New quiet grottos introduced at the Edinburgh store
With colder months on the way, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, launches its events for the festive season, with booking open now in the Edinburgh store.
The ever-popular Santa’s Grotto experience is back. As one of the most loved, traditional festive experiences at Dobbies, little ones in Edinburgh will love walking through the outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way before being welcomed by Santa and receiving a special gift. For those looking to create a lasting memory, a photo can be purchased.
New for 2021, at 50 stores across the UK, will be Quiet Grottos. Working in partnership with Autism Together, there will be Santa visits which are supportive of children with additional needs, considering sound and visual elements, and helping to minimise anxiety.
Michelle Walklett, Head of Autism Together’s Autism Training and Advisory Service, said: “As a specialist UK charity supporting autistic people, we’re pleased to be working with Dobbies in Edinburgh to help enhance their Christmas Grotto experience for visitors with autism and other sensory needs.
“Through this partnership, we’ll also be delivering autism awareness training for Santa and all his elves and helpers in time for the festive season.”
Christmas is not just for children, and Dobbies is extending the festive fun to four-legged friends. At Santa Paws in Edinburgh, dogs have the chance to meet Santa, along with the whole family. Guests are invited to bring their cameras to get a snap, making it the perfect Christmas card photo opportunity.
At Santa’s Breakfast, families will be able to enjoy the ever-popular Dobbies’ breakfast. The festive event includes breakfast options for adults and children, followed by fun games and a visit from Santa with a special gift for each child. This event is suited to families with children aged 10 and under.
Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager, said: “At Dobbies we want to offer families an opportunity to come together and make memories that last a lifetime. There truly is nothing more magical than Christmas for a child and our range of events helps to bring the season to life for all the family.”
Dobbies’ Edinburgh Christmas events are available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance. Also new for 2021 is the opportunity to add a donation to the price of an event ticket, for Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Bookings can be made at https://www.dobbies.com/events
· Christmas Afternoon Tea is available in 66 stores and starts on 1 November, £12.95 per adult and £6.95 per child.
· Santa’s Grotto starts on 27 November in all 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.
· Santa’s Breakfast is available in 66 stores and starts on 4 December, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 per adult.
· Santa Paws starts on 4 December in 23 stores, £6.99 for dogs, £11.99 for children.
· Quiet Grottos will be hosted on 10 December in 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.
Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence