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Festive Event - Santa's Grotto 2025

Santa’s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year it’s our best yet!

From 23 Nov - 24 Dec* | From £14 - £16 per child, date dependant 

You’ll receive a warm welcome from the elves before you take part in our North Pole adventure. Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself.  

Event highlights:  

  • Magical adventure: our elves have been working hard to create a theatrical experience for your little ones involving ice sport games and a reindeer stable where you can make your own reindeer food. Please note there are no real reindeers involved in the experience. 
  • Fun activities: ice fishing, snowball shootout, reindeer food making and more. 
  • Meet Santa: individual time with Santa where your children can share their Christmas wishes. 
  • Photo opportunities: capture the moment with a professional printed photo with Santa with reduced rates at time of booking.  
  • Gift from Santa: every child will receive a wrapped gift suitable for their age range. 

Ho Ho hope to see you there! 

Photography  

Our elves are ready to capture your memories with Santa. We offer printed photos taken on professional equipment so all the family can be included and no-one is left holding the camera! You can also choose to pre-book one of our special photo options and save 20% compared to on-the-day prices.

All our sites will offer printed photography this year and, included in your picture price, is a children’s activity booklet. You can pre-order your photo book for just £8 compared to the on the day price of £10. We also have a lovely selection of eco-friendly wooden Christmas tree ornament frames and snow frames, all available at 20% off when pre-booking. A perfect gift for your loved ones.

A visit to Santa at Dobbies = a greener future 

This year your grotto ticket will help support a very special project, The Dumyat Project. Dobbies was founded in Scotland in 1865, and as we wrap up celebrations of our 160th year, we’re turning to the future. With your grotto ticket purchase, you’re helping to support the planting of up to 3,000 trees in this beautiful region of Scotland that needs our help. You can find out more about the project here.

Please note: 

  • Not all stores offer an experience on all dates. Please select your local store below to see their availability.    
  • Please select your preferred time and date below.  
  • Santa has selected a range of toys, suitable for different ages. Gifts are only suitable for the age you select due to small parts. Please let us know your child’s age at point of booking and we will ensure the toy is suitable for them. We cannot guarantee the type of toy you will receive but will do our best to match them to your children’s likes and dislikes. 
  • Please be aware that Santa's Grotto may be located 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. 
  • Follow the signs to our Grotto experience and quote your booking reference to Santa's elves. You can have this printed or electronically. 
  • Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before the start of your booking. 
  • 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. 
  • The full grotto experience can take up to 30 minutes depending on the activities your children wish to get involved in. 
  • 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. 
  • Should you wish any additional assistance, please speak to a store colleague.