CHRISTMAS is the most magical time of the year and last week the Thistles Shopping Centre launched Toy Town Live – this year's in-centre festive activity.

Guaranteeing an unmissable experience for children and families, Thistles has pulled out the stops to ensure the most toy-tastic experience in Scotland this Christmas.

Toy Town Live transports children into an incredible theatrical experience with live character performers, interactive games, fantastic prizes and the chance to meet Santa.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director of Thistles, said: "Thank you to everyone who joined us for the launch of Toy Town Live.

"We have really pulled out the stops with this year's festive experience at Thistles and can guarantee magical memories will be made for children and their families at this unmissable free experience.

"Toy Town is now officially open, running daily and already proving a big hit with our younger shoppers. We look forward to welcoming families as part of the Christmas countdown."

Set within a vintage style grotto with giant snow-flocked trees dressed with traditional toy decorations, festive garlands, twinkling lights and shimmering floor, the atmosphere in and around Toy Town is magical.

Upon approaching Toy Town, a series of Nutcracker characters, each named after one of six true meanings of Christmas can be found throughout Thistles.

Once at the grotto the children are first welcomed by Silver Spoon the Sugar Mouse who prepares young visitors for an enchanting and nostalgic fun experience.

Joining her is Captain Christmas the Toy Soldier, who is always chipper and ready for action.

The Captain helps the children prepare for their Toy Town experience and for meeting their first character, Dolly the Wind-Up Dancer.

A wind-up dancing doll, Dolly only comes to life when someone winds up her key.

When this happens she loves nothing more than to share her memories of dancing at grand parties under the Christmas tree, and will even teach the children some of her special moves. But quick, before she winds…back…down!

The next Toy Town resident Silver Spoon escorts the children to meet is Jack! He lives in a box and is a funny old joker. Jack loves surprising people and making them laugh.

In a fun game of 'dare', children will push a button to release him and Jack will spring into sharing a Christmas joke and a giggle before Silver Spoon puts him back in his box as she continues to lead the Toy Town journey.

An introduction to Big Bear the GIANT Teddy Bear of Toy Town follows. Take a seat, snuggle up with the cuddliest bear in town and enjoy a group reading with Silver Spoon the Sugar Mouse.

Together in an exciting finale, the group call Santa out of his Christmassy wooden cabin, following which he invites families in one by one.

While families are waiting to meet Santa, Sugar Mouse keeps everyone entertained by introducing them to Rollo the magical Toy Town train.

Rollo is powered by magic and just won't go unless there is enough Christmas kindness in the air. Can the children in Thistles make him chug into action? Oh yes they can!

At this point there is also be an opportunity to enter a prize draw to win the chance to take Big Bear home!

The Toy Town experience concludes with an individual meeting with Santa where children have their photograph taken with him before receiving a special gift.

Now officially open, Toy Town Live is running daily 11am-4pm until Sunday, December 23, and admission is free.