Families, friends and four-legged companions are invited to join Dobbies’ Christmas celebrations at its Gillingham store. From magical encounters with Santa to hands-on festive workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether creating cherished Christmas memories, taking part in seasonal activities or discovering the perfect festive day out, the Best Ever Christmas starts at Dobbies.

©Stewart Attwood Photography 2026

Santa’s Grotto

Step into a North Pole village filled with festive fun at Dobbies’ Gillingham Santa’s Grotto. Back by popular demand, this year’s Grotto will take children on a magical journey through the village to meet Santa Claus, taking part in activities and grotto games along the way. 

Each family will have the chance to enjoy time with Santa to share their Christmas wishes and every child will receive a special collectible penguin soft toy in a presentation bag to take home as a memento. 

Photo opportunities will be available throughout the experience, as well as the chance to take a professional printed photo with Santa. By pre-booking the photo package online, customers can save 20%. 

Santa’s Grotto runs from 22 November to Christmas Eve; tickets start at £15 per child.

Quiet Grotto

Quiet Grotto sessions are available at Dobbies’ Gillingham on 4 and 8 December, offering a more relaxed, inclusive experience for children with additional needs, with tickets priced at £15 per child. 

© Stewart Attwood Photography 2026

Santa Paws 

Four-legged members of the family are also invited to join the Christmas fun at Dobbies Gillingham with Santa Paws. 

Pups can meet Santa and his elves during a festive experience created especially for them, complete with dog-friendly activities and a special gift to take home. Make the visit an extra memorable family day out by adding a children’s ticket when booking so little ones can meet Santa alongside their furry best friend. 

This is available at stores offering the Santa’s Grotto and Meet Santa experiences, with professional printed photography available at Santa’s Grotto stores and professional digital photography available at Meet Santa stores. By pre-booking the photo package, customers can save 20%. 

They can also opt to make a donation to the Dogs Trust, the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, when booking tickets. Santa Paws takes place on dates throughout December with tickets from £12 per dog.

Santa’s Breakfast

Families can share a magical morning in the Dobbies’ Gillingham restaurant at Santa’s Breakfast. Enjoy a visit from Santa, games, activities and a mini tree-decorating activity, all over a delicious family breakfast. 

Children will also receive a special gift from Santa, making it a memorable Christmas treat for the whole family. 

The Santa’s Breakfast experience starts on 28 November and runs until Christmas Eve, with tickets £16.50 per child and from £9 per adult.

© Stewart Attwood Photography 2026

Festive Wreath Making Workshop 

Get hands-on this Christmas at Dobbies’ Gillingham with a Festive Wreath Making Workshop. Create your own beautiful Christmas wreath basket filled with some of Dobbies favourite seasonal plants, berries, ribbons and decorative finishing touches. Then take your handmade wreath to display on your front door or hang as a festive feature in your home.

Festive Wreath Making is taking place in stores from 4 to 6 December and tickets are priced at £45 per person.

The experience includes a hot drink from the Dobbies’ restaurant to enjoy while taking part in the workshop, or make a day of it by adding a Festive Afternoon Tea for £19 per person.

Whether you’re meeting Santa for the first time or keeping cherished traditions alive, Dobbies invites families at Gillingham to celebrate the season with sparkle, joy and magical experiences for the whole family.

Tickets for Dobbies’ Christmas events are now on general sale. Families looking to create festive memories are encouraged to book early via dobbies.com/events to secure their place.

Christmas events at Dobbies’ Gillingham store:

• Santa’s Grotto, Sunday 22 November – Thursday 24 December, from £15 per child.
• Quiet Grotto, 4 and 8 December, £15 per child.
• Santa Paws, Selected dates in December, £12 for Meet Santa stores £13.50 for Grotto stores per dog.
• Santa’s Breakfast, Saturday 28 November – Thursday 24 December, £16.50 per child, from £9 per adult.
• Festive Wreath Making Workshop, Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December, £45 per person. 

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