Garden Centre unveils magical experiences for families across the UK
Dobbies Garden Centres is readying itself for Santa's arrival and counting down the days to spread festive joy this Christmas, as it unveils a magical array of fun, great value events!
Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 20 August 2024 14:17
Image Credit: Stewart Attwood Photography
Events are on sale exclusively to members today (Tuesday 20 August) and other customers next month (Tuesday 3 September).
Santa will be landing his sleigh at 50 stores as he takes residency at Dobbies’ brand-new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December. 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 tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Here families will have the chance to capture the moment with a photograph of Santa, making a lasting memory of the experience.
Dobbies will also offer a sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience in 50 stores on Friday 6 December, designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for children with additional needs. Lighting, sound and visual effects will be minimised, giving kids that cherished moment with Santa. Session times are extended to allow for a slower, relaxed experience.
Dog owners will be delighted that 74 stores will host the sell-out Santa Paws experience throughout December, allowing their cherished four-legged companions to spend quality time with Santa at the Grotto, receive a special gift and take a photograph.
Meet Santa, a new experience for 2024 that will take place across 21 stores, gives customers the chance to say hello to Santa, tell him any Christmas wishes, receive a gift and capture a photograph. This experience differs from the Grotto, and booking is encouraged but not essential.
Santa’s Breakfast is a fantastic festive morning for families with kids under 10 years old. Everyone can enjoy a delicious breakfast together, with a range of cooked options including vegetarian choices. Children over 3 will build their very own festive soft toy to take home, getting to stuff, fluff and name their toy, with a birth certificate to mark the occasion. Children under 3 will receive a special soft toy from Santa and the elves will also encourage everyone to join in family-friendly activities.
Santa will be kick starting the festivities at Santa’s Arrival, a free event where families will get the chance to see Mr Claus on Sunday 24 November at 23 stores. Santa will be saying hello, interacting with children, taking selfies, and spreading seasonal joy.
Families can also attend the Teenage Cancer Trust Christmas Shopping Night on Thursday 28 November across all 77 stores, where they can enjoy some local performances, explore Dobbies’ gifting ranges and decorations, with exclusive discounts available, as well see the unveiling of Dobbies’ Community Christmas Trees. Tickets cost £1, with proceeds going directly to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, who has worked closely with the wider team to craft this year’s festive experiences, is excited to see the magic unfold. She said: “We're thrilled to be welcoming Santa and his elves along to our stores to spread the joy of Christmas with our enchanting line-up of festive events.
“Christmas is one-of-a-kind at Dobbies and we take absolute joy in putting on a memorable series of events. From our new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto where kids can meet Santa to tasty Santa’s Breakfast experiences and fun-filled activities, we've come up with something truly special for the whole family to enjoy.”
Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies' Christmas events to avoid disappointment.
• Santa’s Grotto runs from 28 November until 24 December across 50 stores, £12.99 per child
• Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 6 December across 50 stores, £12.99 per child
• Santa Paws runs from 7 to 24 December across 74 stores, £9.99 per dog, with the option to add on children from £8.99-12.99 (depending on the store)
• Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 30 November until 24 December across 68 stores, £16.99 for children (3-10 years), £13.99 under 3s, from £8.60 for adults
• Santa’s Arrival takes place on 24 November across 23 stores, free to attend
• Meet Santa takes place from 28 November to 24 December across 21 stores, £8.99 per child, booking available but not essential
•Christmas Shopping Night runs on 28 November across all 77 stores, £1 per ticket
To learn more about the events and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled
The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October
Country's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.
READ MORE
October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience
Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.
READ MORE
Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday
This weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween
Some of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!
READ MORE
Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
READ MORE
The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!
Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MORE
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MORE
Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow
After a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MORE
Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line
If you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MORE
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November
Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MORE
Get ready for a great big Living History Week
Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MORE
SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORE
Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK
People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MORE
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be taking place from the 3rd to 6th October, played over the historic Old Course at Rusacks St Andrews.
READ MORE
Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return
Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORE
Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism
Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.
READ MORE
Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest
Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.
READ MORE
Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas
Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens public vote
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.
READ MORE
Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind
For a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.
READ MORE
Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week
Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MORE
Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience
Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MORE
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns to The Barrowland Ballroom for 2024
With Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
READ MORE
Frightful fun in store at Dobbies this Halloween
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MORE
All go for World Gaelic Week 2025
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MORE
Garden Centre rolls out series of free events this October
Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
READ MORE
Scottish groups receive funding from Asda Foundation to transform community spaces
Asda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links