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Are you wondering which locations are hosting Santa’s Grotto in Edinburgh this year? The big man’s elves have kindly emailed us with his December route. However, you must book a time to meet Santa in Edinburgh, or you’ll be on the naughty list!
You may also like our guides to Edinburgh in December, best places to see decor and lights, festive menus and Christmas dinner and Christmas hotels in Edinburgh.
*** This guide will be updated when schedules are released this winter.
Where To See Santa In Edinburgh This Year
Edinburgh’s Christmas Santa Grotto – TBD
Listen to a story read by Santa from 18 Nov-24 December at the grotto on St Andrew Square.
Sessions last 20 minutes and can accommodate up to 22 children.
Each child will have the chance to meet Santa and receive a gift.
Tickets are time allocated.
Santa’s Stories is one of the city’s many official Edinburgh Christmas events this winter.
Brewhemia – TBD
Party and event central Brewhemia is putting on a number of festive events for wee and big kids, including Sleighbell Sundays.
In December, the Beer Palace is dedicated to family time, delicious festive food, entertainment, and Santa Claus.
Dine with Santa over brunch or Sunday roast.
Cold Town House – TBD
Santa loves brunch as much as any big kid, so he’s stopping off at the scenic Cold Town House to enjoy breakfast in the Old Town, and your family can join him.
I wonder if he prefers red or brown?
While you can’t get gassed on the Grassmarket, you can have a gas with Mr Claus in December.
This is a sell-out event.
Dobbies Edinburgh – TBD
The city welcomes the return of this old-favourite Santa meet, and spaces are booking out fast, so don’t delay making a reservation.
The event includes a walk through Santa’s toyshop and a gift from Santa.
Professional photography is available for an additional fee.
Ocean Terminal, Leith – TBD
Santa is making a stop down by the docks!
Santa’s elves are working overtime to set up Santa’s Grotto at Ocean Terminal in Leith.
Book your ticket here.
There will also be relaxed sessions with extra time for kids with additional needs.
Royal Botanic Garden – TBD
Previously, Santa has been waiting for wee ones as they work their way through the light installations and projections in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Arboretum Place.
You can reserve your tickets here.
Santa’s Grotto Near Edinburgh City Centre
Craigies Farm, Queensferry – TBD
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 at passport control and ending at Santa’s Grotto.
All tickets include a present, a reindeer food-making experience, and a photo with Santa.
Book online.
Carberry Tower, Musselburgh – TBD
This is Santa’s seventh visit to Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate, and each year, he is met with a 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 a discount for grotto ticket holders.
Get your kid’s ticket here; no need to purchase for adults.
Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston – TBD
Another popular stop just outside of the city is Conifox Adventure Park.
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 can be bought here.
Archfield Walled Garden – TBD
This wee green haven in North Berwick is kid-friendly all year round and invites all good kids to join Santa at the Walled Garden premises in December.
Santa will tell the group a story and invite families to collect gifts at his sorting office.
Non-refundable tickets for kids can be purchased here.
Dear Santa we will see you soon from Michelle and lady dog