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z - Santa's Grotto 2023

Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to our Santa’s grotto this Christmas. This experience includes meeting with Santa and, of course, a special gift for your little ones

This remains our most popular  experiences at Dobbies, offering a magical journey for children and families complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself!

Take in the atmosphere as you walk through our enchanting forest. An elf will guide you to find our Little Seedlings characters along the way before arriving in our wildlife forest clearing where the little ones will make a special item to take home

Your experience will then continue with a chance to meet Santa Claus - children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift

To capture the memory of your little ones meeting Santa you can choose to pre-book one of our special photo options and save on average 15% compared to on-the-day prices

Please select your preferred time and date below.  Santa has selected a range of toys, suitable for different ages. You can pre-select an age-appropriate gift for your child however the exact toy may vary on the day

Please be aware that Santa's grotto may be outside, so please dress accordingly

Please refer to our event FAQs which provide lots more detail on common questions

To give you peace of mind when booking, we have a Book with Confidence policy. Find out more here

Attendance Instructions

Further Detail:

  • Please refer to our event FAQs which provide lots more detail on common questions
  • Make your way to the grotto and quote your booking reference to a team member. You can have this printed or electronically
  • Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before the start of your event
  • Entrance will not be possible if you arrive before your allotted time
  • Please be aware that your time slot will allow you into the queue to see Santa.  There may be other children booked within each 10-minute slot - the timings simply allow us to manage the queue
  • We aim to ensure that you see Santa within your time slot but on busy days, you may need to wait a little longer
  • If timing on the day becomes an issue, please speak to one of our grotto helpers and they will be happy to assist
  • Children should be accompanied by a maximum of 2 adults due to space restrictions in and around the grotto
  • Children must remain under the care and supervision of an adult for the duration of the event
  • Gifts are only suitable for the age as stated due to small parts. Please select a toy that is appropriate for your child’s age
  • Products used in the activity may contain traces of nuts
  • Where a session is shown as 'Sold Out' – we're sorry, there are currently no more tickets available for that time
  • Should you wish any additional assistance, please speak to a team member in-store
  • Grottos will not take place at Altrincham, Andover, Beaconsfield, Brighton, Bury St Edmunds, Cadnam, Derby, Galton, Harlestone Heath, Hungerford, Keston, Leicester, Lelant, Marple, Pennine, Reading, Stratford Upon Avon, Swindon and Thornbury