The countdown to the big day is on and what better way to celebrate than to get some quality time in with Father Christmas himself? We've rounded up a few of the best places you can catch him in Glasgow in the run up to Christmas.

Breakfast with Santa
Get the family together and head to the Hard Rock Cafe, where you can enjoy a freshly cooked buffet style breakfast and entertainment courtesy of Ellie the Elf from Popstarz Parties Scotland, before meeting the man himself.
Hard Rock Cafe, Sun 3, 10, 17 & 24, Sat 9, 16, 23 Dec, £12.95 (£9.95).

Santa Claus
Watch as Santa arrives at the East Kilbride Shopping Centre on a sleigh pulled by real reindeer. Give him a wave and then join him in his magical grotto, where he'll be hearing all about your wishes for the year.
East Kilbride Shopping Centre, Sat 25 Nov–Sat 23 Dec, £4.50.

Santa's Cove
Described as the 'ultimate family experience', Santa's Cove involves an action-packed hour of fun, where families encounter various challenges to help Santa make enough presents for all the good children around the world. Dodge candy canes, jump aboard the sleigh, make decorations and finish off the experience at the grotto, where you'll get to meet Santa to take photos and even get a gift to take home.
intu, Braehead, until Sun 24 Dec, £9.95 (children £19.95).

Dine with Santa
Santa's back at Snow Factor for 2017 and kids can not only meet him but join in for a breakfast, brunch, lunch, late lunch or dinner with the big guy, where they'll get treated to a short story reading, a gift and 30 minutes of sledging on real snow.
Bar Varia, Snow Factor, Sat 25 Nov–Sun 24 Dec (weekends only), £26.

Glasgow Santa Dash
Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of red suits and beards as thousands take part in this five kilometre fun run every year dressed as jolly old Saint Nic, all in the name of charity. It all kicks off at 10am on George Square and this year's nominated charity is the Beatson Cancer Charity.
George Square, Sun 10 Dec, £15.

Meet Father Christmas
Hamleys is no doubt one of the most magical places to be at Christmas so it should come as no surprise that Santa always makes sure to stop by the store during the festive period. Hang out with Santa and his elves to hear stories, enjoy Christmas games and feast on delicious snacks.
Hamleys Toy Store, Sat 25 Nov–Sun 24 Dec, £25.

Christmas Fun
Kids 12 and under can enjoy an afternoon of festive fun at Pollokshaws Library which includes Christmas stories and games, book folding crafts, an animal petting zoo and of course, the opportunity to meet Santa Claus.
Pollokshaws Library, Sat 9 Dec, free.

Santa's Magical Wonderland
M&D's magical wonderland is back, giving the wee ones the chance to meet Santa in Scotland's largest grotto, which features spectacular animated Christmas scenes. There's also a 220 sq. metre custom built soft play area, a Christmas show from Elfie & Kevin, an indoor carousel and Santa's reindeer.
M&D's, Mon–Fri 4–21 Dec, £6.55.

Santa Visits Calderglen
Every weekend in the run up to Christmas, Santa will be heading over to Calderglen Country Park to meet all the good little boys and girls, hear their Christmas wishes and give them a gift. If you get there early, you can have a seat on Santa's sleigh and get involved with some festive colouring in before your visit with Santa.
Calderglen Country Park, Sat 2–Sun 24 Dec (weekends), £6.90.

Santa's Woodland Experience
Hop aboard the tractor trailer for a tour of the woodlands, take in the stunning views and search for Santa's home. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by Santa himself who will be ready and waiting to hear all about your wish list. There's hot food and drink available in the shed afterwards to warm you up.
Ballochruin Farm, select dates Sat 25 Nov–Sun 24 Dec, £7.50 (£15).