The sleigh is getting its final polish, the reindeer have been fed and the elves are preparing the toys – the countdown has started and Santa is getting ready to head to East Kilbride for another cracking Christmas.

Kicking off on Saturday, the festivities will see Santa and his reindeer fly in to the undercover shopping centre at 11am before a parade through the sparkling malls to his winter wonderland grotto at The Hub.

Entry to the grotto is free and young visitors can stop by for a chat with Santa and drop off their Christmas letters from 11.30am on the day.

There will also be an opportunity to pop some coins in the grotto’s magical wishing well, with all donations going to charity.

Any good boys and girls who don’t get a chance to see Santa over the parade weekend shouldn’t fret, he will be back in EK every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm right up until Christmas, with special extra visits on Friday, December 21, and Christmas Eve.

Visitors will also have the chance for a closer glimpse of Santa’s trusty reindeer after the parade, as Prancer, Dancer, Comet and Vixen take a well-earned rest in their pen outside Centre West before flying back to the North Pole at 1.30pm.

Santa’s arrival will be accompanied by a magical musical performance from the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Choir, who will also have a pop up Christmas shop in Centre West.

Ian McLelland, EK, East Kilbride Centre Director, said: “Christmas is a magical time at EK, East Kilbride and our sparkling Santa parade and other festivities will ensure EK is shining bright again this year.

"Our younger visitors love to welcome Santa to the centre so we are delighted that he has decided to take a break from toy making in the North Pole to fly in with his reindeer on Saturday, November 17.”