Santa Claus is coming to town...and he will be arriving in Hamilton with his seven reindeers this weekend.
After the success of last month's fantastic Christmas lights switch on event, the festivities have well and truly commenced with thousands already flocking to the town centre.
The festive cheer was greatly missed in the town last year due to lockdown restrictions but a total of five Christmas markets in the coming weeks will no doubt help to make up for lost time.
And next up in Hamilton's Christmas calendar is the much-anticipated reindeer parade which takes place tomorrow.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the festive funday...
What's happening on the day?
As with all five of the Christmas market events this year, the day kicks off nice and early with a host of stalls selling unique items and gifts as well as food and drink provided by local businesses.
The markets will open at 10am.
Following that, a host of fantastic entertainment will begin at 11am on Quarry Street.
Acts such as An Abba Dream, MLU Breakdance, Jane Henderson and the fabulous Samby Ya Bamba will return to the stage providing live music and entertainment.
Locals can enjoy all the fun from the stage at the Top Cross, on the bandstand and in the street across the day.
What time will Santa and his reindeers arrive?
The much-anticipated reindeer parade will take place in the afternoon at the town square area of Castle Street in Hamilton.
Santa and his reindeers are expected to arrive around 2.30pm where they will walk from the square, up Quarry Street and towards the Christmas tree, where they will depart at 3pm.
Anyone wishing to walk behind the parade can do so when it begins to make its way through the town centre.
Locals can then enjoy a spectacular fire show put on by the team at Think Circus as Santa leaves the street.
And of course, you can check out the markets, the town's great shops and cafe’s and the funfair on Townhead Street also.
Timetable of events
All of this year's Christmas activities are organised by Hamilton Our Town (BID) who would like to thank all locals and visitors for joining in the fun this festive period.
A full timetable of Saturday's events and acts appearing on stage can be seen below:
| Stage | |
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| 11:00 am | St John’s Choir- Christmas Carols |
| 11:20 am | Jane Henderson |
| 11:50 am | Brass Aye |
| 12:20 pm | An ABBA Dream |
| 12:50 pm | MLU Breakdance |
| 1:05 pm | The Poppermost |
| 1:35 pm | Drama Kirk Nativity |
| 2:05 pm | Holly Scally |
| 2:30 pm | Reindeer Procession |
| 3.10pm approx | Wave goodbye to Santa & Reindeer |
| 3.15pm approx | Think Circus Fire Show at top of Quarry Street |
| 3.35pm | Gillybean Dance School |
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| Bandstand | |
| 1.30pm | Sambayabamba |
| 2:00 pm | Gillybean Dance School |
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| Street | |
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Matthew Kerr |
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Think Circus |
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2 x Face painters |
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Balloons/Magician |
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Brass Aye |