Where's Santa in Edinburgh 2018

Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam,  Santa's workshops and more...

At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.

There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!

You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!

So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…

PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!

 

Where to see Santa in Edinburgh 2018

17 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10.30am-7.30pm, Castle Street, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, www.edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on/santas-grotto4

A chance for children to meet the man in red in person, and tell him their dearest wish. Go and hear a festive tale, sit on Santa's knee, meet his helpers, and receive a wee gift. Visits are in groups and begin every 30 minutes. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time slot. Visits last up to 25 minutes. Each child can take in two adults, the first free, second £5.

 

1 - 23 DECEMBER

MEET SANTA AT CAMERON TOLL

Cameron Toll, 6 Lady Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PB, http://www.camerontoll.co.uk/be-good-for-santa/

Santa is back at Cameron Toll from the 1st December to find out if everyone has been well behaved and is ready for a fantastic festive season. All visits to Santa are free, but the fantastic volunteers from Jaks Den will be on site each Saturday and Sunday should you wish to make a donation to help them make 2019 their biggest year yet! Also 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 December. 

 

1 – 2 DECEMBER

SANTA TRAINS

10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union Street,Bo’ness EH51 9AQ, www.bkrailway.co.uk

Jump on board your very own Polar Express – a steam train chuffing out from this family friendly heritage railways station at Bo’ness. A very special passenger is on board too – Santa, who will be handing out gifts to every child. The Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest train museum, is also open on Santa train days from 11am to 3pm. Call 01506 822298

 

1 - 2 DECEMBER

CONIFOX CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

9pm-4pm, Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston EH29 9ER, www.conifox.co.uk

A one-hour Christmas theatrical experience for the whole family featuring four festive rooms; The Enchanted Forrest, Toy Factory, Mrs Clause’s Kitchen and Santa’s Sitting Room. All tickets include adventure park day entry and each child will get a gift from Santa. To book tickets, visit https://ticket.global-events.org/e/1637/christmas

 

1 -2 DECEMBER

JUPITER ARTLAND CHRISTMAS FAIR

11am – 4pm, Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BY, www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on/christmas-fair

Jupiter Artland will once again be transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, with boutique craft stalls, festive family crafts, mulled wine and delicious seasonal street food. Don't miss Santa's Grotto, festive donkeys and the Christmas tree yard. £8.50 (adult) £4.50 (child). Call 01506 889900

 

 

1 – 23 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, EH22 1ST, www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/restoration-yard/

At weekends in December you can meet Santa and his elves at Dalkeith Country Park. There is a free photo opportunity with him and children will receive a gift. As part of the package you’ll also get free entry into Fort Douglas on the same day. £15 / £10.50 loyalty card holders

 

2, 9, 16, 23 DECEMBER

SLEIGHBELL SUNDAYS

Brewhemia, 1a Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE, www.brewhemia.co.uk

Join Mr and Mrs Claus in Santa's Grotto.  Plus, there will be a kids cinema club, live choirs, brass bands and a Sunday roast to please the family.  

 

 

7 - 9 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am-4pm, National Mining Museum, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN, nationalminingmuseum.com

Meet Santa and his helpers, have a photo taken with him, receive a gift, do crafts and follow the clues on our Christmas trail. Cost £5 per child, which includes ticket to meet Santa, gift, crafts and trailsheet. Times slots available to book online. Call 0131 663 7519

 

8 - 9 DECEMBER

SANTA TRAINS

10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness EH51 9AQ, www.bkrailway.co.uk

Jump on board your very own Polar Express – a steam train chuffing out from this family friendly heritage railways station at Bo’ness. A very special passenger is on board too – Santa, who will be handing out gifts to every child. The Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest train museum, is also open on Santa train days from 11am to 3pm. Call 01506 822298

 

8 - 9 DECEMBER

CONIFOX CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

9pm - 4pm, Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston EH29 9ER, www.conifox.co.uk

A one-hour Christmas theatrical experience for the whole family featuring four festive rooms; The Enchanted Forrest, Toy Factory, Mrs Clause’s Kitchen and Santa’s Sitting Room. All tickets include adventure park day entry and each child will get a gift from Santa. To book tickets, visit https://ticket.global-events.org/e/1637/christmas

 

8 - 9 DECEMBER

SANTA’S FARMYARD COTTAGE

10am - 5pm (until 6.30pm for Santa Suppers), Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk

