It’s the most magical time of the year and The Thistles in Stirling is guaranteeing an extra special Christmas with its unmissable in-centre festive activity.

This year’s free entertainment, Christmas Castle, is open daily between 11am-5pm for the entirety of December until Christmas Eve.

Christmas Castle at The Thistles will transport children into an enchanted woodland fantasy where they will meet Father Christmas.

Upon approaching the castle, each child and their family will be met by The Enchanted Elves in the ‘Wishmas’ craft area. The Elves will guide the children to write, draw, stamp and sparkle their craft message which Father Christmas will send to the North Pole.

The Enchanted Elves will explain that the castle is full of children's wonderful wishes, and each child will be encouraged to whisper their own wish into the magical Wishing Wall.

The experience culminates in the children crossing the drawbridge to enter the castle which sits atop a snowy mound. Waiting to meet them will be Father Christmas, seated on a rustic, decorated throne. Father Christmas will give each child a special Christmas ribbon to hang their Christmas wish on their tree at home. Doing this will ensure wishes are released at Christmas. Each child will also be given a gift of a book.

Against a backdrop of sparkling lights and music, the atmosphere in and around Christmas Castle will be magical.

With the countdown to Christmas under way, The Thistles has confirmed its late night opening hours leading up to the 25th.

Commencing December 12, over 80 stores offering big name brands will be open daily until 7pm (8pm on Thursdays) with Sundays open until 6pm. Plus, with convenient parking, a car wash, a dedicated guest service team, free wifi, cash machines and a bureau de change, be gift inspired this festive season at The Thistles and guarantee smiles on Christmas Day.

Phil Byrne, centre director, said: "This year’s Christmas at The Thistles promises to be extra special with plenty of fun for children including our fantastic Christmas Castle which is sure to be extremely popular. Our retailers are ready to welcome guests with their outstanding selection of gift ideas for all the family, and with extended opening hours in the centre along with plenty of convenient parking, we’re ready to put the fun into festive.”