Choose by age, type of outing, weather and real family cost.
We've checked every event below against the organiser's own 2026 page: dates, the price for two adults and two children, age rules and whether you need to book. Where something isn't published yet, we say so rather than guess. Santa slots go fast, so if you have your heart set on a December weekend, book in November.
Grotto dates bookable when we checked: 20–22 and 27–29 Nov; 2–6, 9–16 and 18–24 Dec 2026 The wider Winter Wonderland site is open at selected times from Fri 20 Nov 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027. Additional support needs (ASN) grotto session: Thu 17 Dec, 4–7.30pm.
Age guidance
Age rules: Every child needs a grotto ticket; up to two adults aged 16+ go free, maximum five people per group. Our take: A straightforward city-centre Santa that works for any age, from babies upwards. Book a slot rather than chancing a walk-up.
Type of outing
Santa visit
Setting and weather
The grotto is under cover but some of the queue area may not be Bring a rain cover for the buggy
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£33.50 plus transaction and booking fees Child: £16.75 · Up to two adults: free
Tickets and extras
Includes time with Santa, a 6x9 photo and a gift. Walk-up tickets cost more than booking ahead. Tickets are non-refundable.
Worth knowing
The grotto is wheelchair accessible. Ice skating, the circus and fairground rides on the same site are all ticketed separately.
Fri 6 Nov – Sun 27 Dec 2026, selected times The official site has not yet published 2026 daily opening hours.
Age guidance
Age rules: Free to wander for all ages; individual rides have their own rules. Our take: Free to walk round and handy if you're already in town. Little ones will want a go on the rides, so set a budget before you arrive.
Type of outing
Market and rides
Setting and weather
Outdoor Dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Free entry Rides and the observation wheel are paid
Tickets and extras
Food and gift stalls, plus free entertainment in the festive bar.
Worth knowing
Check opening times on the day before you go, as 2026 hours have not been published yet.
Sat 28 Nov, 10am–4.30pm; Sun 29 Nov, 11am–4.30pm Outdoor festive activities are planned too; Glasgow Life says details are to be confirmed.
Age guidance
Age rules: All ages. Our take: It's mostly a gift market (70+ stalls), but it's warm and dry, and the museum's old trams and shops will keep small children busy.
Type of outing
Christmas market
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Free Car park from £3 for up to 1 hour
Tickets and extras
There's a café on site. Baby changing and a Changing Places toilet are available.
Worth knowing
The car park has only about 100 spaces and fills quickly at weekends. Partick (train and Subway) is 0.6 miles away; Govan Subway is a short walk over the Govan–Partick bridge.
Get the Santa booking dates and free Christmas events in Glasgow every Thursday until Christmas, so you don’t miss the good slots.
Glasgow and the Clyde ValleyFree; drop in
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum · Glasgow West End
Christmas Nature Crafts
Dates and times
Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec 2026, 1pm–4pm drop-in Run by RSPB in a Glasgow Life venue
Age guidance
Age rules: Listed as a family event. Our take: A calm, free hour making things from pine cones and other natural bits, and you can pair it with the rest of the museum. Under-3s will need a hand.
Type of outing
Free craft drop-in
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Free No ticket needed
Tickets and extras
The cloakroom costs £2 (cash only) and can't take prams or buggies.
Worth knowing
Parking at the museum is very limited at the moment. Kelvinhall Subway is about half a mile away.
The Burrell Collection and St Mungo Museum · Pollok Country Park and Glasgow city centre
Festive family craft drop-ins
Dates and times
Burrell: Sat–Sun 5–6 Dec (Christmas decoration making), 12–13 Dec (wintertime crafts), 19–20 Dec (gilded angels), 1.30pm–4pm St Mungo Museum: Sat 19 and Sun 20 Dec, 2pm–4pm (Christmas and Yuletide make and create)
Age guidance
Age rules: Glasgow Museums designs these sessions for families with children aged 5–12. Our take: Best for school-age children. Younger siblings can join in with help, but it's not a toddler session.
Type of outing
Free craft drop-in
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Free No booking needed
Tickets and extras
All Glasgow Museums family activities in this programme are free.
Worth knowing
These are listed in Glasgow Life's October–December 2026 families programme (PDF), not as separate event pages.
Sat 12 – Thu 24 Dec 2026 Barrowland Ballet production; about 50 minutes
Age guidance
Age rules: Ages 18 months to 7. Babes in arms (under 18 months) by booking through the box office. Our take: One of the few Christmas shows made for under-3s. It's short, gentle and doesn't need a panto-length attention span.
Type of outing
Show for little ones
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£63 plus a £1.50 booking fee Adult: £17.50 · Child: £14
Tickets and extras
£1.50 booking fee per transaction.
Worth knowing
Row A is the only level-access seating, so mention it when you book if you need step-free seats.
Thu 26 Nov 2026 – Sun 10 Jan 2027 About 2 hours 5 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Age guidance
Age rules: Imagine Theatre says it is suitable for ages 3 and up. Our take: A classic Glasgow panto with Grado and the Pavilion regulars. It's long for under-4s, so a matinee is the safer bet.
Type of outing
Pantomime
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Prices vary by date and seat; we couldn't confirm them on the official pages
Tickets and extras
The producer says the opening weekend (26–29 Nov) and the performances after New Year are the best value.
Worth knowing
BSL-interpreted, audio-described, captioned and relaxed performances are scheduled; LoveToVisit lists the relaxed performance as Sat 12 Dec at 11am. The Circle and Balcony are reached by stairs only.
LoveToVisit sells tickets for this pantomime.
We earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027 Relaxed performance: Thu 17 Dec, 1pm
Age guidance
Age rules: No age guidance published on the pages we checked. Our take: Glasgow's big traditional panto, starring Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac. It suits primary-age children best; for a first panto, try the relaxed performance.
Type of outing
Pantomime
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Seat prices weren't visible when we checked ATG
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park · Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell
Believe In Santa
Dates and times
Bookable dates when we checked: 28–29 Nov; 5–6, 10–13 and 17–24 Dec 2026 BSL session Sun 13 Dec; ASN sessions on selected dates
Age guidance
Age rules: Child and adult tickets; every accompanying adult needs a ticket. Age bands aren't stated on the ticket page. Our take: A good-value Santa visit with a short show and a carousel ride. It works well for toddlers.
Type of outing
Santa visit and show
Setting and weather
Indoor theatre and carousel The theatre and the carousel are indoors
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£42 Adult: £7.25 · Child: £13.75
Tickets and extras
Includes a 20-minute festive show, a walk-through grotto with more than 20 scenes, Santa and his elves, a gift each child chooses, a ride on the indoor carousel, and a tea or coffee and treat voucher for adults. Santa's reindeer are on site until Christmas Eve.
Worth knowing
Arrive at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before your slot. Tickets are non-refundable but can be passed to someone else. Parking is free.
Dobbies Garden Centre, Milngavie · Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire
Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Milngavie
Dates and times
Milngavie dates bookable when we checked: Sun 22, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov; Sat 5, Sun 6, 11–15 and 18–24 Dec 2026 Timed arrival slots every 10 minutes. As of 31 October 2026, Sun 13 and Sun 20 Dec are sold out, and Sat 12 and Sat 19 Dec are nearly full. Quiet Grotto sessions for children with additional needs at Milngavie: Fri 4 and Tue 8 Dec (pre-book only, £15 per child).
Age guidance
Age rules: Priced per child. Each child can bring a maximum of 2 adults, and children must stay with an adult throughout. Our take: A neat garden-centre grotto close to the north side of Glasgow. Little ones do the North Pole village activities before meeting Santa, and the 10-minute slots keep queues short.
Type of outing
Santa visit
Setting and weather
Grotto may be located outside Dobbies says the grotto may be located outside, so dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£30–£34 for two children From £15–£17 per child · Up to 2 adults with each child; no adult price is listed
Tickets and extras
Includes a wishing well, activities in the grotto 'shops', the Penguin Post Office, time with Santa and a collectable penguin soft toy for each child. Pre-booked photo packages are 20% off.
