Santa Claus will make his arrival at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Sunday to get the festive events season underway, accompanied by a Scottish pipe band and dance group.
Families and friends are invited to join in the festive fun, meet Santa and create unforgettable Christmas memories at Santa’s Arrival, free-to-attend at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Sunday 24 November.
Children in attendance will have the chance to enjoy Santa’s as he arrives in his own special car, and get excited for the festivities. Adding to the excitement, children can get involved in face painting and glitter tattoos, and enjoy music from a DJ.
In addition to the fun, families can get a head start on their festive shopping with Dobbies’ one-day-only discount voucher available to collect at Santa’s Arrival and redeem that day. Families are encouraged to dress in their favourite festive attire with Christmas jumpers warmly welcomed.
Families can also enjoy Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “We’re so excited to welcome families to Santa’s Arrival this year. It’s such a special time, and we’ve worked hard to create an experience full of festive cheer to kick-start the celebrations.
“From Santa’s entrance to the live performances to entertain the crowd, there’s something for everyone in the community to enjoy at the Edinburgh store. We can’t wait to see the joy on the children’s faces as they see Santa arrive.”
Dobbies Garden Centres is getting ready to welcome residents to its Edinburgh store for the annual Christmas Shopping Night in collaboration with National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Gather the family and kick off the festivities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Thursday 21 November with special offers, including £5 off £25 and £10 off £50 to spend on the night, tastings, demonstrations and entertainment, from 5-9pm.
Guests in attendance will be treated to a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival and get to experience Christmas, in every sense.
Those attending can enjoy tucking into freshly-baked Quarter Variant Cakes, that can be purchased for 20% off on the night, tasty condiments from Mrs Bridges, sweet treats from chocolatiers Lindt, and the adults can sample tipples from Secret Garden.
They can also take part in a raffle and get top tips during a live demonstration on how to make your own wreath, as well as the option to book into the restaurant for a special two-course Christmas menu for just £17. There will also be 20% off all Waitrose Christmas food on the night.
The Garden Centre will be unveiling a Christmas tree that has been decorated by Teenage Cancer Trust. There will also be entertainment from Chaplin’s Disco and Aurora who will be playing the flute, and Holy Trinity Handbells will be playing in the outside courtyard area.
Locals can also browse Dobbies’ 2024 festive collections, with a variety of themes and products to suit every taste and budget at a discount.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Matt Hopkins from IND!E said: “We’re thrilled to bring SH Designs, as part of IND!E’s pop-up experience, to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for their Christmas Shopping Night.
“We want to connect local shoppers with independent retailers, and events like this are a great way to do this.”
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager of Dobbies Edinburgh, is excited to give communities near the Edinburgh store a festive experience. She said: “Our Shopping Night gives locals an opportunity to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season, exploring Christmas in every sense.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us with this event.
“We want to give everyone visiting the Edinburgh store a memorable visit, and we hope everyone enjoys the charity Christmas Shopping Night.
“Guests will also get to support Teenage Cancer Trust with their ticket purchase, a great cause that’s providing life-changing care and support to young people with cancer across the UK.”
Tickets are priced at £1, available at www.dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and additional fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family
This Christmas, Dobbies Garden Centres is serving up a series of festive restaurant experiences at its Edinburgh store. From enjoying a jolly time at Santa’s Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers are in for a treat.
Santa’s Breakfast at the Edinburgh store is packed with plenty of festive fun. Children over three years old can build and name their own festive soft toy stuffed with a little help from Santa and his elves, and those under three will receive a special pre-made teddy to cherish for years to come. With storytelling, festive games, and a chance to meet Santa, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with the little ones.
The whole family will sit down and tuck into a delicious breakfast, with children choosing from either the regular or vegetarian menu, or continental option.
The regular options feature pork sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, accompanied by apple juice, orange juice, or water, while the vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, with the same drink choices available.
The continental option includes a children’s croissant, jam, yoghurt and banana, with the same drink choices available.
Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea, priced at £16 per person or 2 for £25, is the perfect way for couples, friends, and families to spend some quality time together, sharing the joys of the season while treating themselves to three tiers of seasonal delights that’ll make the taste buds go ho ho ho.
Enjoy all the classic elements of a traditional afternoon tea with a festive twist, including freshly prepared finger sandwiches filled with seasonal flavours like turkey and cranberry, brie and grape; and ham and mustard.
Indulge in Dobbies’ famous festive scones served with a thick and creamy Cornish clotted cream and jam, followed by a tempting array of sweet treats, including Christmas pudding loaf, mince pie, tiramisu layer cake and mini macarons, all complemented by unlimited tea or coffee refills.
