Squire’s Milford Welcomes the Samson Centre to Open Magical Grotto
Squire’s Garden Centres in Milford was delighted to welcome The Samons Centre this week, as supporters from the charity came along to officially open the centre’s Magical Christmas Grotto – and become the very first visitors to meet Santa himself!
This weekend marks the official opening of 14 enchanting Grottos across Squire’s centres, signalling the start of a magical festive season. Each Grotto has been opened with the help of the centre’s Charity of the Year, helping to cut the ribbon and spread festive cheer just as the Christmas spirit truly comes to life. The celebrations coincide with the arrival of freshly cut Christmas trees in-centre as well as Squire’s much-loved Christmas lunches.
In keeping with the season of giving, £1 from the sale of every Grotto ticket sold will be donated directly to the centre’s Charity of the Year, helping to raise vital funds for local causes.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “Christmas is a time of joy and celebration as well as community spirit and generosity, and it is wonderful to see our Grottos opening once more across so many of our centres, supporting our local charity partners.
“We’ve been delighted to welcome our charities to help us celebrate the start of the festive season and highlight how important they are to our centres. Visiting Santa at Squire’s has become a tradition for many families, and we are thrilled that so many young visitors will once again be able to experience the magic, all while helping to support truly worthwhile local causes.”
Santa will be welcoming children to his Grotto at weekends – and weekdays in the last week before Christmas, with each visit including a warm greeting from Santa’s jolly elves, a chat with Santa, a wrapped gift, and a special ‘I’ve Seen Santa’ badge to take home.
Centres will also host Quiet Grotto sessions on 19 December (12-4pm) and 23 December (2-4pm). This specially adapted session is designed for children with autism or additional needs, offering a more relaxed and supportive experience with no queuing on the day, no music or flashing lights, one-to-one time with Santa in a quiet space, as well as a gift. The sessions offer a gentler, more peaceful visit so every child can enjoy the magic of meeting Santa in their own way.
Tickets are £10 per child, with the first two adults free (£1 per additional adult) and bookable in advance ONLY and online via website. Grottos open from Saturday, 22 November.
Breakfast with Santa
In addition to Squire’s much-loved Grotto experience, this year also sees a new Breakfast with Santa event (Sunday only), presenting an opportunity to create cherished memories with a magical morning to remember! Tickets are bookable online ONLY: £20 per child, including breakfast, drink, visit to Santa’s grotto and a wrapped gift; adults £11, to include breakfast and drink.
Santa Paws – Mon 8 December
For four-legged friends, Santa Paws returns on Monday 8 December (9.30am–12.30pm), when Santa sets aside a special morning just for dogs and their owners! Pooches of all sizes are invited to meet Santa, enjoy a festive fuss, and pose for that all-important paw-fect photo. The event is free to attend, with donations welcome for each centre’s local charity of the year. No booking required (£9 if children wish to attend, including a gift). Excludes Squire’s Chertsey, Cobham & Reigate.
Squire’s warmly invites families to share the festive fun, make magical memories and support wonderful local charities this Christmastime.