Worth knowing
Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your slot; you can't go in early. Dates vary by store, so make sure you pick Milngavie.
Glasgow and the Clyde ValleyOn sale; advance booking required
Glasgow Science Centre · Pacific Quay, Glasgow
Santa's Galactic Grotto
Dates and times
Sat–Sun 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 Dec 2026; the ticket calendar also lists Mon 21 Dec Sessions at 10.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm; the grotto part lasts about 60 minutes, then you can stay for the rest of the day
Age guidance
Age rules: Best for ages 3–10. Everyone needs a ticket. Babies and toddlers go free but must be booked; they don't get a gift or their own Planetarium seat. Our take: A clever twist for space-mad kids: a festive Planetarium show to 'find' Santa, then a proper meet-and-greet, plus a full day in the science centre. It's a strong rainy-day pick.
Type of outing
Planetarium show and Santa visit
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£99 plus a £1 transaction fee Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children): £99 · Adult or child: £26 · Baby/toddler: free (no gift)
Tickets and extras
Includes a festive Planetarium show, a meet-and-greet with Santa and his elf, a Christmas photo opportunity, Christmas activities and all-day entry to Glasgow Science Centre.
Worth knowing
Advance booking only. Book babies and toddlers as well, even though their tickets are free.
Sat 28 Nov; Sat–Sun 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 Dec 2026, 12pm–2.30pm Sundays also have a 2.30pm–5pm session
Age guidance
Age rules: The grotto ticket is for the child and includes one parent or guardian. Under-2s don't need a ticket. Extra adults need a general admission ticket for the same slot. Our take: A relaxed Santa in a busy street-food hall, so parents can eat well while the kids do crafts. It's best for families who like a lively, social atmosphere.
Type of outing
Santa visit and crafts
Setting and weather
Indoor food hall A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£40 for two children and two adults Grotto ticket: £20 per child, including one adult · Extra adults and kids need general admission (on 12 Dec: adult £10, kids £3)
Tickets and extras
Includes Christmas crafts, a meet-and-greet and photo with Santa, a gift, a 'Nice List' certificate and a Dockyard goodie bag. Food from independent street-food traders is extra.
Worth knowing
Santa runs to a tight schedule, so arrive on time. Tables must be given back at the end of your booked slot. It's a bar and food hall; dogs are welcome.
Glasgow and the Clyde ValleyOn sale; timed panto slot
New Lanark World Heritage Site · Lanark, South Lanarkshire
Christmas at New Lanark
Dates and times
Sat–Sun 28–29 Nov; 5–6 and 12–13 Dec; daily 19–24 Dec 2026, 10am–5pm Quiet Session for children with sensory needs: Sat 28 Nov, 10am–1pm (panto at 11am), with reduced numbers
Age guidance
Age rules: Designed for families with children aged 1–8; teenagers may not find all activities suitable. Under-1s have their own ticket. Older children can go on an adult ticket if they don't want a gift. Our take: A full day for under-8s in one ticket: Santa, a Scottish panto, a festive dark ride and soft play. It's under an hour from Glasgow and good value if you stay all day.
Type of outing
Santa, panto and ride
Setting and weather
Mostly indoor A wet-weather option, with short walks between buildings
Includes a Santa visit with a soft toy for each child, The Wiz That Woz pantomime, the Spirit of Christmas ride and unlimited soft play (ages 1–8). Quiet Session prices: adult £15, child £21, under-1 £7, senior £12.
Worth knowing
Your booked time is your panto time; arrive 15 minutes early. Buggies can't go into the panto, so use the buggy park at reception. On 6 Dec the soft play closes at 3pm. Mobile signal is patchy, so save your ticket.
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park · Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell
Festive Circus Spectacular
Dates and times
Sat–Sun 28–29 Nov; 4–6, 11–13 and 17–24 Dec 2026 Shows last about 45 minutes. On Sat 5 Dec they're at 11am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. The Fri 4 Dec 7pm show is sold out as of 31 October 2026. ASN performance: Sun 6 Dec.
