Dobbies Garden Centre is counting down the days to Christmas as it unveils a number of festive events at its Andover store.

These events are on sale exclusively to members from August 20 and will be available to other customers from September 3.

A new experience for 2024, Meet Santa, will take place in November and December.

Customers will have the opportunity to greet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, receive a gift, and capture a photograph.

While booking is encouraged, it is not essential - £8.99 per child.

The popular Santa Paws experience will also return in December, allowing dogs to spend time with Santa, receive a special gift, and take a photo - £9.99 per dog.

A Santa's Breakfast event will be held for families with children under 10 years old.

This includes a range of cooked breakfast options, including vegetarian choices - £16.99 for children.

Paw-some!Paw-some! (Image: Stewart Attwood Photography) Children over three will have the chance to build their own festive soft toy to take home, while children under three will receive a special soft toy from Santa.

The elves will also encourage everyone to join in family-friendly activities.

On November 28, families can attend the Teenage Cancer Trust Christmas Shopping Night, where they can enjoy local performances, explore Dobbies’ gift ranges and decorations, and see the unveiling of Dobbies’ Community Christmas Trees.

Tickets cost £1, with all proceeds going to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner.

Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ events programme manager, said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Santa and his elves along to our Andover store to spread the joy of Christmas with our enchanting line-up of festive events.

"Christmas is one-of-a-kind at Dobbies and we take absolute joy in putting on a memorable series of events.

"From our Meet Santa and Santa Paws experiences to a tasty Santa’s Breakfast event in the restaurant filled with fun activities, we've come up with something truly special for the whole family to enjoy."

Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies' Christmas events in the Andover store to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the events and to make a booking, visit the official Dobbies Garden Centres website: dobbies.com/events.