Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 20 November 2023 12:40
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa arrives with festive cheer at Dobbies
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is kickstarting the holiday season with Santa's Arrival, where Father Christmas himself will make his joyful arrival to help his elves add the finishing touches to the magical grotto.
Taking place on Thursday 23 November at 4:30pm across 17 stores, Santa's Arrival will mark the start of Santa’s Grotto season at Dobbies.
Kicking off with an announcement over the tannoy, followed by festive music and Santa's iconic "ho ho ho”, families will know it’s time to gather for Santa’s arrival. Santa will walk through the store, greeting children and allowing families to capture photographs to cherish the moment.
Santa will then take residency at his bookable Grotto, and his elves will welcome children, leading them through an enchanting forest and enjoy craft activities before meeting Santa. Each child will receive a present to take home for the big day. Families are advised to book a slot at Santa’s Grotto in advance to avoid any disappointment on the night.
Dobbies will also be offering the Quiet Grotto experience on 8 December, which includes reduced sound and visual features to provide a relaxed environment for children with additional needs. The whole family can get involved with the festivities at Dobbies and enjoy the Santa Paws experience, which takes place from 2 December to Saturday 23 December. Dog owners can bring their cherished pups to meet Santa and receive a pawsome gift.
Sarah Murray, who develops Dobbies’ festive line-up said: "Christmas at Dobbies is all about creating memories, and our family-friendly atmosphere allows everyone to feel the seasonal magic.
"Santa’s arrival kick starts our festive line up of events, a joyful beginning to the best time of the year. We’ve got something for everyone at Dobbies this year, whether you’re a family looking to attend one of the events or in need of some fresh decorations to get the home looking festive this Christmas, Dobbies is a fantastic day out."
Dobbies' Santa's Grotto experience is priced at £11.99 per child and will run from 23 November to 24 December. The Quiet Grotto, also priced at £11.99 per child, will take place on 8 December. Santa Paws, at £6.99 per dog, will run from 2 to 22 December.
Attendees at Santa’s Arrival will receive a voucher for £5 off £25, to be used on the night.
For more information about Dobbies’ festive experiences and to make a booking, please visit dobbies.com/events.
Image © UNP
Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.
READ MORE
This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
READ MORE
An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.
READ MORE
The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.
READ MORE
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.
READ MORE
Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.
READ MORE
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE