning the letter into a tradition

Keep each year's letter in a folder or memory box labelled with the year. Looking back at a five-year-old's wobbly request for "a real dinosaur" is pure joy, and a lovely thing to share with grandparents. If you'd like more festive ideas, explore our Christmas guides.