Meeting Santa over the Christmas period is always a popular annual outing for children and at garden centre grottos this year the festive treat is again being extended to include a member of the family who is often overlooked.
No not granny but the family pet and Dobbies, whose branches include Gosforth and Birtley, will be hosting special events so that dogs and their owners can visit Father Christmas too. Santa Paws, opening on December 3, is aimed at those wanting to celebrate the festive season with their canine friends and the dog-friendly grotto experience, including a photo opportunity with Santa, promises to be a treat.
The more usual Santa's Grotto experience for children will be on offer as normal, from November 24, alongside a Quiet Grotto, open from December 9, to support children with special needs. This will feature changes to the sound and visuals with the aim of reducing anxiety while each child waits to meet Santa and his elves.
