Santa will take time out of his busy December schedule to visit the children of Moray by air and land next week.
Next Wednesday, Santa is set to revive an old tradition and parade through the streets of Elgin with festive cheer and lollipops to raise money for the ARCHIE foundation.
Janice Gregor, whose whole family have collaborated to bring Santa back to Elgin, said: “Myself, along with my mum, my sister, Yvonne, and my three kids have joined up with some fantastic helpers to bring back an old, fun tradition to the streets of Elgin.
“I remember it when I was little, but it’s not happened for years. Santa used to come around knocking on our doors with the fire service. We aren’t allowed to knock on doors this year, but Santa will be tinselled, twinkling and loud. People will certainly hear us coming.
“It really is just to put something back into the community. There will be a lot of kids in Aberdeen and at Dr Gray’s who won’t be able to be home for Christmas, so it’s really for them.”
Leaving Elgin High School car park at 5pm, Santa will travel down Fairway Avenue and Glenlossie Drive, along Birnie Road, down New Elgin Road towards New Elgin Primary before crossing over to Thornhill Drive and finishing up on Pinefield Crescent at around 7pm.
The following day, St Nick will pay a flying visit to over 27 Moray primary schools next week with the help of the RAF before returning to do a second evening on the streets of Elgin.
The search and rescue Sea King of D Flight, 202 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth will be helping Santa say hello to excited children across the region when they carry out a special flyover on Thursday, December 18, between 9.40am and 11.30am.
Schools expecting to see Father Christmas flying overhead include Lossiemouth, Forres, Dallas, Elgin, Fochabers and Buckie.
In the past, several schools have created giant words or images in their playgrounds for Santa, and this year Mosstowie Primary School have prepared a special message in waiting for Santa.
Head teacher Garry Forgie said: “The children love the Santa flypast, so we are making plans for a big, colourful Christmas message for him and the RAF.
“Making the giant designs gives the children the opportunity to practice planning, and do some measuring and maths, so it’s a good challenge for them too.
“Hopefully, we’ll fill the pitch with colour and come up with something special for Santa.”