The Best Santas Grottos in Edinburgh this Christmas

For the kids, Christmas is quite literally the most wonderful time of the year. They'll be whizzing around the web looking for things to add to their lists, counting down the days through their daily chocolate intake via the advent calendar, and ensuring there are treats left out for Santa and his reindeer. Yet, as we're sure you'll agree, one of the most magical memories you can have as a child around Christmas is going to see Santa in one of his Grottos that he tours all around the country. 

When looking for Santa's Grottos, Edinburgh has you covered. Auld Reekie is no stranger to the big man, inviting him to many venues around the city during the festive season. From traditional grottos to breakfast with the Clauses to North Pole adventures, the opportunities for your littluns to see the man in red are plenty. 

So scroll down and check them out! Plus, if you're after more ways to make your festive season in Edinburgh extra special, check out some of Edinburgh Christmas Eve and Boxing Day events!

Santa's Grotto

Photo: www.oceanterminal.com 

When: Friday 1st - Sunday 24th December 2023 

Where: Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh

Santa comes to Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre to meet all the weans on the nice list and hear what they’ve got on their Christmas wishlist. For £5.50 per child, your littluns can meet the big man himself, have some pictures or videos taken to keep as a precious memory, and take home their own present! Relaxed sessions are available for those with additional needs, allowing ten minutes at the beginning and end of the day on the 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, and 20th. Be quick though, as tickets are flying out! 

Santa's Breakfast

Photo: events.dobbies.com

When: Friday 15th - Sunday 24th December 2023 

Where: Dobbies Garden Centre in Edinburgh 

The perfect way to get your giddy kids even giddier, this event starts with a lovely sit-down breakfast as a family. Then it’s time for the little ones to get stuck into festive games and activities. Once they’ve made their own elf mask to take home, it’s time to meet the man in red and receive their present! Both adults and children can choose from a traditional breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast, or a breakfast roll. 

Craigies Santa Adventure

Photo: Craigie's Farm Shop and Cafe / Facebook.com

When: Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, and Saturday 23rd December 2023

Where: Craigies Farm in Queensferry, Edinburgh 

Just under a half-hour drive from Edinburgh city, Craigies Farm is going all out with a festive event that blows most Santa’s Grottos in Edinburgh out of the water. Here, your weans will be transported to a world of pure festive enchantment as they journey through the North Pole to help Father Christmas himself save Christmas. A team of professionals will bring the experience to life and immerse the kids in a wonderful world while making reindeer food, meeting Santa, and receiving a present along the way. =

Festive Grotto

Photo: Edinburgh Zoo / Facebook.com 

When: Friday 1st - Sunday 24th December 2023

Where: Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh 

The zoo once again brings one of the best Santa’s Grottos to Edinburgh this December. With both daytime and evening slots available, you can work in a visit to Mr and Mrs Claus, watching your littlun's face light up with the Christmas spirit. Edinburgh Zoo hosts other festive events too, like the Winter Village, Breakfast with the Clauses, and the iceless skating Rockhopper Rink! Head to their website for more info. 

A wonderful, magical time of year, especially for those on the nice list, Santa's Grottos are the perfect way to generate some serious excitement around the best day of the year and make memories to last a lifetime. If you're here, you're probably eager to make this Christmas as best it can be, so let us help! Find amazing Christmas events in Edinburgh to make this holiday season the best yet.  

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.