A jolly laugh and ringing bells may be heard echoing around Aberdeen over the next few days, as a familiar face arrives in the city.
Santa Claus will be jetting into the Granite City to set up shop fresh off his extended break in the North Pole.
And the sleigh bells will be ringing and the snow will be glistening in the Bon Accord Centre, as it is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Children of all ages, and adults, are invited down to meet Old Saint Nick, and his band of merry elves, to tell him their special Christmas wishes.
And in keeping with the spirit of the season, all money raised from the grotto entry fees will be handed over to north-east cancer charity, Clan Cancer Support.
Susan Crighton, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “Santa is very excited to meet girls and boys from all across the north-east – we hope lots of children will come and visit him and to see the wonderful Winter Wonderland.
“Everyone who visits, whether to say hello to Santa, get a picture or even a keyring will not only make their Christmas experience extra special but will make a huge difference to someone affected by cancer.”
Santa and his team will be based in the upper mall of the centre and will open up for the first time this Saturday.
Craig Stevenson, centre manager, Bon Accord, added: “Santa’s helpers have been hard at work making sure the Winter Wonderland is more magical than ever before.
“Adding something special to our shoppers’ experiences is an integral part of what we do and we can’t wait for everyone to experience this festive wonderland.”
The winter wonderland is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm till the weekend of December 17.
From then, the grotto will be open every single day from 10am-4pm until Christmas Eve, when its hours are 10am-1pm.
