Santa Paws Events This Christmas in Great Britain 2023

Updated On: March 06, 2024 | Published On: November 20, 2023

As the festive season approaches, it's the perfect time of year to plan some great fun for your furry family members. Across Great Britain, Santa Paws Grottos are opening their doors, offering a unique and joyous experience for you and your beloved dogs. These special events are not just a chance to meet the jolly man in red but also provide an opportunity for our four-legged friends to participate in the holiday cheer.

Will you be traveling this holiday season? You can also find where to visit Santa Paws in Ireland and where to visit Santa Paws in Northern Ireland

70 Places to meet Santa Paws Across Great Britain 🎅🏻🐾🐶


Here’s a quick rundown, organized by country, of all the events welcoming our furry friends this Christmas. Scroll down for dates, times, and direct links to book your tickets. We highly recommend booking as soon as possible, as these events tend to sell out.

England
  • Santa Paws at Bents Events - Glazebury
  • Santa Paws at the Valley 2023 -  West Bromwich
  • Santa Paws at Hollingworth Lake - Greater Manchester
  • Mrs Claus is… Santa Paws -  Southend-on-Sea
  • Santa Paws at Dobbies:
    • Ashford
    • Atherstone
    • Aylesbury
    • Birtley
    • Boston
    • Carlisle
    • Chesterfield
    • Cirencester
    • Gailey
    • Gillingham
    • Gloucester
    • Gosforth
    • Hare Hatch
    • Havant
    • Huntingdon
    • Kings Lynn
    • Liverpool
    • Milton Keynes
    • Moreton Park
    • Morpeth
    • Northampton
    • Peterborough
    • Ponteland
    • Preston
    • Royston
    • Rugby
    • Shenstone
    • Shepton Mallet
    • Shrewsbury
    • Southport
    • Stapleton (Woodlands)
    • Stockton
    • Telford
    • Tewkesbury
    • Woodbridge
    • Woodcote Green
    • York
  • Santa Paws at Winter Glow - Worcestershire
  • Santa Paws at Canterbury Christmas Market - Kent
  • Woofmas and Santa Paws - Wellingborough
  • Santa Paws at The Spaniards Inn - London 
  • Santa Paws at Cherry Lane Garden Centres:
    • Barnett Hill
    • Bradmore
    • Early Dawn
    • Fritton
    • Glebe
    • Pulham Market
    • Retford & Gainsborough
    • Roman Way
    • The Barn

Scotland 
  • Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centre: 
    • Aberdeen
    • Ayr
    • Braehead
    • Dundee
    • Dunfermline
    • Edinburgh
    • Inverness
    • Livingston
    • Milngavie
    • Perth
    • Sandyholm
    • Stirling
  • Santa Paws at Holmwood House - Edinburgh

Wales 
  • Santa Paws at Dobbies in Wales - West Glamorgan
  • Brunch with Santa Paws at The Tiger Inn - Merthyr Tydfil 
  •  Santa Paws Visit at Pembrey Country Park - Carmarthenshire 

Dog-Friendly Festive Walks 
  • Santa Paws Walk Endcliffe Park
  • Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws - Bedfordshire
  • Santa Paws Dog Walk at Kedleston Hall - Derby
santa_gives_dog_a_bone_for_christmas.jpg

Where to find Santa Paws in England



Santa Paws at Bents Events

  • Location: The Pet Place - Warrington Rd, Glazebury, Warrington WA3 5NT
  • Date & Time: Every Sunday from 19th November to 17th December, 9:30 am - 11am
  • Description: A festive treat for dogs, this event allows your pet to have a photo session with Father Christmas, receive a special Christmas present, and enjoy a doggy treat. It's also a great opportunity for dog parents to meet and mingle.
  • Price & Booking: £9.99 per dog. Tickets are selling fast, so booking in advance is recommended. A hot drink voucher is included for dog owners. 


Santa Paws at the Valley 2023

  • Location: Sandwell Valley Visitors Centre - Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG
  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Description: Attention dog lovers, Santa is ready to welcome your beloved doggos at Sandwell Valley Visitors Centre! This festive season, bring your canine companion for a one-of-a-kind experience. They'll get to meet Santa and his elves and receive special doggy Christmas gifts. Indulge in festive food and drinks, including treats for pooches, and explore the Christmas shop filled with unique gifts and dog accessories.
  • Price & Booking: £8.00 per dog. This ticket grants your furry friend a day’s access, including a scheduled visit to Santa's grotto for a special gift. Access to entertainment, Christmas activities, the tearoom, and Christmas shop is included (purchases not included). Dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved.


Santa Paws at Hollingworth Lake

  • Location: Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre, Lakebank, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, OL15 0DQ
  • Date & Time: 26th November to 17th December
  • Description: This festive season, let your furry friend have a memorable visit to Santa's Grotto. For £7, they can receive a special gift from Santa's workshop and have their picture taken. This event is suitable for well-behaved dogs, and you can bring an extra furry friend for an additional £3.
  • Price & Booking: £7 per visit, plus £3 for any additional dogs.


Mrs Claus is… Santa Paws

  • Location: Prittlewell Priory - Victoria Avenue Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB United Kingdom
  • Date: Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd December 2023 from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
  • Description: This festive weekend hosted by Southend Museums is a treat for both dogs and their human companions. Dogs will have a special meeting with Mrs Claus, along with a treat bag and an additional Christmas treat. Human family members can also enjoy available refreshments for purchase.
  • Time Slots: Visits are in 30-minute intervals, with 6-8 tickets available per slot. Dogs and their families will have a personal visit with Mrs Claus within their booked time slot.
  • Price & Booking: Tickets are priced at £5 per dog. This includes a cuddle with Mrs Claus and treats for the dogs. Human companions can enter free of charge, with mince pies and mulled punch available for purchase. If online tickets are sold out, there's a chance to buy at the door on the event day.
dog_with_antlers_on_head_and_christmas_lights_wrapped_around_neck.jpg

Santa Paws and Dog Friendly Light Trail at Winter Glow

  • Location: Winter Glow - Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW, UK
  • Date & Time: Santa Paws Event - December 11th & 12th, Dog-Friendly Light Trail December 28th, 2023
  • Description: Winter Glow's Santa Paws and Dog Friendly Light Trail is a special event where pets and their families can enjoy the festive season together. It includes a unique opportunity to meet Santa, explore the Illuminated Light Trail, and take adorable Christmas photos. The event also features a visit to Mrs Claus’ bakery for dog-friendly treats. 
  • Price & Booking: Reservations for Santa Paws can be made through the Personalised Santa Experience page, and Light Trail tickets for the specified dates can be booked as usual. An ‘additional dog’ ticket must be purchased for each pet. Regular dog admission rules apply.


Santa Paws at Canterbury Christmas Market 2023

  • Location: Santa’s Grotto, Whitefriars Square - C/O 4 Kings Row, Armstrong Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6AQ
  • Date & Time: December 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th  
  • Description: Get ready for a jolly festive season with Santa Paws! Your four-legged friend can enjoy a visit to Santa's Grotto and receive a delightful Yuletide treat. Capture paw-sitively adorable moments with Father Christmas. Two human companions can accompany your furry friend free of charge. All well-behaved canines, regardless of size, are welcome to join the fun.
  • Price & Booking: £5.00 per dog. Bookings can be managed at Canterbury Christmas Market. Refunds available for cancellations up to 7 days prior to booking.


Woofmas and Santa Paws

  • Dates: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023 from 10am to 4pm 
  • Location: The Chester House Estate, NN8 2DH
  • Description: The Santa Paws and Woofmas Market offers a festive experience for all, especially your furry friends. With over 30 artisan market stalls, you can find local produce, Christmas treats for dogs, and a variety of Christmas crafts. Food and drinks are also available for purchase.
  • Admission: Free entry and free parking

where_to_meet_santa_paws_in_uk_2023.jpg

Santa Paws Christmas Market at The Spaniards Inn

  • Date & Time: Sunday, 10th December, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location: The Spaniards Inn - Spaniards Rd, London NW3 7JJ, United Kingdom
  • Description: Join the festive cheer at the Santa Paws Christmas Market! A perfect afternoon for the entire family, including your four-legged friends. Explore various stalls featuring both doggy and human gifts, ideal for your Christmas shopping. The event promises a festive and fun atmosphere for all attendees. Plus, all proceeds from the market go towards supporting rescue and rehoming efforts.
  • Admission: Free entry


Santa Paws at Cherry Lane Garden Centre

  • Location: Multiple Cherry Lane Garden Centre locations
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, 13th December 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Description: Get ready for a tail-wagging holiday experience at the Cherry Lane Garden Centres with Santa Paws! Bring your furry friend for a delightful doggy grotto experience. Your pooch will be pampered with festive attention from Father Christmas and receive a special Christmas present.
  • Price & Booking: Tickets for the Doggy Grotto are priced at £7.99. They are available for purchase both online and in-store. For Reward Card holders, there's a special offer of £1 off on the event tickets, applied at checkout.

Santa Paws events are taking place at various locations across the UK. Here are the details for each location:
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Barnett Hill
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Bradmore
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Early Dawn
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Fritton
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Glebe
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Pulham Market
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Retford & Gainsborough
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - Roman Way
  • Cherry Lane Garden Centre - The Barn

Dog-Friendly Festive Walks in England



Santa Paws Walk 2023

  • Location: Endcliffe Park - Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB, United Kingdom
  • Date & Time: Sunday, 10th December from 11am - 4 pm
  • Description: Bring your four-legged friend on this very merry festive walk. There are two routes: an 8km woodland trail and a 3km accessible route. Everyone receives a Santa hat and finishes with cake, while dog participants get a goody bag.
  • Price & Booking: £10 per adult, £5 per child. Dogs join for free. 


Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws Competition

  • Location: Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable, Bedfordshire - Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Description: Join the festive spirit in Dunstable with the Santa Paws competition! Dogs and their human friends are invited for a gentle stroll. Dress up your furry friend in their Christmas best for a chance to win 'best in show' and enjoy a stress-relieving walk.
  • Price & Booking: £2.00 per dog, no advance booking required. Just turn up at the visitor centre to join the group. The event is open to all, including those without dogs.


Santa Paws Dog Walk at Kedleston Hall

  • Location: Kedleston Hall - Derby DE22 5JH, United Kingdom
  • Date & Time: Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
  • Description: A dog walk event at Kedleston Hall with Santa Paws.
  • Price & Booking: This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
dog_with_santa_hat.jpg

Where to find Santa Paws in Scotland



Santa Paws at Dobbies in Scotland

  • Location: Dobbies Garden Centres
  • Date & Time: Available dates include Saturdays (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd December) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and weekdays (18th to 22nd December).
  • Description: Offer your furry friend a unique holiday experience with a visit to Santa Paws at your local Dobbies' store. Your four-legged friend will enjoy meeting Santa and receiving a special festive treat.
  • Price & Booking: Each visit costs £6.99. Additional fees apply for photo sessions and tickets for children. Gifts can be chosen in advance, tailored to your dog’s size.

Santa Paws is available at the following Dobbies'locations in Scotland. 
  1. Aberdeen
  2. Ayr
  3. Braehead
  4. Dundee
  5. Dunfermline
  6. Edinburgh
  7. Inverness
  8. Livingston
  9. Milngavie
  10. Perth
  11. Sandyholm
  12. Stirling


Santa Paws at Holmwood House 

  • Location: Holmwood House - National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF
  • Date & Time: December 15th – 17th, 2023 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Description: Enjoy a festive day with your furry friend, featuring a professional photo session with Santa and a special gift for your pup. Make sure to check out the onsite dog-friendly cafe to treat your pup to a tasty treat (puppuccino). Doggy costumes and Santa hats encourage. 
  • ll profits support the conservation of Holmwood House and the National Trust for Scotland
  • Price & Booking: £10.00 for one good boy (or girl) + their humans
santa_gives_paws_to_santa_christmas.jpg

Where to find Santa Paws in Wales



Santa Paws at Dobbies in Wales

  • Location: Dobbies Garden Centres Swansea - Siemens Way, Enterprise Park, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA7 9FT
  • Date & Time: Available dates include Saturdays (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd December) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and weekdays (18th to 22nd December).
  • Description: Treat your beloved pet to an extraordinary Christmas adventure at Santa Paws in your nearest Dobbies' store. This festive season, your furry companion will have the delightful opportunity to meet Santa Claus and get a special holiday treat.
  • Price & Booking: Each visit costs £6.99. Additional fees apply for photo sessions and tickets for children. Gifts can be chosen in advance, tailored to your dog’s size.


Brunch with Santa Paws at The Tiger Inn

  • Location: The Tiger Inn - 74, Pontmorlais W, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8UH
  • Date & Time: December 9th and 16th, 2023 from 
  • Description: The Tiger Inn warmly welcomes back Santa Paws! Bring your cherished canine for a memorable photo session with Santa Paws and receive a special Christmas treat. Indulge in a delightful brunch that includes a choice of scrumptious brunch dishes, breakfast juice, and a hot beverage, all while your furry friend enjoys a festive treat from Santa Paws.
  • Price & Booking: Fur babies join for free! £16.95 per person, includes hot drink, breakfast juice, brunch dish and Christmas treat. 



Santa Paws Visit at Pembrey Country Park

  • Location: Log Cabin - Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0EJ
  • Date & Time: 10 December between 12:00 pm - 1:45 pm
  • Description:  Bring your beloved pets to meet Father Christmas and capture heartwarming Christmas memories. An opportunity not to be missed for a special festive experience. All puppers will get a special gift from the big man himself. 
  • Price & Booking £6 per dog
Visiting a Santa Paws Grotto is a wonderful day out for pet parents and their canine companions. It's a delightful way to make memories and celebrate the festive spirit together. So, bundle up, grab the leash, and head out to the nearest Santa Paws event. It's a paw-some way to spread holiday joy and make this season extra special for your loyal friend.

As you plan your next outing with your furry friend, don't forget to check out www.pawsfriendly.com for the best dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and services, whether you're staying local or traveling for the holidays.

And we'd love to see your adventures! Share your joyful experiences and adorable photos with your four-legged pal on Instagram by tagging us at @pawsfriendly. Let’s make every journey pawsitively unforgettable!

Latest posts

Comments


Sign up for our Dog-Friendly Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with our latest articles and recommendations on dog-friendly businesses worth visiting. 🐶

Let's Get Social

Follow for new ideas to explore with your pup and make sure to tag us in your dog-friendly adventures! 🐶

Pamper Your Paws

Top local services for your pet are just a click away! 🐾 Dive into our services tab now. 🐶