Christmas grotto in the West Princes Street Gardens where children meet Santa with his elves, with 20-minute sessions and advance booking.
Santa is back in Edinburgh this winter, with his grotto set up in West Princes Street Gardens near the Ross Fountain (EH1 2EU). He'll be there from 20 November to 24 December, so you've got a good run of dates to choose from if you're planning a trip in with the kids.
The whole thing is run as one of the city's official Edinburgh Christmas events. The cabin is decked out, there's hot chocolate simmering, and blankets are toasted to keep you warm while you settle in for a festive tale and a meet with the big man himself. Each session lasts around 20 minutes, and there are up to 22 children in a group at a time. Every child gets a gift, and most venues offer photo opportunities, so you'll leave with something to show for it.
If you're taking a child with additional needs, there are relaxed sessions available with smaller numbers, dimmed music, and no flashing lights or loud noises. It's worth keeping in mind when you're picking your slot.
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On the practical side, every venue across the city and the wider Lothians requires advance online booking, and the popular slots — especially on weekends — tend to sell out weeks ahead, so it's better to get yours sorted sooner rather than later. Tickets start from £7.50 per child, which includes one accompanying adult; any extra adults are £6-7 each. And if you've got an EH postcode, you can take 20% off.
