Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 15 August 2025 13:31
Kick off the season in style with Santa’s Arrival, a free-to-attend festive celebration taking place at 51 Dobbies stores on Sunday 23 November. Join the excitement as Santa marks his arrival for the festive season with a morning of seasonal storytelling, community performances and festive cheer – the perfect way to start your Christmas countdown. Pre-booking is recommended for this experience.
Back by popular demand, Santa’s Grotto – this time with a North Pole adventure theme. Children will journey through a magical, ice-inspired world, playing polar games and enjoying festive activities before meeting Santa and receiving a special, age-appropriate gift. Running from 23 November to Christmas Eve in 43 stores, tickets start at £14 per child. Quiet Grotto sessions are available on Friday 5 December, offering a more relaxed, inclusive experience for children with additional needs.
Dobbies’ Meet Santa experience will be returning this year at six stores, giving customers the chance to say hello to Santa, tell him any Christmas wishes, receive a gift and capture a photograph. This experience differs from Santa’s Grotto, and booking is encouraged but not essential. Meet Santa runs from 23 November to Christmas Eve, tickets are priced at £11 per child.
Four-legged family members are warmly welcome at Dobbies and Santa Paws, an event specifically designed for dogs, that is back and bigger than ever before. Due to its growing popularity, Dobbies has doubled the booking slots to meet unprecedented demand. Dogs will get the chance to visit Santa at Dobbies stores across the UK, take part in a sniff-ari game before getting a picture with Santa and taking home a tail-wagging gift. This experience is priced at £12.50 per dog and starts on Sunday 23 November right the way through to Christmas Eve.
In the restaurant, families can experience a magical morning at Santa’s Breakfast, where the little ones get the chance to spend time with Santa and his elves. Families will enjoy a breakfast fit for Santa before taking part in games and activities. They’ll then get to make their own winter character toy to name and take home. This experience starts on Saturday 29 November and runs through to Christmas Eve, prices start from £18 per child and from £9 per adult and takes place in 50 stores.
Join Dobbies for a fun and festive evening at its annual Christmas Shopping Night, taking place on Thursday 27 November across 53 stores. Tickets are pay what you can (£1, £2.50 or £5), with all proceeds going towards Alzheimer’s Research UK, Dobbies’ National Charity Partner. It’s the ultimate festive shopping experience, with live entertainment and community performances, grotto previews and a sneak peek at the Christmas menu in the restaurant. Attendees will also get the chance to explore and shop Dobbies brand-new festive décor with baubles, decorations, indoor and outdoor lighting, real look Christmas trees and plenty more to adorn your home this Christmas. There will also be special offers available on the night.
For adults looking to get creative, Dobbies is hosting a brand-new Festive Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea Experience. This event pairs together a Luxury Festive Afternoon Tea with a festive wreath making workshop. Dobbies’ Green Team will host the demonstration, giving attendees the chance to ask questions along the way and create a bespoke wreath that you can take home and enjoy. This event takes place in 50 stores on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, priced at £55 per person.
Whether you're meeting Santa for the first time or keeping cherished traditions alive, Dobbies invites you to celebrate the season with sparkle, joy, and magical experiences for the whole family.
Tickets for the Christmas events at Dobbies go on sale to member on Monday 4 August and to other customers on Monday 18th August. Families are encouraged to visit the website to reserve their spot, www.dobbies.com/events
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Dobbies Dunfermline store to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline is opening its doors to the National Vegetable Society, having been unveiled as the host of the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews Launches Charity Golf Open
Fairmont St Andrews invites golfers to tee off for a cause with the launch of the inaugural Fairmont Golf Open, held in proud collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Mindful Art: A New Creative Wellness Business in Fife
Mindful Art, a pioneering creative wellness business, offers a unique approach to mental and physical well-being through the power of art.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Cambo Presents Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar at Pittenweem Arts Festival
Cambo is proud to present Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar, a powerful exhibition showcasing the work of artists and artisans from Myanmar (Burma), at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
117 year old family gelato maker and pioneering distillery collaborate to create unique wild botanical sorbets
Highland Boundary and Jannetta's, join forces to create a series of sorbets, bringing the authentic taste of Scotland's native landscape directly to the people of St Andrews.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews sets up for a SmurfTastic summer to celebrate the upcoming release
From Smurf-inspired activity trails to creative dining moments and blue-hued treats, dive into a playful world of imagination and cinematic fun this summer at Fairmont St Andrews!
READ MORE
Forth Awards open nominations for local heroes across Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has opened nominations for its local hero awards, aiming to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links