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Santa's Arrival 2026 - FREE Event

The magic of Christmas starts here! 

Join us at Dobbies as we give Santa a very special welcome and celebrate his magical arrival for Christmas.  

Sunday 22 Nov* | 10.30am | FREE 

Fun for all the family, wrap up warm and get ready for a magical morning as Santa makes his grand arrival at your local Dobbies. 

There’ll be festive entertainment from local community groups and performers, special treats for all the family and plenty of opportunities to capture some special Christmas photos with the big man himself; and, of course, little ones can wave hello to Santa and let him know what’s on their Christmas wish list! 

Come along, soak up the festive atmosphere, and help us give Santa the biggest, warmest Dobbies welcome. It’s the perfect way to start the countdown to Christmas and make some magical family memories along the way. 

Event highlights:   

  • Watch Santa make his grand entrance and help us give him a magical Christmas welcome. 

  • Say hello to Santa and give little ones the chance to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes 

  • Enjoy live entertainment from local community groups and performers.   

  • A little Christmas surprise for the grown-ups too! Adults will receive a special festive ticket revealing an instant reward to redeem in-store in our garden centre or restaurant.  

  • Keep the magic going and be first in line for our Santa’s Grotto and Meet Santa experiences when you book online ahead of time here.  

  • Please note this is a community event, and the experiences will differ across stores with different modes of arrival, entertainment and local community groups getting involved.  

Additional information:  

  • Free parking is available on-site.   

  • Dress warmly and wear your favourite Christmas jumper or festive accessories!  

  • Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone for magical photo opportunities!   

  • Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend pre-booking a space.   

  • Andover Boston, Bury St. Edmunds, Hungerford, Keston, Lelant, and Marple will not be hosting Santa’s Arrival this year. 

  • *Our Lisburn store will offer the event at 12noon on Saturday 21 November. 

Attendance Instructions

Further detail: 

  • Please refer to our event FAQs which provide lots more detail on common questions. 
  • The store and restaurant will be open as normal for all customers. 
  • Children must remain under the care and supervision of an adult for the event duration. 
  • Should you wish any additional assistance, please speak to a store colleague