For the kids, Dobbies offers a Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea for £10 per child, complete with turkey and ham sandwich flowers, a signature scone, carrot and cucumber sticks with dipping cream cheese, a Christmas pudding brownie, elf doughnuts, mini gingerbread men with dipping chocolate, and orange or blackcurrant squash, making it a delightful experience for the entire family.
For just £20 per person or 2 for £32, you can upgrade to a Luxury Afternoon Tea for a special treat over the festive period. This upgrade includes all the classic afternoon tea favourites, with an added touch of indulgence. Enjoy savoury delights such as cheese and tomato quiche and sausage roll, alongside a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill; cheddar cheese with green tomato chutney; and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.
Customers can also celebrate the most magical time of the year by taking advantage of Dobbies’ Festive lunch offer, with two courses for just £17 per person.
Available from 7 November through to 24 December, you can choose from a Christmas dinner or vegetarian Christmas dinner, followed by a traditional Christmas pudding served with custard, or reindeer cheesecake, baked vanilla flavour cheesecake served with a chocolate pretzel and a smartie nose.
With festive sweet treats including mince pie tart and a festive scone, as well as luxury hot and cold drinks such as gingerbread latte, gingerbread hot chocolate and raspberry lemonade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Adam Veysey, Head of Food Development at Dobbies, is excited to see families spend the festivities at the Edinburgh store. He said: “Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to spend the festive season than together with your family, friends and loved ones over some good food and wholesome activities.
“Our festive restaurant experiences are always popular with customers looking to relax and catch up and we’re excited to showcase this year’s offering. The reindeer cheesecake is a brand-new option this year and the tiramisu layer cake is a must-try. We’ve also extended the Santa’s Breakfast menu with a continental option for children.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone along to the restaurant to try out the new dishes and much-loved Santa’s Breakfast experience.”
Santa’s Breakfast in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store runs from 30 November through to 24 December and is priced from £8.60 per adult, £16.99 for children between 3 to 10 years old, £13.99 for under 3s.
Festive Afternoon Tea is bookable now at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is priced at £10 per child and £16 per adult, or 2 for £25. Luxury Afternoon Tea is priced at £20 per person, or 2 for £32.
The Festive Lunch Offer runs from 7 November to 24 December, priced at two courses for £17pp, with a deposit of £5pp to secure your booking.
For more information about Dobbies’ festive restaurant experiences at the Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events
This November, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.
The month kicks off with Dobbies’ popular Grow How workshop series, which begins on Saturday 2 November, and continues every Wednesday throughout the month at 10:30am and 3:30pm.
The workshops will focus on gardening gift ideas, just in time for the festive season. Attendees will learn how to forage from their gardens or outdoor spaces to create thoughtful, sustainable gifts for loved ones.
The sessions will include demonstrations from Dobbies’ colleagues on how to create DIY natural decorations, such as wreaths and centrepieces using foraged materials, as well as instructions on crafting homemade Christmas gifts, like potpourri.
For younger attendees between the ages of 3-10, the Little Seedlings Club workshop will take place on Sunday 3 November at different times throughout the morning.
This session will centre on the four seasons and the garden-inspired gifts that can be created throughout the year. Children will learn the science behind the change in seasons, share stories about Christmas and exchanging gifts, and enjoy fun games and activities. As part of the workshop, they will also decorate a pot and plant a festive bulb to gift to someone special, encouraging them to share the joy of giving.
Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager said: “Our free November workshops in our Edinburgh store provides a fantastic opportunity to get creative and make something personal for your loved ones this Christmas, using materials from your own garden.
“The Little Seedlings Club is especially magical for children, as they get to learn about nature and make gifts that are truly meaningful. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and kick off the holiday season.”
Both events are free to attend, but spaces are limited.
Dobbies Edinburgh store will mark the start of its festive events season with the return of its late-night Christmas Shopping Night this November, in support of its National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night, taking place on Thursday 21 November from 5pm to 9pm, is offering customers the chance to experience Christmas, in every sense, as it opens its doors for the popular late-night shopping event.
From fragrant tree displays, twinkling lights and eye-catching decorations, to the sounds of Christmas music and jingle bells, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and experience the magic of Christmas at Dobbies, while browsing its 2024 festive collections and taking advantage of special offers.
On arrival, guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and invited to browse up until 9pm to experience Christmas, in every sense. Guests can enjoy some festive food treats and live demonstrations throughout the store, as well as enjoy a special two-course Christmas menu in the restaurant for just £17.
Local community groups can also apply to take part in the evening’s festivities by decorating their very own faux Christmas tree to be unveiled on the night. Entries are now open for schools, charities and community groups, with a number of stores selecting up to three groups to decorate their tree in time for Christmas Shopping Night. Selected groups will be invited to put on a special tree-side performance, with carols, readings and songs. The decorated trees will form part of Dobbies’ magical festive displays and remain on show in the store in the run up to Christmas.
Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager said: “Our annual Christmas Shopping Night is a fantastic way to get into the festive spirit, while contributing to a great cause. We have raised more than £1.39million for Teenage Cancer Trust since the start of our partnership.
“We’re excited to welcome local groups to take part in this year’s celebrations, including the unveiling of the specially decorated Christmas trees. You can also get your Christmas shopping off to a great start with special offers and gift ideas for all your family.”
Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationships Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Dobbies for their ongoing support and dedication to raising vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Events like the Christmas Shopping Night help us to continue to provide life-changing care and support to young people with cancer across the UK. We’re thrilled to be part of such a magical evening, and it’s heartwarming to see the community come together to support our cause.”
Tickets are priced at £1, available at www.dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
For more information on Decorate your Christmas Tree with Dobbies, visit: events.dobbies.com.
Explore Dobbies’ new season ranges and browse festive inspiration at www.dobbies.com.
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 at its Edinburgh store, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.
Santa will take residency at the new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December at the Edinburgh store, spreading the joy of Christmas to families in the area.
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 at its Edinburgh store 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.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the brand-new Little Seedlings train-inspired Grotto at the Edinburgh store.
She said: “Whether little ones are meeting Santa and his elves for the first time, or it’s a family tradition, our Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences aim to create magical moments that can be treasured for years to come.
“There’s the chance to gather the whole family for a range of our festive experiences including our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea, charity Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, or a paw-dorable picture moment at Santa Paws. A visit to Dobbies will really be a treat for all the senses this Christmas.”
Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.
Santa’s Grotto runs from 28 November until 24 December, £12.99 per child
Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 6 December, £12.99 per child
To learn more about the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.
Garden Centre rolls out series of free October events
Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events at its Edinburgh store throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
These seasonal activities aim to inspire gardening enthusiasts of all ages to embrace the wonders of autumn, while learning valuable gardening tips and taking part in fun, hands-on activities.
Kicking things off is Dobbies’ Grow How session, taking place in the Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month (5 October), then every Wednesday throughout October at 10:30am and 3:30pm.
Dobbies’ gardening colleagues will show participants how to channel their creativity to decorate their doorway for autumn and Halloween.
The session covers the best pots and plants for dressing doorsteps, shade-loving plants for porches, and vibrant autumn annuals for a cottage garden feel.
Attendees will also explore ideas for hanging baskets, window boxes, doormats, garden lighting, and crafting autumn wreaths using homegrown vegetables.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings workshop, taking place on Sunday 6 October in the Edinburgh store, is for children aged 4-10 and will be delving into autumn as a season. Kids will explore the seasonal changes in nature, learning why leaves change colour and how animals prepare for hibernation during the colder months.
They’ll also discover the journey of seeds and what happens after fruit and vegetables are harvested. The workshop includes a craft activity where children will make their own leaf fossils, adding a fun, hands-on element to their autumnal learning experience.
Taking place the third week of October at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, the Little Seedlings Holiday Club brings fairytales to life and explores how to bring a little bit of magic to the garden.
Children will learn the origins of some of their favourite fairytales like Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. The workshop will include an interactive storytelling session, toadstool-making craft and fairy garden creation, ensuring a magical experience for all.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, knows just how important it is to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays and is anticipating high demand for these autumnal workshops.
She said: “Our fantastic range of free autumn events in our Edinburgh store are aimed at giving families a fun and creative activity to get involved in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply looking for some family fun, we have something for everyone.”
To learn more about Dobbies’ free autumnal events at its Edinburgh store, visit dobbies.com/events.
For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea in its Edinburgh store.
Planting and Afternoon Tea: Autumn Edition is taking place on Tuesday 8 and Saturday 12 October, offering attendees the chance to create a seasonal style piece that can feature as a home or front door decoration.
Attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will get to participate in a hands-on 90-minute workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a demo, Q&A session and the opportunity to craft your very own succulent planter, made from a pumpkin, to spook-ify autumnal decor (worth £40).
Dobbies will provide a terracotta pot, pumpkin and a mix of succulents such as Echeveria elegans, Aloe artisata and Graptopetalum pentadrum, all selected by Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, who featured as a judge at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.
Attendees will be invited to carve out a pumpkin to display the terracotta pot in, and then have the joy of picking succulents with a variety of colours and textures. Once Halloween is over and the pumpkin starts to fade, it can be recycled and the succulents can be used in the terracotta planter for an all-year-round display.
