Festivities got well underway at Dumfries House this weekend as Santa Claus himself made a special guest appearance - and children could not wait to welcome him.
On Sunday, November 28, kids, parents and visitors from Cumnock and beyond gathered to pay season’s greetings to Father Christmas as he officially arrived at his grotto by sleigh.
Led by reindeers, Santa’s sleigh departed from the front steps of Dumfries House at 2pm and travelled past the Visitor Centre to his grotto, which is located next to the Coach House Cafe.
Members of the local community lined the route and waved to Santa and his elves as they passed. And although the Meet Santa slots are fully-booked for 2021, the family-friendly Present Trail also opened on Sunday, meaning youngsters have a variety of events to choose from.
It is just one of many being hosted at Dumfries House this year. Another is the Candlelit Tour and Festive Banquet in the Library where for £74.50 per person, people can enjoy a welcome glass of fizz with a festive candlelit tour followed by a three-course festive dinner in a one-table, banquet-style setting.
Foodies can really indulge here, as the festive feast menu features Ayrshire smoked trout, smoked salmon & dill mousse, shallot and chive crème fraiche to start and Ballontine of turkey, sage and onion sausage roll, braised red cabbage, rosemary and garlic roast potatoes for main.
For dessert, get stuck into a chocolate and orange panna cotta, Christmas pudding and Armagnac spiced cream.
Evan Samson, hospitality manager for The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, said: “You can’t beat Dumfries House when it’s dressed for the festive season.
“It’s a fitting place to really embrace the Christmas spirit, and we try to offer our guests a really special experience, whether they’re attending for a candlelit tour or dining with us.
“It’s our job to ensure each guest’s experience is seamless and memorable.
“We go the extra mile to ensure the house looks at its best and to create a real spectacle at each dining table.”
Bookings for all the Dumfries House festive events will be taken online only at dumfries-house.org.uk/book/tickets.
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