- Santa's Grottos
- All Ages
Santa's Grotto at Christmas at Drumlanrig
Drumlanrig Castle · Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway · 5th December to 24th December 2026
About this event
Santa's Grotto is part of Christmas at Drumlanrig, at Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway. The grotto runs on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20, and every day from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December 2026.
Santa's grotto is set in the castle's historic Stableyard. Visits are 10 minute sessions between 10:30 and 15:00, finishing at 13:00 on Christmas Eve, and up to six children can be booked into one session, so brothers, sisters and cousins can go in together.
During the visit children share their wish list and have a special chat with Santa, a festive photo is taken, and each child receives a gift to take home. When booking you choose each child's gender and age range, from 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6 and 7 plus, so the gift can suit them.
Only children need a ticket; adults go in free. The grotto is one of several Christmas events at Drumlanrig this year, alongside Breakfast with Santa, A Tale with Santa and a Fairy and Elf Trail, which are booked separately.
A grotto in the historic Stableyard
Santa sets up in Drumlanrig Castle's historic Stableyard rather than a pop up cabin, and the grotto runs every weekend in December plus each day from 21 to 24 December, giving a run of dates right up to Christmas Eve.
Gifts chosen by age range
When you book, you pick each child's gender and age range, from 0 to 2 up to 7 plus, so the gift Santa hands over suits them. Every child also gets a festive photo and time to share their wish list.
Adults go in free
Only children need a ticket, at £21.50 each, and up to six children can share one 10 minute session, which keeps the cost down for families visiting with grandparents or bringing several children together.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
5th December to 24th December 2026
5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026
10 minute sessions 10:30 - 15:00
24 December sessions finish at 13:00Ages
All Ages
Parking
Free for visitors to the Castle or Gardens. Small fee for walks/trails.
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.