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Santa's Quiet Grotto 2024

We are delighted to offer one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, to children who may have some additional needs 

From 2.30pm on Friday 6th December | £12.99 per child

These sessions can only be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending in each slot 

During your visit, we'll make sure: 

  • All music is off 
  • Twinkling lights are removed or switched off  
  • You can choose to have your child’s gift wrapped or not 
  • Prior to your visit, we’ll email a photo of your specific grotto to prepare children for what they will see on the day 

This year we are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself! 

Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at our enchanting forest, and after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to meet Santa    

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     

Event highlights: 

  • Magical journey: our elves have been working hard to create a theatrical experience for your little ones. Please note there is no real trains involved in the experience
  • Fun activities: christmas wishes, snowball fights and more. Your child will only be encouraged to join in where they feel comfortable
  • Meet Santa: bring your children to meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes
  • Photo opportunities: capture the moment with a professional photo with Santa
  • Gift from Santa: every child will receive a gift from Santa

Please note: 

  • 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 Santa's helpers. 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
  • 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 store colleague
  • Grottos will not take place at Altrincham, Andover, Beaconsfield, Boston, Brighton, Bury St Edmunds, Cadnam, Derby, Galton, Harlestone Heath, Hungerford, Keston, Leicester, Lelant, Marple, Moreton Park, Pennine, Reading, Stratford Upon Avon, Swindon and Thornbury. These stores will have our Meet Santa experience instead. Find out more here