In Search of Santa

What's that you say? You wish you knew what festive family things there were to do together this year?

Et Voila! We know the big man in the red suit can be tricky to track down at this time of year (to be fair, he's got a lot on) so we've taken the hard work out of it for you. We've sniffed out all the coolest, quirkiest events and traditional grotto's for you up and down Perthshire. Here's our top picks!

St John’s Centre, Perth.

Perth's St John's shopping centre will open the doors to Santa's Grotto to welcome children every weekend from Sat 19^th Nov. There's also plenty of Christmas shopping to be had within the centre itself so you can tick a few things off your list while you’re there! You can also pre-book your visit (apart from switch-on day, the 19^th Nov). From £5. More here>

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

On Two Sunday’s in December (11^th & 18^th) their bagpipe-playing Santa will return. He arrives outside playing Christmas jingles on his pipes before entering the castle, where all the girls and boys are waiting for him, then leads them into his grotto. Kids will get to see Santa individually and tell him what they’d like for Christmas-he’ll even give them an early present! Outside the grotto there will be plenty of Christmas activities to take part in. £10 per child- booking essential. More here>

Glendoick Garden Centre, by Perth.

Every weekend during December from Sat 3^rd Glendoick will be hosting Santa Claus himself who’ll take up residence in an Igloo amongst the moving polar bears, gonks and gifts in their magical Christmas shop. You can also bag yourself a selfie with an elfie while you’re there! More here>

Crieff Light Night, Sat 26^th Nov

3-6pm in James Square. Hosted by ‘Crieff at Christmas’, everyone is warmly invited to this FREE Christmas Lights Switch-On Event. Go along and enjoy an afternoon of carol singing and Christmas cheer with street performers on hand to entertain. Santa Claus himself will be on hand to pass out gifts to children present. More here>

Black Watch Castle and Museum, 3^rd Dec.

Santa will be leading an interactive tour of the Museum during their fun filled Winter Festival on 3rd Dec. Take a festive gallery trail, decorate your own Christmas cookie, get creative with Christmas crafts and wrap up warm for storytelling in a trench.

Learn how to give nature a home this winter and make your own Christmas decorations from natural materials with the RSPB. There will be prize draws, delicious food to nibble on and pin the nose on Rudolph! To round off the afternoon they will switch on the Castle Christmas tree lights and listen to the sound of beautiful Christmas carols from Perth and Kinross Council Choir. £5 per child, Adults go free, No reservation required. More here>

Perth Racecourse, Scone. 18^th Dec.

Santa Lunch from 12-4pm. Perth Racecourse is hosting their first ever Santa Lunch where every child will get to meet Santa and get a present! Package includes meeting Santa, face painting, animal balloon modelling, a festive family lunch and lots of other Christmassy surprises! Under 2’s FREE, £9.95 p/child (2-12yrs), £15 p/adult (12+yrs). More here>

Heaven Scent, Milnathort. 4^th Dec

11am-3pm. Step through the Smeg Fridge which conceals a secret staircase to a festive ‘Hidden Christmas Market’. Stalls selling beautiful handmade arts, crafts, local produce and festive gifts will be dotted around the Secret Garden and Heavens Above, and you’ll even have the chance to meet some of Heaven Scent’s very own wonderful suppliers. Also on offer will be all your usual Heaven Scent favourites as well as a BBQ serving winter treats, a fire pit to toast marshmallows and hot chocolate and mulled wine to get you in the festive spirit. With live music from local musicians and a very special visit from Santa himself this is one festive extravaganza! More info here>

Santa Run, Perth 10^th Dec

One place you’re certain to find plenty of Santa’s is this 5km fun run taking place around the streets of Perth and finishing on the North Inch. It’s always well attended which is no surprise as it’s great fun to take part and a suitable for all ages and abilities. All runners will receive a Santa suit (to run in) and a goodie bag containing finishers medal (which doubles as a Christmas tree decoration). In addition to this, if you continue to wear your Santa outfit while shopping, you may even receive certain discounts from City Centre retailers. More info Here>