They have a hectic schedule at this time of year.
But Mr and Mrs Claus have taken time out of their Yuletide programme to visit a north-east museum and speak to local families about their Christmas wishes.
In a festive first for the Arbuthnot Museum on St Peter Street, Peterhead, Santa has transformed an area of the facility into a heart-warming home from home.
Along with Mrs Claus, he spoke to local and visiting families about their hopes and dreams for the holiday season.
The pair will be returning to Arbuthnot again on Saturday.
The museum has hosted special exhibitions and parties to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Along with the festivities, these events have been aimed at getting more people, particularly the younger generation, interested in the exhibits.
Aberdeenshire Council’s customer and commercial services officer, Jo Edwards, has orchestrated the event and previously helped organise the Santa’s Sitting Room event at Duff House in Banff.
She said: “It’s the first time we have tried this in Arbuthnot. It has been done in Aberdeenshire before, but never in Peterhead.
“Unknown to everyone, Santa has been working in the museum throughout the year.
“He’s been dressed up in various characters – a pirate and a Victorian gentleman – to get a feel for whether he should come along to see those children who are naughty or nice.
“Santa has been very busy as his chief elf has had an accident and broken his arm but Santa was here to meet the kids.
“All of the children who visit him are also being given a gift, or perhaps they will be getting a piece of coal if they’ve not been good.”
Arbuthnot Museum opened in 1893 and celebrates Peterhead’s rich maritime history.
The items on display include model boats, whaling and Inuit artefacts, arctic animals including a polar bear alongside historic photographs and memorabilia of Peterhead and the surrounding area.
Ms Edwards said: “Having these events brings in a different audience to the museum, so we can expose people to something they may not be aware of or may never have done before.
“It will give children a chance to look around the museum and see the polar bear and other things we have.
“If it’s a success and brings families into the museum, which is free, then there’s a chance it may happen again in the future.”
To book a place to see Santa visit the museum, which is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, call 01779 477778.
