Santa is putting his sleigh in for its MOT, the reindeer are hitting the gym and the elves are busy at work in the toy workshops.  At the same time, Santa’s helpers at South Lanarkshire Council have been busy making sure this year’s Christmas lights switch-on events at Hamilton and Lanark will be the best yet.  Despite having a jam-packed schedule, Santa will visit Lanark on Saturday, November 14.  He will be landing in the town with a whole host of friends from 3pm. Santa will be joined by the X Factor’s MacDonald Brothers, the pectacular Victorian stilt-walker will once again wow the crowds with gravity-defying feats of juggling, Real Radio’s Paul Harper will be on hand to compere the fun and the Lanimer Queen will help switch on the lights.  Returning due to popular demand, the Continental Christmas-style market will take up residence on High Street.  Lanarkians will be able to tour a number of European food stalls, as well as buy Continental-style gifts.  The fun will kick off at 3pm before the Defrost Dance Off gets underway and Paul Harper hosts the £100 cash challenge.  The X Factor’s MacDonald Brothers will entertain the crowd before Santa, the Lanimer Queen and Provost Russell Clearie hit the stage with all the performers for a Christmas sing-a-long ahead of switching on the festive lights. 

Santa will be driving north the following day (Sunday, November 15) to Hamilton.  The fabulous MacDonald Brothers, Real Radio’s Paul Harper and a whole host of local performers will be at Hamilton’s Top Cross, where the fun begins at 3pm and runs until 5pm.  There will be lots of opportunities to pick up some Christmas shopping, there are even some special offers on the day.   The Continental Market will also be hitting town and the fairground is making a special festive appearance.  Councillor Clearie said: “It’s been a hard year for everyone, due to the economic situation, and that’s why we are making an extra special effort to cheer everyone up.  “The switching on of the lights will be great family events with something to appeal to everyone and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and get into the Christmas spirit.”