Get your Claus into Santa

HOW on earth does he do it? One minute Santa's on television, next he's popping up at the school fair, then flying off to the North Pole.

Quite how he also squeezes in time to appear at shopping centre grottos . . . well, it's just part of the magic of Christmas.

Best not to waste time trying to figure it out, instead just gather up the kids and head off to meet the man himself.

But exactly where will you find him?

Jenners, Princes St

Jenners has delighted generations of children and this year promises to be no different, with the grotto designers linking in with the Festival Theatre's stunning production of The Secret Garden.

Children will receive the offer of a free ticket to the production (free with adult ticket purchased) plus a Secret Garden activity book.

The Grotto launches today at noon, with face painting and balloon modelling, and for the early birds, goody bags.

Grotto entry costs 1.50, or 4.50 if you'd like a gift.

John Lewis, St James Centre

Even Santa struggles in all this snow. So, instead, post him a weather-defying letter at Santa's post-box detailing everything you'd like to find under the tree. Find it on the second floor at John Lewis.

You have until December 12 to write your list and every letter will receive a jolly reply.

Ocean Terminal, Leith

Find Santa's lavish grotto outside Debenhams on the ground floor. There's a gift for everyone and tickets cost 3.

He's in residence from 10am to 5pm, Saturdays, and from 11am to 5pm, weekdays and Sundays, until December 23.

Don't forget the first-floor Narnia indoor ice rink.

The Gyle

Here, Santa's grotto nestles inside a seven-metre lavishly decorated Christmas tree.

A visit and a gift costs 3, with the money donated to Forth One's Cash for Kids charity. The grotto has raised 56,000 for the cause through the years.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Santa will be here every weekend up to Christmas with a gift for young visitors. A trip to his grotto costs 3.50, which includes entry to soft play. When the snow clears, there will be a chance to ride on the train to and from his grotto. Entry to the centre costs 5 (adults) or 3.50 (children).

Dobbies Garden World

Find Santa among the decorations and Christmas trees, seven days a week, 11am to 5pm, and on Christmas Eve until 4pm. Tickets cost 5 and each visitor will receive a gift.

Stay late on December 15 to see local singer Keith Jack, joined by children from the Gie it Laldy stage school at 5.30pm.

On December 5, 11 and 19 there will be reindeer sleigh rides.Cameron Toll

Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, Santa will be wandering through the aisles spreading festive cheer and giving an occasional sweet to youngsters.

Look for the mall's Christmas display, opposite Sainsbury's, where at the push of a button cute furry friends spring to life.

The Centre, Livingston Santa needs to take some time off, so his wife, Mrs Claus, is helping out here.

She's in residence every weekend in December from 12pm to 4pm. For 3.50, little ones can have their photograph taken and receive a fridge magnet or keyring souvenir of their visit. From each visit, 50p will go to the charity Bosom Buds of Scotland.

If you prefer the traditional Santa, Mr Claus will be popping into Debenhams at The Centre every day up to Christmas.