Age guidance
Age rules: Everyone needs a ticket except under-1s, who go free on a parent's knee. No other age guidance on the official page. Our take: A cheap, cheerful festive circus with FMX stunt riders and a singalong. It pairs easily with Believe In Santa on the same site.
Type of outing
Christmas circus
Setting and weather
Circus arena A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£42 plus fees (about £45.22) £10.50 per person · Under-1s free on the knee · Fees: 18p per ticket plus £2.50 per booking
Tickets and extras
FMX daredevil stunt riders, circus acts with comedy, and an interactive Christmas singalong.
Worth knowing
The FMX motorbikes may be loud for noise-sensitive children; the ASN show on 6 Dec is the gentler option.
Discount tickets via 5pm.co.uk: from £6.95 per person (check dates and terms). It's a voucher: you swap it for a show booking by 22 Dec, and booking fees apply when you do.
We earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
East Princes Street Gardens · Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh's Christmas Traditional Christmas Markets
Dates and times
Sat 14 Nov 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027, usually 10am–10pm Exceptions: 17 Nov 4pm–10pm; 24 Dec 10am–8pm; closed 25 Dec; 26 Dec 12pm–8pm; 31 Dec 10am–5pm; 1 Jan 12pm–8pm; 3 Jan 10am–6pm
Age guidance
Age rules: Free entry for all ages. Under-18s must be with an adult after 8pm. Our take: Free and lively. Go early on a weekday with a buggy, because evenings and weekends get very busy.
Type of outing
Christmas market
Setting and weather
Outdoor Dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Free entry Rides and attractions are paid
Tickets and extras
The market is cashless.
Worth knowing
There's no parking on site. Waverley station is right next door.
Edinburgh's Christmas, West Princes Street Gardens · Edinburgh city centre
Santa's Stories
Dates and times
Fri 20 Nov – Thu 24 Dec 2026, timed 20-minute sessions Relaxed sessions on 17 dates, including 22 and 29 Nov and 1, 6, 13 and 24 Dec; BSL sessions on 2 Dec (4.30pm and 5pm) and 17 Dec (5.30pm and 6pm)
Age guidance
Age rules: Age 0 and above. Every child needs a Child + Adult ticket, whatever their age. Our take: A short, cosy story with Santa that suits toddlers and young primary children, right beside the markets.
Type of outing
Santa visit and story
Setting and weather
Indoor cabin Mostly indoors; the buggy park may not be covered
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
From £28.60 From £14.30 per Child + Adult ticket; two of these cover two adults and two children
Tickets and extras
Each child gets a gift and a photo opportunity. Extra adults need their own ticket. Edinburgh (EH) postcodes get 20% off when booking on the official site.
Worth knowing
Prams and buggies can't go inside. Tickets are only valid for your booked time.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Inverleith, Edinburgh
Christmas at the Botanics
Dates and times
Thu 19 Nov – Wed 30 Dec 2026, evenings Relaxed sessions Sun 29 Nov, Wed 2 Dec and Wed 9 Dec. 25 Nov and 7 Dec are adults-only (18+) nights.
Age guidance
Age rules: Designed for all ages. Our take: Edinburgh's big light trail. Father Christmas is on the route. Book an early slot for little ones, and expect some steep paths with a buggy.
Type of outing
Light trail
Setting and weather
Outdoor, after dark Dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Prices only show once you choose a session on Ticketek; off-peak and reduced family tickets are offered
Tickets and extras
Seasonal food and drink are sold separately. RBGE members get money off.
Worth knowing
Use the West Gate if you're driving and the East Gate if you're coming by public transport. The trail takes around 60–90 minutes.
Edinburgh and the LothiansOn sale; advance booking only
Five Sisters Zoo · West Calder, West Lothian
FSZ Illuminations with Blachere, plus Santa's Grotto
Dates and times
Nov: 20–22 and 27–29, 5pm–9pm. Dec: Thu–Sun 3–20, plus 21, 22 and 23 Dec, 4pm–9pm ASN evenings: 2 and 14 Dec.