Visit Santa in his cottage, receive a Christmas present and enjoy the farm! Or enjoy a tasty Santa breakfast, Christmas afternoon tea or Santa supper before meeting Santa in his cottage and receive a present. Booking essential, call 01506 414957

 

 

9 - 24 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am to dusk, East Links Family Park, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1XF, www.eastlinks.co.uk

Go and enjoy our Santa’s grotto and East Links sleigh train. Santa, with the help of his elves, will be giving out presents to kids for a £5 charge. All other activities for our festive event, including our Winter Wonderland and live nativity, are included in our normal entry fees. Call 01368 863 607

 

9 DECEMBER

TUMBLES CHRISTMAS PARTY

3pm - 5pm, Tumbles at Portobello, 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR, www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/tumbles-portobello-gymnastics-and-soft-play

Get set to show off your best dance moves at our disco and party, with arts and crafts, face painting and a buffet bag. Santa will be visiting and there’ll be gifts for all good boys and girls. Non-members £10 per child, members £9, under 12 months, £5. Call 0131 669 0878 or email info.tumbles@edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

 

9 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am - 8pm, Carberry Tower Mansion House, Carberry Tower Estate, Musselburgh EH21 8PY, www.carberrytower.com/santas-grotto

On arrival, your little ones can write and post their Christmas letter to Santa, enjoy some festive fun with the elves and then enjoy a personal visit with Santa himself and receive a fun Christmas gift too! £11 per child. Call 0131 665 3135 to book 30 minute slot.

 

9 DECEMBER

BABY LOVES DISCO’S CHRISTMAS CHEER

1pm, Festival Square Spiegeltent, off Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, www.edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on/baby-loves-discos-christmas-cheer

Unique dayclubbing experience for parents with babies, toddlers and young children. With a licensed bar for parents and our resident club DJ spinning nostalgic party floorfillers. Plus facepainting, festive crafts, toddler play equipment, dress-up, dancefloor games and giveaways, bubbles, balloons, as well as a short interlude with Christmas tunes and pressies from Santa as he struts his stuff on our dancefloor.

 

9 DECEMBER

EDINBURGH SANTA RUN

10.30am – 2pm, West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2ER, www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/events/2018-12-09-edinburgh-santa-run-2018

Fundraising Santa’s will run, walk and stroll around West Princes Street Gardens, raising money to grant the Wishes of children for the When You Wish Upon a Star charity. Free Santa suits and elf hats. Entry £15 adults, £10 5 – 11 years, £5 2 – 4 years.

 

 

14 - 16 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am-4pm, National Mining Museum, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN, nationalminingmuseum.com

Meet Santa and his helpers, have a photo taken with him, receive a gift, do crafts and follow the clues on our Christmas trail. Cost £5 per child, which includes ticket to meet Santa, gift, crafts and trailsheet. Times slots available to book online. Call 0131 663 7519

 

 

14 - 24 DECEMBER

SANTA’S FARMYARD COTTAGE

10am-5pm (until 6.30pm for Santa Suppers), Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk

Visit Santa in his cottage, receive a Christmas present and enjoy the farm! Or enjoy a tasty Santa breakfast, Christmas afternoon tea or Santa supper before meeting Santa in his cottage and receive a present. Booking essential, call 01506 414957

 

15 - 16 DECEMBER

SANTA TRAINS

10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union Street,Bo’ness EH51 9AQ, www.bkrailway.co.uk

Jump on board your very own Polar Express – a steam train chuffing out from this family friendly heritage railways station at Bo’ness. A very special passenger is on board too – Santa, who will be handing out gifts to every child. The Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest train museum, is also open on Santa train days from 11am to 3pm. Call 01506 822298

 

15 - 16 DECEMBER

CONIFOX CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

9pm-4pm, Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston EH29 9ER, www.conifox.co.uk

A one-hour Christmas theatrical experience for the whole family featuring four festive rooms; The Enchanted Forrest, Toy Factory, Mrs Clause’s Kitchen and Santa’s Sitting Room. All tickets include adventure park day entry and each child will get a gift from Santa. To book tickets, visit https://ticket.global-events.org/e/1637/christmas

 

16 - 24 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am - 8pm/3pm - 8pm, Carberry Tower Mansion House, Carberry Tower Estate, Musselburgh EH21 8PY, www.carberrytower.com/santas-grotto

On arrival, your little ones can write and post their Christmas letter to Santa, enjoy some festive fun with the elves and then enjoy a personal visit with Santa himself and receive a fun Christmas gift too! £11 per child. Call 0131 665 3135 to book 30 minute slot.

