Original stories read by Santa and visiting reindeer to create festive atmosphere at An Talla near Loch Ness
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Original stories narrated by Santa and his elves, visiting reindeer and a makers' market with locally-made products are set to create a festive atmosphere at a retail centre and cafe near Loch Ness.
An Talla, located at Dochgarroch Lock on the Caledonian Canal, is preparing for a busy December as it hosts a series of events in the run-up to Christmas.
Aimed at all ages and interests, its festive programme also includes locally-produced food and drink, performances by Highland musicians and gifts with a difference.
An Talla marketing manager Kelly Bruce said the focus is to demonstrate to people in the Highlands they can get into the festive spirit locally rather than travelling further afield.
The programme will begin on November 25 with the Santa Experience, a one-hour session featuring a never-before-heard story, Christmas songs and a gift.
Mrs Bruce said: "The thinking behind it is that we wanted to do more than just a visit to see Santa.
"We want to make it a really special experience.
"We will have 15 children come in and sing Christmas songs and Santa will read a unique story.
"They will then be called up one by one and will get a present from Santa Claus and mums and dads
will have the chance to take a picture.
"As they wave goodbye, they will be given magic reindeer food to take home and keep for Christmas
Eve."
Mrs Bruce said that given the current economic crisis, the aim is to give an experience which is
different and creates a special memory as well as providing value for money.
"We want to make it a special moment," she said.
The Santa Experience sessions cost £22.50 per child and run from November 25-27, December 1-4,
December 8-11, December 15-18 and December 21-23.
The 10am sessions on Saturdays will be exclusive to children with disabilities or sensory
impairments.
Tickets are available at SantaAnTalla
As well as Santa, some of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd will also be calling in at An Talla.
The visits take place from December 2-4 with seven sessions per day with a maximum of 35 people
at each one.
The reindeer team will be on hand to answer questions, reveal some reindeer secrets and share lots
of facts and information.
Tickets, which cost £5, can be obtained at ReindeerAnTalla.
More than 40 retailers from candlemakers to cake makers and florists to artists will attend the
makers market from December 9-11.
Taking place each day from 10am to 4pm, it is set to provide inspiration for Christmas shoppers
looking for a gift with a difference.
Highland Brass Band will play a selection of festive music between noon and 2pm on December 10
and 11 to get people into the spirit of Christmas.
More than 20 retailers will take part in a festive food and drink event from December 16-18.
It will include street food and pop-up bars as well as performances by local musicians.
Ellen and Blair Macleod will perform on December 16, Dylan Tierney and Craig Robertson on
December 17 and Carmen Eliza and Calum Jones on December 18.
Mrs Bruce said: "The whole idea behind our events was that I wanted it to provide a Christmas experience that
ticked all the boxes – I want families, couples, individuals, friends and children to have a great time.
"But most importantly, want to keep people local.
"Inverness is full of local talent, amazing retailers and hidden gems
"We have filled our Christmas market with local businesses and talents and we hope to provide a
magical Christmas experience for everyone in the Highlands.
"An Talla’s ethos is to shop local and support local and this is echoed throughout our Christmas Events."
