Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is welcoming families – including their dogs – across the country to its Santa’s Grotto experiences, available across 50 of its stores.

This year, kids are invited along to enjoy an immersive visit to the grotto where it will be love at frost sight with the elves taking visitors through a magical woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and forest creatures along the way. Children will become Santa's little helpers, participating in various activities revealed during their visit. 

After lending a helping hand, children will then get to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Families can also opt in to purchase a picture of their child with Santa, creating memories to last forever. Santa's Grotto will be available in 50 Dobbies’ stores across the country from 24 November. 

Dobbies’ Quiet Grotto experience returns this year on 9 December to support children with special needs. Sound and visual elements are adapted to reduce anxiety and ensure every child has an opportunity to meet Santa and his elves.

If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, the 50 stores will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience where dog lovers can bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Child tickets can be added to make it a full family experience.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Meeting Santa is an important part of Christmas and we’re looking to make this inclusive for all, with quiet and dog-friendly events available across all our grotto locations. We can’t wait to bring the magic of Christmas to life for our customers.”

Advance booking for Dobbies' Christmas events are recommended to avoid disappointment. All grotto prices have been held, with no price increases. Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online:https://www.dobbies.com/events

• Santa’s Grotto is available in 50 stores and starts on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
• Santa’s Quiet Grotto is available in 50 stores and is on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
• Santa Paws is available in 50 stores and starts on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info:https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence