grotto - It is a truly magical place to visit. £17.50 per child, includes 1 accompanying adult free. Every week-end day in December until 24th, 10.00am to 4pm. www.finlaystone.co.uk Christmas at the Mills, New Lanark Take a magical journey into Christmas on the Spirit of Christmas festive ride. Visit Santa in his cosy Grotto (small toy and book included). Entrance to visitor attraction included, but soft play area is charged separately. There will be festive paper crafts for children to enjoy and Santa’s Elves are still planning some fun activities! Various dates from Dec 2nd. Tickets £13.95, under 2s £4 www.newlanark.org Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe Be welcomed by the friendly team, enjoy the freshly cooked buffet style breakfast and let the elves entertain you and your young ones. Of course, Breakfast with Santa wouldn't be the same without a visit from Santa! Booking is essential. From 8th Dec, 9am-11am. Prices TBC. www.hardrock.com Heads of Ayr The visit will consist of a magical visit to Santa’s grotto with a festive walkway. Santa will then meet you and chat with your little ones, asking them what they would like for
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Christmas and if they have been good this year, while parents take photos. Play n Wild indoor soft play will be open and is suitable for all ages. Regular tours of Little Critters Animal Barn are on where you can say hello to miniature donkeys and reindeer! Includes quiet Christmas event on Nov 30th. £11.50/child (includes gift), £6/ adult. www.headsofayrfarmpark. co.uk Santa’s Piping Hot Party Come along and bring your wee ones to meet Santa and his elves and enjoy an afternoon of festive baby disco. Seasonal dress and festive jumpers encouraged! Dec 2nd and 16th, 2pm - 4pm, The National Piping Centre. Suitable for ages 1-5 years, £12/child (includes gift), £5/adult. The hotel also run a Singalong with Santa on the same dates, from 10-11.15am, suitable for 0-3yr olds. £8 per child (includes gift) £5per adult (includes refreshments). www. thepipingcentre.co.uk Further afield Falkirk Wheel, Glenskilrie Castle, Bo’ness and Kinneil Santa Steam Train have all been recommended further afield. Santa even does home visits (look for Santa Claus on Facebook).
Avoid Santa Overload! Do you have nervous little ones, who feel a little intimidated by a man with a big beard? Or are you looking for a festive alternative to yet another grotto visit? Why not try one of these alternatives to the traditional festive experiences, in full keeping with the Christmas spirit and a gentle way to celebrate the Christmas season. Little Elf Experiences Three Sister Bake created lovely Christmas experiences near Glasgow last year based on feedback from parents that they were looking for a “non-Santa” Christmas experience. The events are seated and don’t involve queues, so are perfect for extended families with older members or for those looking for a festive foodie day out. Christmas Crafternoon Help the Elves finish off their Christmas cards, decorate Mrs Claus’s baking, and create festive decorations! Combine kids festive baking, crafts and an amazing festive afternoon tea. From £14.95. Storytime Brunch with the Elves Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Village, is transformed into an Elf Workshop! Join the Elves as they enjoy a well-earned break from toy-making for some Christmas card decorating and festive story time fun! Includes a delicious Three Sisters Bake breakfast. From £11.95. www.threesistersbake.co.uk Mrs Claus at Pollok House
Enjoy a truly magical family Christmas when you bring the children to meet the award-winning Mrs Claus at Pollok House. Admire the house, dressed up for Christmas, and see your child receive their special Christmas gift from Mrs Claus herself. Tickets for Mrs Claus are from £5/child and £7.50/adult. From 1st to 24th December. www.nts.org.uk/visit/events/mrs-claus-at-pollok-house
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