Garden centres are fun to visit at any time of the year but they become extra magical during the Christmas season, writes Jacqueline Wake Young.
Kirkton Garden Centre, Stonehaven
Kirkton Garden Centre is going to town with its Christmas offerings, with fresh trees, holly wreaths, Scottish-grown poinsettias and customisable hampers.
On December 6, 7, 13 and 14 there will be late-night shopping and evening meals with a Christmas menu.
At its autumn fashion show, Kirkton raised funds for the Archie Foundation and children from the foundation will be meeting Santa.
At 3pm on Saturday December 3, a special tree will be switched on.
Dobbies Garden Centre, Aberdeen
Dobbies Garden Centre has created several decorating themes including Festive Dreaming, Nordic Wonder and Moonlight and Sparkle.
As well as more gifts than you can shake a fir tree stick at, activities include Santa’s breakfast, Festive Afternoon Tea, Santa’s Grotto plus a Santa’s Quiet Grotto on December 9.
At Santa Paws dogs can meet Santa and get a treat and there is a Pawsome Christmas Lunch.
Mains of Drum Garden Centre, near Drumoak
Set in landscaped grounds Mains of Drum Garden Centre is a much-loved shopping destination on Royal Deeside which has everything for the garden plus an award-winning gift department and restaurant.
It has a large range of real and artificial trees, fairy lights and Christmas decorations.
The restaurant is serving traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and all the trimmings as well as a nut roast option from 11.30am to 3.30pm and Christmas Afternoon Tea 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
The Green House, Aberdeen
The Green House in Bon Accord Centre is thought to be the only UK garden centre inside a shopping centre.
It’s a novel idea and provides a change of pace for shoppers, who can get away from the hustle and bustle and take a moment to browse and discover new gift ideas.
Santa’s Workshop hosted by Charlie House is just opposite in the shopping centre.
Inverurie Garden Centre
Perhaps best known for its mouth-watering cakes, Inverurie Garden Centre is a shoppers’ and diners’ paradise.
It has Scottish-grown cut Christmas trees, artificial trees and is serving Christmas lunch with all the trimmings from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Kellockbank Garden Centre, Insch
Christmas has arrived at Kellockbank Garden Centre with everything from LED snowmen and wicker reindeer to a large selection of decorations and festive homewares.
There are festive lunches and afternoon teas, a Santa’s Grotto and donkeys will visit on Sunday December 4 from 12pm to 3pm.
Simpsons Garden Centres, Inverness and Aberdeenshire
A virtual sleigh ride is among the exciting activities at the Mintlaw branch while both Simpsons Garden Centre sites have Christmas shops with everything to make a home look festive.
There is plenty of gift inspiration from clothing and pampering to books and handbags as well as presents for gardeners plus a festive menu to round off any visit.
Speyside Centre, Garden Centre & Restaurant
This family-run gem nestled among pine trees between Grantown on Spey and Aviemore prides itself in friendly service with a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations, gifts and local whiskies and gins.
Speyside Centre is serving Christmas lunch, afternoon teas and its famous clootie dumplings.
There is a red squirrel and bird viewing area, a toddlers’ play area, a dog-friendly dining area, outdoor seating at the Sitooterie and woodland walks.
Howdens Garden Centre, Inverness
Howdens aims to create a festive season to remember, with a Christmas shop for decorations and gifts, while the restaurant will be serving a Christmas menu with vegetarian and vegan options.
There’s a chance to add ornaments to a miniature Christmas village and best of all, singing reindeers.
Munros Nurseries & Coffee Shop, North Kessock
Resident robin and local celebrity Steve now has a hot chocolate named after him with customers getting to keep a little robin clip from their cup.
Munros Nurseries and Coffee Shop, which has won trade awards for its Christmas displays and festive catering, sources unique decorations and gifts from places such as Finland and Holland with an emphasis on wood, metal and glass.
They have created an enchanted forest and are hosting wreath-making workshops as well as Christmas afternoon teas.
Christies Garden Centre, Fochabers
This 200-year-old garden centre is a magical place during the festive season with activities for children, decorations, gifts and Christmas food and drink.
Santa will visit Christies Garden Centre every weekend between 12pm to 3pm and it’s free to visit him, although donations are welcome and will go to Charlie House. There are also elf hunts and donkeys will pop in on Christmas Eve.
Raemoir Garden Centre, Banchory
Raemoir Garden Centre has several gorgeous decor themes to make a home extra festive, including the cool and contemporary Frozen Lake and Bohemian Forest with an emphasis on nature.
There are real and potted Christmas trees and lots of gift ideas including ready-made and bespoke hampers.
Items can be added to hampers from any department as well as the excellent food hall, and the restaurant is serving Christmas lunches.
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