DOBBIES’ Garden Centres is readying itself for Santa’s arrival and counting down the days to spread festive joy this Christmas.

The Shepton Mallet store has unveiled a magical array of fun, great value events on sale exclusively to members from Tuesday, August 20, and other customers from Tuesday, September 3.

Santa will be landing his sleigh at the store as he takes residency at the brand-new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December.

After a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Here families will have the chance to capture the moment with a photograph of Santa, making a lasting memory of the experience. 

Dobbies will also offer a sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience in the Shepton Mallet store on Friday, December 6, which designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for children with additional needs. Lighting, sound and visual effects will be minimised, giving kids that cherished moment with Santa. Session times are extended to allow for a slower, relaxed experience. 

Dobbies’ events programme manager, Ayesha Nickson, said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Santa and his elves along to our Shepton Mallet store to spread the joy of Christmas with our enchanting line-up of festive events. 

"Christmas is one-of-a-kind at Dobbies and we take absolute joy in putting on a memorable series of events.” 

To learn more about the events and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.