Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront

With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.

Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 11 September 2020 11:56

This year’s programme is packed full of seasonal fun for the whole family, with a focus on bringing together communities, and with social distancing measures in place.

The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies’ number one priority. To ensure customers feel safe and have an enjoyable experience, there will be reduced capacity at events to ensure social distancing is adhered to. This will be managed with online bookings for all events. Scheduled cleaning and rigorous hygiene routines will also be carried out between events, with attendees notified when required to wear a face covering.

Santa’s Arrival is one of the highlights of this year’s events calendar and families are invited to greet him in all 68 stores. As well as giving Santa a warm welcome on the day, families can also book to enjoy a Santa’s Arrival Breakfast or Lunch, enjoying delicious items from the Christmas menu.

Breakfast with Santa is back by popular demand, with children able to spend a magical morning with Santa himself. Dobbies will also be hosting a special Christmas Party with Dobbie the Reindeer, packed with dancing and festive games - and even a gift and visit from Santa.

One of Dobbies’ most exciting experiences, children can explore the Winter Wonderland before seeing Santa in his grotto and receiving a gift. This year, the grottos will be in open spaces to allow for social distancing. For families looking to capture a lasting memory, Dobbies magical Snow Globes will be in selected stores, creating a wonderful Christmas backdrop for the perfect seasonal snap.

Young children can let their imaginations run wild at the Little Seedlings Christmas Stories sessions. Tailored to little ones aged 5 and under, families can settle down and listen to charming Christmas-themed stories while enjoying a treat and refreshments.

There’s even festive fun for customers’ four-legged friends. Santa Paws will run throughout the Christmas period in selected stores, with photogenic pets able to pose for a selfie with Santa, making the purr-fect Christmas card or gift.

In the restaurants, Dobbies will also be hosting a number of special Afternoon Tea experiences. While enjoying a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh scones, delicious cakes and freshly brewed tea or coffee, customers can take part in a number of Christmas-themed workshops, including cocktail making, a Christmas decoration masterclass, or even learn how to make an indoor winter garden.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “Our Christmas events programme has something for all ages as we have focused on bringing communities back together over the festive period.

“We will be following Government guidelines to ensure our events are safe and enjoyable for both customers and team members. We look forward to welcoming customers in all 68 stores for seasonal fun.”

Dobbies’ Christmas events schedule is available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance wherever possible. For all social distancing and safety measures in place across Dobbies’ stores visit dobbies.com. Customers can also Book with Confidence, with a full refund issued if Dobbies cancel the event, and free cancellation if customers need to cancel, up to 3 days prior to the event.

Dates and prices for events are:

• From 1 November, Afternoon Tea, from £15
• From 22 November, Santa’s arrival, free (21 November at Lisburn)
• From 22 November Santa’s Grotto, £11.99
• From 22 November, Dobbies Christmas Party, 63 stores, £13.99 per child and from £5.99 for adults
• From 28 November, Santa Paws, 21 stores, £6.99
• From 28 November, Breakfast with Santa, 64 stores, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 for adults
• From 3 December, Little Seedlings, 64 stores, £6 for one adult and one child

For more information visit dobbies.com.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.

Young readers celebrate reading challenge success

Hundreds of young readers in East Renfrewshire are celebrating after completing this year's Summer Reading Challenge!

Netherlee nurse praises life changing local fitness programme

A retired midwife from Netherlee has praised her local gym for “totally transforming her life”.

Green Flag flies in Cowan Park for first time

The Green Flag has been raised in Cowan Park for the first time, following the Barrhead park being awarded the accolade this summer.

Singer Peter Cox set for intimate show at Eastwood Theatre

Eastwood Theatre has announced an intimate show with singer-songwriter Peter Cox.

Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025

Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Delve into the past with brand new heritage store and classes

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a brand new heritage store to support residents who want to research the area's past.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront

With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings