Young explorers can learn about our planet and become Polar Protectors, as they journey to meet Santa at Dynamic Earth
Families are being invited on a unique Arctic Adventure to Santa’s Grotto this December, as Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth brings the magic of Christmas together with science, discovery and a mission to protect our planet.
Returning for the festive season, Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure will see children become Polar Protectors and join Dynamic Earth’s resident Elf on an important Christmas mission – to uncover where a mysterious lost penguin has come from and help get him safely home to Antarctica in time for Christmas Eve.
Taking place on selected dates from Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December, the immersive experience will take families on a guided adventure with festive storytelling and plenty of opportunities for young explorers to discover more about the Earth’s polar regions.
Rather than simply heading straight to Santa, families will begin in Santa’s Post Room, where they will be recruited as Polar Protectors before setting off to investigate clues and discover more about polar animals along the way.
The adventure finishes at the icy landscape of Santa’s Grotto, where families will meet Santa, reunite a new lost friend with his family, and have an opportunity to capture a festive family photograph.
Each child will also receive a special gift token to redeem in the Dynamic Earth gift shop following their adventure, allowing them to choose their own cuddly polar protector.
The experience builds on the success of Dynamic Earth’s previous festive offering, which saw strong visitor engagement and sold-out experiences, while introducing a new adventure-led format for 2026 with a greater focus on exploration and storytelling.
This year’s programme has also been created to ensure it’s accessible to all, with relaxed sessions designed for those who would benefit from a calmer adventure featuring smaller group numbers and fewer transitions between locations. A British Sign Language (BSL) session, with two BSL interpreters present throughout, will also take place on December 6th.
The festive fun goes beyond the grotto, with Dynamic Earth offering a wider programme of seasonal activities throughout December. Young scientists can take part in special winter-themed sessions of Dino’s, Dynamos and Dynamites Science Clubs, while families can settle in beneath the stars for festive Planetarium screenings including Frozen (sing-along), Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Arthur Christmas.
For adults looking for a festive night out with a difference, Planetarium Lates will return for over-18s, combining the immersive surroundings of the Planetarium with screenings of Love Actually, Scrooged, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Stargazing Late & Live.
Together, the programme offers families, young science enthusiasts and adults the chance to experience Dynamic Earth in a different light this winter – bringing together festive atmosphere, imagination and entertainment with a distinctly scientific sense of curiosity.
Suzie Holligan, Director of Visitor Experience and Events, said: “Christmas is all about imagination, curiosity and a sense of adventure, so we wanted to create an experience that captures that magic while giving children the chance to discover something new.
“Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure is much more than a traditional grotto. Our young visitors become Polar Protectors and have an important mission to complete, learning about the Arctic and Antarctic and the incredible animals that call these environments home along the way.
“We’re really excited to welcome families back to Dynamic Earth this Christmas and give them a festive experience they’ll remember – with a little bit of science and discovery along the way.”
Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure runs on selected dates from 5 to 23 December at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. The experience lasts approximately 35 minutes and costs £25 per child, with up to three accompanying adults able to attend free of charge per booking. Admission to Dynamic Earth’s core galleries is not included.
Relaxed sessions will take place on 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, while BSL sessions will take place on 6 December at selected times.
For full dates, times, and to book tickets, visit the Dynamic Earth website: Christmas at Dynamic Earth | Dynamic Earth. Advance booking is recommended.