Age guidance
Age rules: Under-1s go free; infant tickets for ages 1–2. Our take: A flat, buggy-friendly light trail with Santa on site, and smaller than the city trails. The 4pm December starts help with bedtimes.
Type of outing
Light trail and Santa
Setting and weather
Outdoor, after dark Dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£65 off-peak or £71 peak family ticket, plus Santa (£16 per child) Off-peak (Nov and midweek): adult £23.50, child £13. Peak (weekends): adult £25.50, child £14. Infant (1–2): £4–£4.50. Early-bird adult £20.50, child £11.50, infant (1–2) £3.
Tickets and extras
Santa needs a separate timed ticket: £16 per child. You get 5 minutes with Santa and a small gift.
Worth knowing
Mostly flat paths and free parking. The grotto is in the car park area, and there's a heated bar with food.
Almond Valley Heritage Centre · Livingston, West Lothian
Santa's Cosy Cottage and the Festival of Christmas
Dates and times
Daytime Santa visits: 4–6, 9–13 and 16–24 Dec (site open 10am–4pm) Evening Festival of Christmas, 5pm–8pm: 4–6, 11–13 and 18–23 Dec. Relaxed (ASN) Santa visits: 4–5 Dec.
Age guidance
Age rules: Under-2s get in free to the daytime site; Santa's gift is for each child ticket. Our take: A farm day out with a private 4-minute Santa visit, play parks and a woodland walk. The daytime version is the easy one for toddlers.
Type of outing
Santa visit and farm
Setting and weather
Indoor and outdoor Some cover; dress for the weather
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£50 daytime admission, plus the Santa add-on Daytime admission: adult £13.50, child (2–15) £11.50, under-2s free. The Cosy Cottage add-on price wasn't shown on the official pages we checked.
Tickets and extras
Santa's Cosy Cottage must be added to a same-day admission or Festival ticket. Santa's Express train costs £2 per person (under-1s free).
Worth knowing
Prams and wheelchairs can't go on the train's historic carriages. Changes of date are sometimes possible, but tickets are non-refundable.
November and December 2026; dates and times are in the booking calendar About 45 minutes, then time in the Little Farmers playbarn
Age guidance
Age rules: Child ticket ages 3–16; adult 17+. Optional under-2s ticket (£10) if you'd like a gift from Santa. Our take: An interactive story with farm animals and gingerbread decorating, ending in a group visit to Santa rather than one-to-one. It suits ages 3–7 best.
Type of outing
Farm Santa adventure
Setting and weather
Indoor and partly outdoor Partly outdoors on a working farm; wrap up
Newhailes House & Garden (National Trust for Scotland) · Musselburgh, East Lothian
Newhailes Santa experience
Dates and times
Weekends from Fri 27 Nov to Wed 23 Dec 2026, 10am–4pm The NTS page says 'weekends only' between these dates; check exact days in the booking calendar
Age guidance
Age rules: Every child aged 0–12 must have a child ticket. Maximum 4 adults and 6 children per booking. Our take: Santa in a grand, decorated dining room, with a gift picked for each child. It's lovely, but it's up a flight of stairs and buggies stay outside.
Type of outing
Santa visit
Setting and weather
Indoor A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Eventbrite shows tickets from £23; we couldn't confirm the adult and child breakdown
Tickets and extras
Parking costs £5 (free for NTS members). The café is open.
Worth knowing
Prams and pushchairs must be left at the bottom of the stairs, and there's no food or drink in the house. No dogs.
Sat 28 Nov; Sat 5, 12 and 19 Dec 2026 About 90 minutes on the Firth of Forth
Age guidance
Age rules: No age rules published; it's billed as a family cruise. Our take: Something different: Santa on a boat, with a heated saloon, toilets and a café-bar on board. It's a good fit for families who'd enjoy the trip as much as the grotto.
Type of outing
Santa boat trip
Setting and weather
Boat with heated saloon Weather-dependent sailing; wrap up
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Prices aren't shown on the operator's Santa Cruise page
Tickets and extras
Every child gets a hand-wrapped gift from Santa. Drinks and snacks are sold on board.