Before creating the seasonal succulent pumpkin, attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store can enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea, delving into three tiers of sweet and savoury delights. There are unlimited tea and coffee refills and the chance to upgrade the hot drink, or enjoy a glass of prosecco.
The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.
Customers can also enjoy Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse. The upgrade to the Luxury Afternoon Tea is an additional £4 extra per person.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is excited to see what centrepieces customers at the Edinburgh store craft during this workshop. She said: “Our Planting and Afternoon Tea experiences have been hugely popular and this version with an autumn twist is the perfect opportunity to create a seasonal decoration that could be styled in your home or entrance way.
“Whether you’re a novice and have little experience with plant styling, or are looking to have some interior fun this autumn, this experience in our Edinburgh store is a great way to try something new. Plus our Afternoon Tea in the restaurant is a great way for attendees to enjoy a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats.”
The Planting and Afternoon Tea: Autumn Edition is priced at £45 per person and is now bookable at dobbies.com/events.
Dobbies offers a programme of autumnal events. Families can get involved in Dobbies’ Little Scare-lings, a frightfully fun Howl-o-ween party taking place across various dates throughout October, priced at £10.99 per child and £7.40 per adult.
If you’re looking for a pumpkin picking experience, Dobbies’ Pumpkin Patch is kicking off on Saturday 19 October across 20 stores, offering children the chance to enjoy some activities, seasonal treats and pumpkin of their choice to take home, priced at £9.99 per person.
Known for its love of dogs, Dobbies has also introduced a Pup-kin Patch for those who want their pooches to join in the fun. Priced at £8 per pup, this event allows dogs at Dobbies to explore the Pup-kin Patch and pick out a Halloween-themed toy to take home before getting their photo taken in an autumnal setting by a Dobbies colleague.
To learn more about the autumnal events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.
Garden Centre offers free Grow How workshops on seasonal planting
As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to its Edinburgh store to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.
Grow How provides a welcoming space for gardeners of all ages and skill levels to learn, share, and get growing.
The series of informal workshops will take place at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month, then every Wednesday throughout September at 10:30am and 3:30pm. The 15-minute demonstrations, led by Dobbies’ friendly and knowledgeable colleagues, are packed with practical tips and engaging Q&A sessions, making them a perfect outing for anyone looking to learn more about gardening.
September’s workshop, Getting Ready for Spring in September, is all about preparing for a burst of springtime colour as Dobbies takes delivery of over 6 million spring flowering bulbs across its stores.
Participants will discover the best bulbs for Spring displays, including top picks for the season – vibrant Tulips, cheerful Daffodils, and delicate Crocuses. These flowers are not only easy to plant but also promise a stunning array of colours, perfect for brightening up any garden.
Attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will learn how to create a beautiful bulb lasagne, a technique of layering different bulbs in one pot, ensuring a continuous bloom from early Spring into the Summer.
This method is ideal for small spaces and adds a lovely splash of colour to patios and balconies. The workshops will also cover essential tips, such as choosing bulbs for cut flowers, selecting the best bulbs for pots, and understanding the proper planting depths to ensure healthy growth.
Dobbies’ Horti Manager, Simon Jefferey, is looking forward to helping people to get out into their gardens during September in preparation for spring.
He said: “These Grow How sessions in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for families to bond over gardening. We love seeing kids get involved, planting their first bulbs and eagerly awaiting the flowers.
“It’s a great introduction to the joys of gardening, an opportunity to connect with nature and get inspired for the seasons ahead no matter your experience.”
For more information about the Grow How sessions and to secure a spot, visit:
Garden Centre hosts free mindfulness children’s workshop
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September in its Edinburgh store, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.
This monthly workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and takes place on Sunday 1 September at 11am.
Promising an enriching experience that blends the joys of gardening with the calming practices of mindfulness, this upcoming session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store focuses on Mindfulness in the Garden. Children will get a chance to learn about the benefits of being present in the moment and connecting with nature.
Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store will guide young attendees through mindfulness, explaining what it is and why it’s beneficial. The session will highlight how using the five senses can enhance the gardening experience, encouraging children to notice the vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and soothing sounds of their surroundings.
Kids will discover how mindfulness can be practiced in the garden, helping them relax and focus.
Whether it’s the feel of soil between their fingers or the sight of a blooming flower, these experiences can be incredibly grounding and stress-relieving.
The workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also provide practical tips for practising mindfulness at home, making it easy for families to incorporate these calming practices into their daily lives.
Dobbies’ Horti Expert, Emma Drain, is looking forward to welcoming children along to September’s Mindfulness in the Garden session.
She said: “The Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for children to learn about the natural world and introducing kids to mindfulness through gardening can help them build a positive relationship with nature and their own emotions.”
For more details about the Little Seedlings Club and to book a spot, visit:
