With only 50 days to go until Christmas, most shops are in the full swing of the festive season – as are garden centres.
Transformed into festive spectaculars every year, many garden centres become lavishly decorated winter wonderlands where children of all ages can meet and chat with Father Christmas.
Gralyn Joinery, garden centre fit-out specialists, have taken a look at some of Yorkshire’s most impressive Santa’s grottos that can be found in garden centres across the county this year…
Tong Garden Centre – Bradford
20th November – 24th December
At Tong Garden Centre children will be taken on a magical woodland journey to meet Santa. Into the enchanted woods they’ll go to meet elves, reindeer and then Santa himself. Settled in the grotto, they’ll be able to share their Christmas wishlist and pose with Santa for photos before choosing their gift.
Whiteley’s Garden Centre – Mirfield
24th November – 24th December
The countdown to Christmas at Whiteleys is filled with magical moments. Amongst the twinkling Christmas decorations, Whiteleys are inviting visitors to meet Santa in his festive grotto from 24th November. Children will receive a delicious afternoon tea to take away as well as a special present to unwrap.
Dobbies York – York
4th December – 24th December
Santa’s Grotto is one of Dobbies York’s most loved festive experiences. Little ones are invited to walk through the magical outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way. They’ll then be welcomed by Santa himself and receive a special gift. Dobbies are also running a special Santa Paws event where canine companions can meet Santa and receive a special Christmas present.
Harpins Gardens – Ackworth
4th December – 24th December
The Christmas experience at Harpins starts with a fun reindeer trail. Once visitors have found Santa’s missing reindeer, they’ll be invited into Santa’s winter wonderland by his Christmas elves. Once in Santa’s grotto, visitors will get to take a souvenir photograph and have a private family audience with Santa Claus himself, so children can tell him their Christmas wish list. At the end of the visit children will receive a special gift from Father Christmas himself.
Castle Howard Garden Centre – York
13th November – 2nd January
Step through the wardrobe into an enchanting adventure as Castle Howard Garden Centre celebrate Christmas in Narnia. Twilight is one of the most magical times to visit as icy twinkling lights and sparkling trees glitter in the night sky. Visitors will also be able to see the lavishly decorated interiors of Castle Howard transformed with breath-taking dramatic installations. Father Christmas himself will also be making an appearance to meet children and take note of their Christmas wish lists.
Irton Garden Centre – Scarborough
4th December – 24th December
Children can meet Santa at Irton Garden Centre and hear his tales of life at the North Pole before receiving a special gift. On arrival, visitors will be greeted by Santa’s elves and asked to create magic food for the reindeer in readiness for their busy Christmas Eve. Children will also be able to get crafting and make a decoration to take home for their Christmas tree.
Dobbies Chesterfield – Chesterfield
27th November – 24th December
Santa’s grotto is one of Dobbies Chesterfield’s most loved festive experiences. Little ones are invited to walk through the magical outdoor woodland before being welcomed into Santa’s grotto by Father Christmas himself. Dobbies Chesterfield have also worked with the charity Autism Together to put together Santa’s quiet grotto – a place where children with additional needs can meet Santa without being overwhelmed by music and other visitors.
Hornsea Garden Centre – Hull
27th November – 24th December
All aboard Santa’s Express Train at Hornsea Garden Centre and take a journey to see Santa’s elves. Mrs Claus also makes an appearance before whisking visitors off to meet Santa Claus himself. Children will have the chance to take a picture with Santa before receiving a special gift. Festive sing-a-longs and crafting are all part of the experience too!
Langlands Shiptonthorpe – York
27th November – 24th December
Santa returns to Langlands once again this year. Guided by his mischievous elves, visitors will make their way through the enchanted Christmas Kingdom to meet Santa himself for a little chat and to receive a very special gift. Visitors will also have the chance to experience Santa’s VR sleigh ride – the ride will take children through charming snow-covered festive towns as Santa prepares for his flight on Christmas eve.
Brigg Garden Centre – Brigg
20th November – 24th December
Although not technically in Yorkshire, Brigg’s not far away and it’s worth the travel! Meet Santa and Mrs Claus at Brigg Garden Centre as they tell tales of life at the North Pole and hand out presents to visiting children. Upon leaving Santa’s grotto, visitors will experience a wonderful train ride through the town of Elf Central before making their way to receive a Christmas decoration, magic reindeer food, and a mini Christmas Tree to decorate at home.
