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.
5. Gyle shopping centre
Santa will be at the Gyle every weekend before Christmas, pop along to the grotto between 11am-5pm to meet Santa. With a quiet hour from 11am-12pm. He will also be there every day from December 16 right up to Christmas Eve. Pay when you arrive at the Grotto. £5 per child. There will be an additional charge for a professional photograph. No need to book in, simply turn up. Please note the grotto will close at 4:45pm on Christmas Eve to give Santa time to return home to the North Pole and get ready for the night ahead. Photo: Ian Rutherford
6. Carberry Tower
This is Santa’s seventh visit to Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate in Musselburgh, and each year he has been met with full house so make sure you reserve a place early. Children will receive a gift from Santa at his famous grotto. Enjoy a hot chocolate and muffin or a meal by the log fire in the bistro with discount for grotto ticket holders. Get your kid’s ticket from £19 at https://carberrytower.com/santas-grotto?, no need to purchase for adults.Pictured above is the footbridge over the lily pond, Carberry Tower garden, Musselburgh. Photo by Angud N Bathgate Photo: Angus N Bathgate
7. Conifox Adventure Park
Another popular stop just outside of the city is Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston. Collect stamps on your Christmas Passport as you walk around Winter Wonderland, visit Santa in his living room and his elves at the Toy Workshop. Tickets, Adult £18, Child (1-17) £27.50, Baby (0-12 Months) £5 can be bought at www.conifox.co.uk/events/christmas-experience/. Photo: Contributed
8. Brewhemia
Among a host of Christmas events at Brewhemia at Market Street are a couple of great events for the kids to enjoy. Sleighbell Sundays will see kids join Santa, Mrs Claus and their cheeky elves as they visit Brewhemia this festive season. Book in from 10am to start the day with a screening of a North Pole approved Christmas movie whilst the whole family enjoys breakfast alongside Santa & Mrs Claus. December 3, 10, 17, 23 and 24. While at Sunday Family Feasting on December 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 12pm you can join a family feast. Santa will be upstairs in his Grotto for you and the family to visit after your lunch. For more information and to book, go to https://brewhemia.co.uk/christmas/. Photo: Stock