WHETHER you know him as Santa Claus, Old Saint Nick or Chris Kringle, the jolly bearded man in a red suit has become synonymous with Christmas.
For many, their earliest memory of the season will be being taken to a shopping centre grotto to sit on a kindly stranger's knee and stare up in blank terror when asked: "And what do you want for Christmas little one?"
So if you're looking to craft some cherished moments with your children, here's where you can find Santa this year.
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Where: Santa's Grotto at intu Braehead, Upper mall next to the Schuh Kids store
When: Thursday, November 10 to Thursday, December 24
Opening times: Between November 10 and December 15 - Monday to Friday, 11am to 8pm. Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Sunday, 10am to 5.30pm
From December 16 to December 23 - Monday to Friday, 11am to 9pm. Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm. Sunday, 10am to 5.30pm.
Christmas Eve, 9am to 4.30pm.
Price: £5.50
What else should I know?: The grotto also has animatronic snowmen to marvel at.
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Where: Cardwell Garden Centre, Lunderston Bay, Gourock
When: From today to Thursday, December 24
Opening times: 10am to 5pm at weekends until November 27.
From November 28 until Christmas Eve - Monday to Friday, 1pm to 4.30pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Price: £6.50
What else should I know?: Youngsters can also breakfast with Santa for £9.95, which gets you an hour having a meal with Santa, specifically a hot or cold filled roll, giant cookie and soft drink, plus hear him tell a story, receive a gift and get a free carnival ride. The garden centre has a variety of rides (£1.50 a ride or five rides for £6).
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Where: St Enoch Centre, outside Debenhams on first floor
When: From today until Thursday, December 24
Opening times: Variable, click here for specifics.
Price: £5
What else should I know?: St. Enoch Rewards customers can visit Santa’s Grotto for £4 Mon-Fri during November. Booking in advance is recommended.
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Where: St Enoch Centre Hamleys
When: From Saturday, November 26 to Saturday, December 24
Opening times: Variable
Cost: £25
What else should I know?: It's more expensive than other grottos, but your cash gets an hour with Santa which includes snacks, entertainment, Christmas list writing, singing and dancing and more. The toy shop will also be making it snow with the help of Frozen’s Olaf and Hamleys elves. Olaf will be in centre making it snow twice daily from throughout December.
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Where: Buchanan Galleries, outside John Lewis on ground floor
When: Every weekend from Saturday, December 3 until Saturday, December 24
Opening times: 11am – 5pm (11am – 4pm on Christmas Eve)
Cost: Visits with Santa are free of charge although donations to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will be welcomed.
What else should I know?: As well as the above, kids will get a Santa’s List they can complete and post in a post box to the North Pole.
Where: The Forge Shopping Centre
When: From today
Opening times: Monday to Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Cost: From £5.25
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