Worth knowing
There's no accessible toilet on board. A wheelchair ramp is possible on the Forth Belle at certain tide heights with advance notice.
LoveToVisit sells tickets for the Santa Cruise.
We earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Edinburgh Waverley station (Platform 2) · Edinburgh city centre
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dates and times
Fri–Sun 27–29 Nov; Wed–Sun 2–6 and 9–13 Dec; daily 16–24 Dec; 27–30 Dec 2026 Two evening departures (5.30pm and 7.30pm) on Wed–Fri; up to five from 11.30am at weekends and late December. About an hour on board; allow 1.5–2 hours in total.
Age guidance
Age rules: Children under 2 travel free on a parent's or guardian's lap, without a seat. Everyone else needs a seated ticket. Our take: The film brought to life on a real moving train, with pyjamas encouraged. It's a big-ticket treat best suited to primary-age fans of the story.
Type of outing
Themed train ride
Setting and weather
On the train A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
Check the price for your family Seat prices are only shown in the seat map at checkout; under-2s on a lap go free
Tickets and extras
Standard Class: the theatrical journey, hot chocolate, a sweet treat, a visit from Santa and the first gift of Christmas (a silver sleigh bell). First Class adds a guaranteed table seat and a souvenir mug.
Worth knowing
No pushchairs, car seats or large bags on board. Timings can shift because of Network Rail, so leave slack before any onward train. Online booking only.
Sat–Sun 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 Dec, plus Wed 23 and Thu 24 Dec 2026 Departures at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm (no 3pm on 24 Dec); about 60 minutes return to Birkhill
Age guidance
Age rules: Child ticket ages 3–15; infant ticket ages 18 months–2; a baby up to 17 months in arms goes on an adult-with-baby ticket. Our take: Scotland's classic Santa steam train, just off the M9. Santa comes to you, which suits toddlers better than a queue.
Type of outing
Santa train
Setting and weather
On the train A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£112 plus a £3 transaction fee Adult (16+): £28 · Child (3–15): £28 · Infant (18 months–2): £24 · Adult with baby in arms: £28 · Private compartment for up to 8: £224
Tickets and extras
Includes a present for every child, singers, a magician, refreshments and a ride on the miniature railway (not on 24 Dec). The £3 transaction fee is non-refundable.
Worth knowing
There's a quiet coach on the 10am train on 5, 13, 19 and 24 Dec. No dogs.
Selected dates in late November, then daily 1–23 Dec 2026, 9.45am–7pm Quiet Christmas sessions (ASN, with Makaton): 29 and 30 Nov and 1 Dec. 'Baby's First Christmas' relaxed slots for under-4s run on midweek dates before 4pm, until 13 Dec.
Age guidance
Age rules: Separate prices for under-2s and children aged 2+. Each child (including under-2s) gets a gift. Our take: The whole package for toddlers: a little train ride, a private Santa visit, soft play and animals, all in about 20 minutes plus playtime.
Type of outing
Farm Santa visit
Setting and weather
Indoor and outdoor Mostly covered; some outdoor time
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£52–£78 Adults £8–£12 · Under-2s £12–£20 · Children £18–£27
Tickets and extras
Includes the North Pole Express train, a private Santa visit (about 5 minutes), soft play, the animal barn and Mrs Claus crafts. Home baking and mulled wine for grown-ups.
Worth knowing
Up to 8 people per slot. The farm's prices section says the baby sessions run until 13 Dec, but its FAQ says 11 Dec, so check when you book.
Selected dates, 28 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 About 1 hour 45 minutes return
Age guidance
Age rules: Toddler ticket for ages 10 months–2 (£5). Babies under 10 months travel free but don't get a gift. Our take: A longer Highland trip that's worth it if you're already in Aviemore for a winter break. You book a whole table, so it works out cheaper for bigger families.
Type of outing
Santa train
Setting and weather
On the train A wet-weather option
Family price (2 adults + 2 children)
£110–£135 for a table for up to 4 Table for up to 2: £67.50–£80 · Toddler: £5
Tickets and extras
Santa visits every table, with a gift and activity book for each child aged 10 months and over. Food isn't included, but there's a trolley and bar on board.
