Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront

With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.

Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 11 September 2020 11:56

This year’s programme is packed full of seasonal fun for the whole family, with a focus on bringing together communities, and with social distancing measures in place.

The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies’ number one priority. To ensure customers feel safe and have an enjoyable experience, there will be reduced capacity at events to ensure social distancing is adhered to. This will be managed with online bookings for all events. Scheduled cleaning and rigorous hygiene routines will also be carried out between events, with attendees notified when required to wear a face covering.

Santa’s Arrival is one of the highlights of this year’s events calendar and families are invited to greet him in all 68 stores. As well as giving Santa a warm welcome on the day, families can also book to enjoy a Santa’s Arrival Breakfast or Lunch, enjoying delicious items from the Christmas menu.

Breakfast with Santa is back by popular demand, with children able to spend a magical morning with Santa himself. Dobbies will also be hosting a special Christmas Party with Dobbie the Reindeer, packed with dancing and festive games - and even a gift and visit from Santa.

One of Dobbies’ most exciting experiences, children can explore the Winter Wonderland before seeing Santa in his grotto and receiving a gift. This year, the grottos will be in open spaces to allow for social distancing. For families looking to capture a lasting memory, Dobbies magical Snow Globes will be in selected stores, creating a wonderful Christmas backdrop for the perfect seasonal snap.

Young children can let their imaginations run wild at the Little Seedlings Christmas Stories sessions. Tailored to little ones aged 5 and under, families can settle down and listen to charming Christmas-themed stories while enjoying a treat and refreshments.

There’s even festive fun for customers’ four-legged friends. Santa Paws will run throughout the Christmas period in selected stores, with photogenic pets able to pose for a selfie with Santa, making the purr-fect Christmas card or gift.

In the restaurants, Dobbies will also be hosting a number of special Afternoon Tea experiences. While enjoying a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh scones, delicious cakes and freshly brewed tea or coffee, customers can take part in a number of Christmas-themed workshops, including cocktail making, a Christmas decoration masterclass, or even learn how to make an indoor winter garden.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “Our Christmas events programme has something for all ages as we have focused on bringing communities back together over the festive period.

“We will be following Government guidelines to ensure our events are safe and enjoyable for both customers and team members. We look forward to welcoming customers in all 68 stores for seasonal fun.”

Dobbies’ Christmas events schedule is available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance wherever possible. For all social distancing and safety measures in place across Dobbies’ stores visit dobbies.com. Customers can also Book with Confidence, with a full refund issued if Dobbies cancel the event, and free cancellation if customers need to cancel, up to 3 days prior to the event.

Dates and prices for events are:

• From 1 November, Afternoon Tea, from £15
• From 22 November, Santa’s arrival, free (21 November at Lisburn)
• From 22 November Santa’s Grotto, £11.99
• From 22 November, Dobbies Christmas Party, 63 stores, £13.99 per child and from £5.99 for adults
• From 28 November, Santa Paws, 21 stores, £6.99
• From 28 November, Breakfast with Santa, 64 stores, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 for adults
• From 3 December, Little Seedlings, 64 stores, £6 for one adult and one child

For more information visit dobbies.com.

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