Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries unveils free Santa's Grotto

Buchanan Galleries has introduced the grotto in collaboration with the children's hospital as its charity partner.

Throughout December, the shopping centre will host various activities and initiatives to raise funds and support children undergoing treatment in hospital and their families.

The Grotto, now open, offers families and children the chance to meet Santa Claus and his elves, share festive wishes, capture a memorable photo, and receive a treat from Santa.

The grotto is open now in Buchanan Galleries (Image: Umpf PR) Admission is free, with an optional opportunity to contribute to the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

Santa’s Grotto is open every weekend until December 22, as well as Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24.

The Grotto’s opening hours are 11am to 5pm, except for Christmas Eve when the Grotto will be open from 10am to 1pm.

The charity's pop-up shop has also returned, located in front of the Buchanan Galleries flower wall outside John Lewis & Partners.

Visitors can browse a selection of unique Christmas cards and small gifts while listening to local school choirs, hospital choir groups and community ensembles singing Christmas classics.

Santa's friendly elves will be on hand to help out (Image: Umpf PR) From December 13 to 24, shoppers can take advantage of the charity's gift-wrapping service.

The proceeds raised by Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity during the festive period will support the funding of life-saving treatment.

Kids of all ages are welcome to pay Santa a visit (Image: Umpf PR) William McGowan, head of partnerships and business development at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: "Once again, the Buchanan Galleries team have pulled out all the stops to bring the magic of Christmas to the centre whilst raising vital funds for children in hospital.

"Thanks to the exceptional generosity of visitors to the centre and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, we can ensure that our young patients and their families receive world-class care at the children’s hospital in Glasgow."

Voluntary donations will be collected for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (Image: Umpf PR) Kathy Murdoch, centre director at Buchanan Galleries, said: "Christmas is a time to be spent with loved ones, but through our work with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, we are reminded of those children who are undergoing treatment in hospital and may miss out on the festivities.

"As a shopping centre in the heart of Glasgow, we are immensely proud to be able to offer families and guests memorable experiences, such as our Santa’s Grotto, all whilst supporting such an important cause.

"We hope our guests will join us and embrace the season of giving this year and help make a difference for children and their families in Glasgow."