Worth knowing
No dogs and no concessions. Free parking on Dalfaber Road, PH22 1PY.
Dates or prices are still to be confirmed for these events. Read the notes before making plans.
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley
George Square Christmas Village
Glasgow City Council says the 'Good Times' Christmas Village opens in late November, but the programme and dates aren't published yet. There's no public lights switch-on event this year.
Stirling and Falkirk
Christmas on the Farm, Briarlands Farm
The farm's events page says every weekend in December plus the 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd and 23rd. Tickets are listed (adults £5; children £25; under-1s free, without a gift), but those prices are still unconfirmed.
Ayrshire
Santa's Grotto at Dumfries House
Santa's Grotto tickets are £10 for adults, £21.50 for children and £8 for infants (2 and under), with a maximum of 8 per slot. Dates are still to be confirmed. The candlelit tours and dinners there are aimed at adults.
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley
Loch Lomond Festive Faerie Trail, Luss
A LoveToVisit listing exists, but its dates look like they're from a previous season. We haven't found confirmed 2026 dates.
Planning your visit
Before you book
Family prices are for two adults and two children, using the standard tickets on the organiser's own page. Booking fees, extra adults, Santa add-ons and parking can all change what you pay, and some venues price by date.
Updated 31 October 2026. Where a detail wasn't published, we've said so. Check your chosen event's booking page for remaining slots, times and prices.
Good to know
Christmas days out: your questions
When can we see Santa in Scotland in 2026?
The earliest Santa visits we've confirmed start on Friday 20 November, at the Glasgow Green grotto and at Santa's Stories in Edinburgh. Dobbies Milngavie starts on Sun 22 November. Newhailes, M&D's and New Lanark start on the last weekend of November. Most farm grottos and Santa trains run through December, and many sell out by early December.
Do babies and toddlers need a ticket to see Santa?
It depends on the venue. At Santa's Stories in Edinburgh and at Newhailes, every child needs a ticket, whatever their age. Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway sells an infant ticket for 18 months to 2 years, and babies up to 17 months travel on an adult-with-baby ticket. Five Sisters Zoo lets under-1s in free. Craigie's sells an optional £10 under-2s ticket if you'd like a gift from Santa. At Glasgow Science Centre babies and toddlers go free but still need booking, and on the Polar Express under-2s ride free on a lap. Check the age bands on each listing before you book.
What's free at Christmas for kids in Glasgow?
Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square is free to walk round (rides are extra). The Riverside Christmas Market (28–29 Nov) and Christmas Nature Crafts at Kelvingrove (5–6 Dec) are free. The Burrell Collection and St Mungo Museum run free festive craft drop-ins for ages 5–12 in December. George Square's Christmas Village opens in late November, but its programme hasn't been published yet.
Are there relaxed or additional support needs (ASN) Santa sessions?
Yes, quite a few. Glasgow Green has an ASN grotto session on Thu 17 Dec, 4–7.30pm. Heads of Ayr runs Quiet Christmas sessions on 29–30 Nov and 1 Dec. Almond Valley has relaxed Santa visits on 4–5 Dec. Five Sisters Zoo has ASN evenings on 2 and 14 Dec. Bo'ness has a quiet coach on selected 10am trains, Santa's Stories has relaxed and BSL sessions, M&D's has ASN and BSL Santa sessions plus an ASN circus show on 6 Dec, Dobbies Milngavie has Quiet Grotto sessions on 4 and 8 Dec, New Lanark has a Quiet Session on 28 Nov, and the King's Theatre panto has a relaxed performance on 17 Dec at 1pm.
What Christmas days out work if it's pouring with rain?
The Festive Circus at M&D's, Santa's Galactic Grotto at Glasgow Science Centre, Christmas at New Lanark, Poggle's Christmas Adventure at the Citizens, the Santa trains at Bo'ness and Aviemore, the Riverside market and the Kelvingrove crafts are all indoors. For more wet-weather ideas, see our rainy-day and soft play guides for Glasgow.