Christmas may be a few weeks away but you need to be quick to secure a spot in some of our favourite Santa’s grottos in Dundee, Fife, Perthshire and Angus.
Kids love a chance to meet Father Christmas and tell him what present they hope to find in their stocking on December 25.
To make sure your children enjoy that experience, check out our list of 10 of the best local grottos.
Peel Farm, Kirriemuir
Peel Farm has a fantastic grotto and while he’s there Santa can communicate using Makaton sign language, making it particularly suitable for children with autism or sensory difficulties.
It is open every weekend in December before Christmas. The farm also hosts breakfasts with Santa.
Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park, Cupar
Slots for the deer centre’s Santa grotto sold out almost as soon booking opened in September, but there’s an alternative – Reindeerinch’s grotto.
A parody of The Grinch, children can meet the grumpy reindeer, be regaled with inappropriate jokes and receive a humorous gift that Reindeerinch insists they open before Christmas!
The centre – which has pay-as-you-please entry but set fees for the grottos – will have a winter wonderland with Christmas crepes, mulled wine, marshmallow toasting and Christmas stories with the elves.
Blair Castle and Gardens, Blair Atholl
Santa will visit his secret grotto in grand Blair Castle on December 9 and 10.
Children can get a photograph with him and a gift from his elves.
Sessions should be booked ahead.
Dobbies Garden Centres, Dundee and Dunfermline
Grottos in the Monifieth and Dunfermline branches are open daily from November 25 to December 24.
Children are guided by elves to find Little Seedlings characters and before meeting Santa they can make a special item to take home in a ‘wildlife forest clearing’.
The centres also offer breakfasts with Santa and quiet grottos.
Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort, Dundee
This popular grotto is booked up quickly so get in quick to secure a slot on one of 10 dates during December.
There’s a festival trail where children can search for Christmas points and win a second gift.
Brechin Castle Centre
Santa will be in his grotto here every weekend from November 25 to December 24.
Every child will get a gift.
And there’s no need to book in advance, tickets can be purchased on the day.
Glendoick Garden Centre, Perth
Santa will return to his Christmas Cabin here for 2023.
All money raised will be donated to this year’s charity, Harbour Counselling Service, Perth.
Spaces can be booked for weekends from November 25 to December 17.
Fairley’s Garden Centre, Cairneyhill
This grotto run by Santa’s Web opens on November 25 and will open most days until Christmas Eve.
Children will see ‘Santa’s Village’ before meeting the man himself and can take home some reindeer dust from his cabin, a certificate for good behaviour and – for an extra fee – a snow bear gift.
Crieff Hydro
Santa’s grotto is part of a winter wonderland at Crieff Hydro including an ice rink, fairground rides and reindeer experience.
Children get a picture with Santa and a present and can sing-along with the elves.
Bookings are through Itison for various dates in December.
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