A Preston garden centre is set to host a lineup of festive events in the run up to Christmas.
Dobbies’ Preston will kick off the season with Santa’s Arrival, a free-to-attend festive celebration on Sunday 23 November. This will be a morning of seasonal storytelling, community performances and festive cheer.
Back by popular demand, Santa’s Grotto will return, this time with a North Pole adventure theme. Children will journey through a magical, ice-inspired world, playing polar games and enjoying festive activities before meeting Santa and receiving a special, age-appropriate gift. Quiet Grotto sessions will offer a more relaxed, inclusive experience for children with additional needs.
Santa Paws, an event specifically designed for dogs, will be back with double the amount of slots to
meet demand. Dogs will get the chance to take part in a sniff-ari game before getting a picture with Santa and taking home a tail-wagging gift.
In the restaurant, families can join Santa’s Breakfast, where the little ones get chance to spend time with Santa and his elves. After breakfast, families can participate in games and activities. They’ll then get to make their own winter character toy to name and take home. Prices start from £18 per child and from £9 per adult.
At the annual Christmas Shopping Night – in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK – there will be live entertainment and community performances, grotto previews and a sneak peek at the Christmas menu. Attendees will also get the chance to explore Dobbies’ festive décor with special offers available on the night.
For adults looking to get creative, the store is hosting a brand-new Festive Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea Experience. Dobbies’ Green Team will host the demonstration, giving attendees chance to create a wreath to take home.
Dates and prices
- Santa’s Arrival: Sunday 23 November, free-to-attend
- Santa’s Grotto: Sunday 23 November – Wednesday 24 December, from £14
- Quiet Grotto: Friday 5 December, from £14 per child
- Santa Paws: Sunday 23 November – Wednesday 24 December, £12.50 per dog, children’s tickets can be added from £14
- Santa’s Breakfast: Saturday 29 November – Wednesday 24 December, from £18 per child, from £9 per adult
- Christmas Shopping Night in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK: Thursday 27 November, pay what you can – £1, £2.50 or £5 – with all proceeds going to the charity
- Festive Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea Experience: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, £55 per person
Tickets for the Christmas events are available from the Dobbies website.
