Map: Where to see Santa across the Highlands, Islands and Moray

Add some extra Christmas magic with these Santa events across the north.

Covid derailed many of our favourite festive traditions for the past few years – but Santa’s back! This year there are lots of opportunities for little ones to meet the big man.

We’ve scoured the internet and rounded up the grottos, fun days and sleigh tours taking place across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Here’s our pick of Santa events across the north.

Santa events across the Highlands, Islands and Moray

Santa’s Grotto, Lerwick

Santa is coming to Shetland, so head along to Commercial Street to meet St Nick and tell him what you’d like for Christmas.

Dates: December 10-11 and December 17-18, from 11am-4pm

Cost: £10 per child

More information on Lerwick’s event.

Santa sleigh tour, Wick and Thurso

Listen closely this December for the sound of sleigh bells, as Santa continues his annual tour of Wick and Thurso. Santa’s not yet confirmed his exact itinerary, but keep your eyes peeled for a sleigh tour map coming soon!

Dates: To be announced

Cost: Free

More information and dates for the Santa sleigh tour can be found for Wick here and Thurso here.

Christmas Fun Day, Brora

Brora Rangers Social Club is receiving a special visit from Santa this December. Come along for crafts, games and Santa’s grotto.

Dates: Saturday December 10, from 2-5pm

Cost: Fees apply, see website for details

More information on Brora’s Christmas Fun Day.

Christmas Festival, Dornoch

Dornoch is launching Christmas in style with a shopping event, carols and outdoor market. Santa’s grotto can be found at Dornoch Hub.

Dates: Saturday December 3, from 10am-2pm

Cost: Free

More information about Dornoch’s Christmas Festival.

Santa’s Grotto at Nevis Range, Fort William

Santa will be at Nevis Range for a weekend of festive fun. Kids’ tickets include hot chocolate and a cookie, a gondola pass and a visit with Santa. Booking is essential.

Dates: Saturday December 17 and Sunday December 18

Cost: £15 for children, £5 for adults (discounts available)

More information on the Nevis Range grotto.

Skye Santa Dash, Portree

While not a traditional Santa grotto, this special charity run is back after a two-year break promising to be shinier and twinklier than ever before.

Dates: Saturday December 3, at 10am

Cost: £5.99 registration fee and Santa suit

More information on the Skye Santa Dash.

Lunch with Santa and Crazy Elf Disco – Nairn

What more could you want to get into the festive spirit than a feast with St Nick and a boogie with his elves? Head to the Bandstand to join in the fun – but be warned booking is essential.

Dates: Saturday December 17, from 12-3pm

Cost: £12-17.50 (under 2s are free)

More information on Nairn’s festive lunch and disco.

Grantown does Christmas, Grantown-on-Spey

Grantown’s annual extravaganza is back, complete with a food and drink festival, arts and crafts, music, tours and Santa with his reindeer.

Dates: Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4

Cost: Varies depending on activity, check with organisers for details

More information on Grantown Does Christmas.

Santa’s Grotto at Eastgate, Inverness

Meet Santa Claus and donate to Highland Hospice, with a range of dates available throughout December at the Eastgate shopping centre – book fast to avoid disappointment.

Dates: 27 November to 3 December

Cost: £10 minimum donation to Highland Hospice

Meet Farmer Christmas, Inverness

Head to Farm Ness for Christmas with a rural twist. Book and you can catch the Santa Express for an enchanted farming journey and add on Santa’s grotto to complete the day out.

Dates: December 3-11

Cost: £22.15

More information on Farmer Christmas 2022.

Simpsons and Dobbies’ grottos, Inverness

Both Inverness garden centres are once again hosting their ever-popular Santa’s grottos.

Dates:

Simpsons; limited dates left in early December
Dobbies; some availability in late December

Cost:

Simpsons; £6.99-11.99
Dobbies; £11.99

More information is available for the Simpsons event here and Dobbies here.

Afternoon tea with Santa, Spey Bay

Head down to Spey Bay golf club for afternoon tea with Santa. Tuck into sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, along with Christmas treats and a small gift. Grown-ups can even add a glass of bubbly to help with the festive spirit!

Dates: Sunday December 18, 2pm

Cost: £12.50 per child, £11.50 adults

More information on Spey Bay’s Santa afternoon tea.

Christmas Market, Elgin

Santa is flying over from Lapland for a special visit to Elgin’s Christmas market. There will be over 50 local artists, makers and bakers – and even some Christmas alpacas. This free event is taking place at Moray Sports Centre in aid of local charities.

Dates: Saturday December 10, 10am-3pm

Cost: Free

More information on Elgin’s Christmas Market.

Santa’s fire engine tour, Lossiemouth

Catch a glimpse of Santa and support local firefighters and other charities with this fun Santa tour. The big man will hitch a lift with the fire service and tour the streets of Duffus, Hopeman and Lossie.

Dates: