Many of our show sites are lucky to be part of garden centres that transform into festive wonderlands every Christmas. East Bridgford Garden Centre in Nottingham is no exception. This year, we’re beyond excited that a Studio Pavilion has officially become Santa’s home away from the North Pole.
Studio Pavilion
Garden Centre Manager Matthew Upton explains, “Christmas is everything, and I believe that if you get it right, it sets you up for the following year. The grotto at East Bridgford is helping to make the garden centre the place to be this Christmas.”
So why did the team choose a Studio Pavilion for Santa’s hideout? It’s packed with character and has all the snug cabin vibes you could ask for. We’re hoping the 2,654 visitors who’ve already booked will be totally charmed, find themselves on the nice list, and enjoy their private audience with the big man himself.
And the magic doesn’t stop there…families will also help mix the all-important reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve, pose for a festive photo, and every child will get to choose a toy to take home.
Santa’s given the grotto his seal of approval. He’s settled into his big comfy chair, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive sparkle. Fingers crossed his elves keep everything running smoothly so after the last visit on Christmas Eve, Santa can dash back to the North Pole and ‘sleigh’ worldwide pressie deliveries!
We had the pleasure of following the first ever visitors to experience the brand-new grotto, Sebastian, aged 4, and Primrose, aged 1½. What was their verdict?
“It was amazing! I can’t believe we got to meet Santa and the elves were really funny.”
Matthew says, “The feedback has been amazing, and the experience is completely sold out, which pretty much says it all.”
Missed out this year? Don’t worry, the grotto will be back in 2026, and Santa will be waiting!