 

 

20 DECEMBER

CLAMBERS CHRISTMAS PARTY

4pm - 6pm, Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB, www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Enjoy two hours of soft play, plus face painting, tattoos, disco, games, and arts and crafts and receive a present from Santa. Don your best Christmas jumper or outfit to be in with a chance of a prize. Non-members, children £10, members £9, under 12 months £5. Call 0131 667 7211 or email info.rcp@edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

21 - 23 DECEMBER

BREAKFAST OR AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA

9am-10.30am, 12pm-1.30pm, 2pm-3.30pm, Clambers, Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB, www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea whilst making reindeer dust; writing a letter to Santa with the elves, before visiting Santa to receive a present, followed by 45 minutes of soft play. Non-members, children £14, members £12, under 12 months £5, adults, £7. Call 0131 667 7211 or email info.rcp@edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

21 - 24 DECEMBER

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

9.30pm - 11.30pm, Scrambles at EICA, Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA, www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

Join Santa for a Christmas breakfast followed by party games, including the Hokey Cokey; Christmas Corners; Musical Statues; and Pass the Parcel. Before they leave, children will visit Santa to receive a gift. For ages 1-7 years. Tickets, children £13.50, adults £5. Call 0131 333 6333 or email info.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

21 - 24 DECEMBER

ROGUE VILLAGE’S HOBO CINEMA

Times vary, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, EH22 1ST, www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/restoration-yard/

The Restoration Yard is the perfect setting for a classic Christmas movie. Think beautiful winter foliage and twinkling festoon by incredible botanical set designers, Pyrus, alongside rich hot chocolate, spiced mulled wine and gourmet popcorn. Watch The Snowman & Father Christmas (double bill) The Polar Express, Home Alone, Love Actually, White Christmas and more of your favourites in this magical setting. Dinner and drinks packages available. Buy tickets online:https://www.roguevillage.com/hobo-cinema9

 

21 DECEMBER

SANTA’S GROTTO

10am - 4pm, National Mining Museum, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN, nationalminingmuseum.com

Meet Santa and his helpers, have a photo taken with him, receive a gift, do crafts and follow the clues on our Christmas trail. Cost £5 per child, which includes ticket to meet Santa, gift, crafts and trailsheet. Times slots available to book online. Call 0131 663 7519

 

 

22-23 DECEMBER

BABY LOVES DISCO’S CHRISTMAS CHEER

1pm, Festival Square Spiegeltent, off Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, www.edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on/baby-loves-discos-christmas-cheer

Unique dayclubbing experience for parents with babies, toddlers and young children. With a licensed bar for parents and a resident club DJ spinning nostalgic party floorfillers. Plus facepainting, festive crafts, toddler play equipment, dress-up, dancefloor games and giveaways, bubbles, balloons and more as well as a short interlude with Christmas tunes and pressies from Santa as he struts his stuff on our dancefloor.

 

22 - 23 DECEMBER

SANTA TRAINS

10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union Street,Bo’ness EH51 9AQ, www.bkrailway.co.uk

Jump on board your very own Polar Express – a steam train chuffing out from this family friendly heritage railways station at Bo’ness. A very special passenger is on board too – Santa, who will be handing out gifts to every child. The Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest train museum, is also open on Santa train days from 11am to 3pm. Call 01506 822298

 

22 - 23 DECEMBER

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

9am – 10am, Restoration Yard, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, EH22 1ST, www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/restoration-yard/

Make the lead up to Christmas even more magical by treating your children (ages 2 – 12) to Breakfast with Santa at Restoration Café. You can all enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast in magical surroundings while your child meets the man of the moment and receives a gift. Children: £12 / £10 loyalty card holders - includes a visit and present from Santa with a cooked breakfast/vegetarian breakfast and soft drink.

 

22 - 24 DECEMBER

CONIFOX CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

9pm-4pm, Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston EH29 9ER, www.conifox.co.uk

A one-hour Christmas theatrical experience for the whole family featuring four festive rooms; The Enchanted Forrest, Toy Factory, Mrs Clause’s Kitchen and Santa’s Sitting Room. All tickets include adventure park day entry and each child will get a gift from Santa. To book tickets, visit https://ticket.global-events.org/e/1637/christmas

 

 

 

 

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