Let the festive magic begin

Step into a twinkling world of festive wonder as Father Christmas returns to Southside for Christmas 2026!

Join us from Friday 20th November – Thursday 24th December to visit our Grotto in its brand-new location outside of Waitrose, where little believers can share their Christmas wishes, explore a cosy grotto sprinkled with magic, and take home a special gift from Santa.

• Tickets: £7.50 per child + £1.50 booking fee per transaction
• Adults: Free with a paid child ticket

Walk-ins are welcome when capacity allows, but cannot be guaranteed, so we recommend booking in advance.

Please note: our Grotto this year is cashless, and only card and contactless payments will be available to purchase any photo gifts and keepsakes on the day.

OPENING HOURS

Santa's Grotto will be open at Southside Shopping Centre throughout the Christmas season. He arrives at the centre on 20th November and will be here to listen to your little ones' wishlists right up until Christmas Eve, before he heads back to the North Pole before the busiest day of his year!

Check out this year's opening hours below, and book your visit early to guarantee your spot! Planning an after-school visit? Visit our Grotto on Thursday 3rd or Friday 4th December, when Santa will be with us in the centre until 7pm! 

Opening hours: 20th November – 22nd November

• Friday 20th November – 12pm - 5pm
• Saturday 21st November – 10am - 6pm
• Sunday 22nd November – 11am - 5pm

Opening hours: 27th November – 29th November

• Friday 27th November – 12pm - 5pm 
• Saturday 28th November – 10am - 6pm
• Sunday 29th November – 11am - 5pm

December opening hours: 3rd December – 24th December

• Thursday 3rd December – 1pm - 7pm
• Friday 4th December – 1pm - 7pm
• Saturday 5th December – 10am - 6pm
• Sunday 6th December – 11am - 5pm
• Monday 7th December – CLOSED
• Tuesday 8th December – 11am - 5pm
• Wednesday 9th December – 11am - 5pm
• Thursday 10th December – 11am - 5pm
• Friday 11th December – 11am - 5pm
• Saturday 12th December – 10am - 6pm
• Sunday 13th December – 11am - 5pm
• Monday 14th December – 10am - 5pm
• Tuesday 15th December – 10am - 5pm
• Wednesday 16th December – 10am - 5pm
• Thursday 17th December – 10am - 5pm
• Friday 18th December – 10am - 5pm
• Saturday 19th December – 10am - 6pm
• Sunday 20th December – 11am - 5pm
• Monday 21st December – 10am - 6pm
• Tuesday 22nd December – 10am - 6pm
• Wednesday 23rd December – 10am - 6pm
• Thursday 24th December – 10am - 3pm

Good to know

• Santa's Grotto is in a brand-new location this year – find them in front of Waitrose!
• Please arrive a few minutes before your booked time slot
• Each time slot can accommodate up to four childen
• There is no limit on the number of adults. However please know, more than four may be a squeeze. 
• For larger groups with more than four children, please book additional time slots
• The grotto is pushchair friendly
• You’re welcome to take photos – just be mindful of other families