Add some extra Christmas magic with these Santa events across the north-east.
Covid derailed many of our favourite festive traditions for the past few years – but Santa’s back! This year there are lots of opportunities for little ones to meet the big man.
We’ve scoured the internet and rounded up the grottos, fun days and sleigh tours taking place across Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
Here’s our pick of Santa events across the north-east this December.
Where to find Santa in Aberdeenshire
Santa at Drum Castle, Drumoak
Enjoy a cost chat and gift with Santa in the drawing room of Drum Castle. Quiet and pre-school versions are also available. Booking essential.
Dates: Saturday December 17, 9:30am – 4:10pm
Cost: £10 plus booking fee
More information on visiting Santa at Drum Castle.
Fishermoss fayre and grotto, Portlethen
Fishermoss Primary School invites you to meet Santa and tell him what’s on your wish list this year. Each child will be given a selection box, and there are free hot drinks and mince pies, too.
Dates: Friday December 2, 6-8pm
Cost: £2 plus booking fee
More information on Portlethen’s Fishermoss fayre.
Father Christmas at Castle Fraser, Inverurie
Post your Santa letter to the North Pole then come into the Castle Fraser grotto and tell him all your Christmas wishes.
Dates: Saturday December 10, 2.30pm
Cost: £15 for children’s tickets with accompanying adults free. Admission to the castle is not required.
More information on Father Christmas at Castle Fraser.
Breakfast with Santa, Inverurie
Head down to Garioch Indoor Bowling Centre for a spot of breakfast, long with games, music and festive fun. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa, too.
Dates: Sunday December 4, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: £12 adults, £6 children under 12, plus booking fee
More information on breakfast with Santa at Inverurie.
Meet Santa at Fyvie Castle, Fyvie
Father Christmas will be paying a visit to Fyvie Castle during the Victorian Christmas Fair. Come and meet him in the Billiards Room and receive a unique Christmas gift.
Dates: Friday December 2 to Sunday December 4
Cost: £6
More information on meeting Santa at Fyvie Castle.
Santa at Waulkmill Menagerie Farm, New Deer
Santa is taking time out from his busy toy-making for a special visit to Waulkmill Menagerie every weekend in December!
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday of December, 10am-2pm
Cost: £10 plus booking fee
More information on Waulkmill Menagerie Farm’s Santa experience.
Children’s Christmas Party, Westhill
Christmas party for the little ones, featuring Love Rara, Winter Queen, Santa and Elf! Suitable for children aged two to twelve – children under four must be supervised.
Dates: Sunday December 11, 1.30-5pm
Cost: Free
More information on Westhill’s Christmas party.
Catch the Santa train at Milton of Crathes, Banchory
Catch the Santa train and enjoy festive refreshments and Christmas carols. On return, children will receive presents from Santa in the grotto station.
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in December, including Christmas Eve.
Cost: £12 for over 10s, £18 for 1 to 9-year-olds (includes a present)
More information on Banchory’s Santa train.
Christmas at Crathes Castle, Banchory
Crathes Castle is bringing the Christmas magic, with an illuminated woodland trail, fire pit, festive market and Santa’s grotto. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Dates: December 8 – 24
Cost: Adults £18, Child £12, Santa ticket £9
More information on Christmas at Crathes Castle.
Where to find Santa in Aberdeen
Santa at Dobbies, Aberdeen
Always a family favourite, Dobbies Aberdeen has Christmas all wrapped up again this year. Let your elf guide lead you through the snowy forest, and help him pack up the toys for Santa’s sleigh. Meet Santa and tell him all your adventures before receiving a special gift.
Dates: Various throughout December
Cost: £11.99
More information on Santa at Dobbies in Aberdeen.
Breakfast with Santa – Holiday Inn West
Get the family together for a holiday feast with the big man himself. Children can visit Santa in his grotto, tell him their Christmas wish list and get a gift to take home.
Dates: Saturday December 3, 9-11am
Cost: Adults £9.95, children £14.95, under threes are free
More information on Breakfast with Santa at Holiday Inn West.
Santa’s workshop at Bon Accord Centre
Santa’s workshop returns to the upper mall, along with his loyal helpers and a sack full of presents to bring festive joy.
Dates: Sold out except for Christmas Eve
Cost: £7.99 per child (adults can attend free of charge)
More information on Santa’s Workshop at Bon Accord.
Christmas cuppa with Santa, Ferryhill
Ferryhill Primary’s fundraising committee brings you an afternoon of festive fun, with stalls, crafts, tombola and more. Plus, get your photo taken with Santa!
Dates: Saturday December 17, 2-5pm
Cost: £1 per person
More information on tea with Santa in Ferryhill.
Science with Santa, Aberdeen Science Centre
Santa and his cheeky elves will be spreading festive cheer and a little H2 Ho Ho Ho at Aberdeen Science Centre this Christmas. Come and visit the sparkly festive laboratory, meet Santa’s cheeky elves and learn how to make gingerbread slime to take home. Note: this event is for children over four, but there’s a special session for under fives on Friday 9 December.
Dates: December 9-18
Cost: £5 per child plus admission to science centre
More information on science with Santa at the science centre.
Relaxed Santa Claus visit, with Codona’s & We Too!
Come to Codona’s for a relaxed Santa experience and an exclusive visit to Smugglers Cove. Chat to Santa’s reindeer then come to the grotto for a special gift.
Dates: Tuesday December 20, 5pm – 7pm
Cost: £12.99
More information on relaxed Christmas at Codona’s.
Santa & Mrs Claus at Stonehaven
Join the RNLI for some festive fun at Stonehaven harbour as they welcome Santa and Mrs Claus off the lifeboat. There will be festive refreshments and hot mince pies to enjoy, as well as the chance to meet the Minions!
Dates: Saturday December 10 at 12pm
Cost: Free
More information on Mr and Mrs Claus at Stonehaven.
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