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

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

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Marathon Guy inspires East Ren Run Club

Award-winning running coach Colin Thomas, otherwise known as the Marathon Guy, inspired local runners, offering top tips and advice from his 20-year fitness career.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

East Renfrewshire Libraries welcome authors to celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025

East Renfrewshire libraries are set to celebrate Book Week Scotland, 17th - 23rd November, with a series of author events and workshops.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Big Clean Up takes place in Barrhead

The Barrhead Big Clean Up took place last week, with Council colleagues, local volunteers, school pupils and businesses coming together to help keep East Renfrewshire beautiful.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

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.

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.

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

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!

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings