With Christmas Day just weeks away we’ve taken a look at the best places in and around Edinburgh where you can take the little ones to see Santa this year.
There are lots of great Santa’s Grottos and opportunities to have breakfast with the big man. In Edinburgh your little one can meet ‘Saint Nick’ at a host of venues including Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh’s Christmas at St Andrew’s Square, Ocean Terminal and the Royal Botanic Garden. While, you could head out of town to Dobbies at Lasswade, Craigies Farm near South Queensferry or Carberry Tower on the outskirts of Musselburgh.
9. Edinburgh Zoo
Meet Santa Claus and Mrs Claus at Edinburgh Zoo's Christmas Grotto and receive an exclusive early festive surprise! From December 1– 24, the grotto will be available to book in 10-minute time slots from 10:20am – 3:30pm. Please note the grotto does not include entry into Edinburgh Zoo. Admission tickets must be purchased alongside your Santa’s grotto tickets. Go to: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/events/festive-days/. ©Ian Rutherford [email protected]
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10. Craigies Farm
Learn about the magic of Christmas with Mr Claus at the Craigies Farm Santa Experience in South Queensferry. Work your way through the North Pole, starting passport control and ending at Santa’s grotto. All tickets include a present, a reindeer food making experience, and a photo with Santa. Tickets are £12 for adults and £25 for children, book online at https://craigies.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/31520?catID=51862&. Pictured above is Craigies Farm Shop and Café owner John Sinclair and his wife Kirsteen. Photo: Stock
11. Cold Town House
Santa loves to brunch as much as any big kid so he’s stopping off at the scenic Cold Town House in the Grassmarket to enjoy some breakfast in the Old Town and your family can join him every Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. On the day you’ll enjoy a hearty brunch for adults and the team there will more than look after the wee ones with food and drink, and of course a visit and gift from Santa. Tickets from £13 per person available at https://coldtownhouse.co.uk/christmas/. Photo: Contributed
12. The Dower House Cafe
This is a chance to meet Santa in a peaceful, quiet environment ideal for small children, babies and toddlers or those who are a bit shy. You will have the whole room to yourselves during your time slot and this will give you an opportunity to get a photo with Santa, tell him your wish list and receive a gift. Guests will be greeted by a team of elves hard at work at the Corstorphine attraction, making presents and serving delicious specialty coffee. As the flames of Santa's log burning stove dance along to his favourite festive songs, guests will be led upstairs to meet Santa in the comfort of his own lounge. The grotto takes place on December 9, 10, 16, 22 and 23. Prices: £18 per General Admission (1 child and up to 4 adults) - includes gift. Groups: £18 per General Admission plus £15 per extra child - includes gifts. Go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/santas-grotto-at-the-dower-house-2023-tickets-736786196347?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Photo: Google