Santa’s sleigh is on its way to Falcon Square in Inverness on Sunday
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Santa’s sleigh heading for Inverness this weekend.
Father Christmas, together with his faithful reindeer, will be taking time out of their busy schedule from noon on Sunday, November 27.
Families and visitors can enjoy an enchanting start to the festive period with the arrival of Santa and his Cairngorm reindeer on Falcon Square.
Children and families can meet them – along with a stilt walking fairy and her elf.
After arriving on Falcon Square, Father Christmas will then take up residence in his magical Peter Pan themed grotto from 1pm.
The grotto, which is by the High Street entrance in Eastgate Centre, is raising much needed funds for Highland Hospice.
Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said: "Santa’s arrival with his reindeer marks the start of the festive season at Eastgate Shopping Centre.
"It is a very exciting time, and we have a fantastic day planned on Sunday which we hope the whole family can come down and enjoy.
“There are going to be lots of fun activities taking place at Eastgate this Christmas, including a toy testing workshop with Santa’s elves on December 3, carols and festive weekend performances including arts and crafts workshops, winter sprites puppeteers and the Ice King and Queen plus more clowning around and free face painting.”
Inside the Centre from 11am until 4pm Mr and Mrs Bubbles will be clowning around with some balloon modelling whilst Happy Faces provide free face painting..
• To book and for opening times visit the hospice website.
While Santa is in his grotto his reindeer will be staying in Falcon Square until 3pm and would be delighted to meet any youngsters wishing for an up-close encounter.
The Grotto is provided by Eastgate and run by Highland Hospice and every penny taken will go to support the charity.
Christmas is a time for giving and in particular to those less fortunate. The Order of St John Giving Tree is in the centre again this year. Eastgate customers are so generous in supporting this and more than 3000 presents are distributed around the Highlands to children and youngsters in need.
The Tree will be up until December 11 and the last day for presents drop off is December 18.
• For more details about Santa’s arrival and Eastgate Christmas events visit the Eastgate Shopping Centre website and on the centre's Facebook page.
