It's A Wonderful Christmas... At The Falkirk Wheel
3 November 2006
Once upon a time in a magical place called The Falkirk Wheel, there was a glittering land of festive fantasy, a place of fun, laughter and presents, a place where Santa and his little helpers stayed.
From Friday, December 1 st until Sunday, December 24 th there will be a multitude of Christmas cheer for all the family to enjoy as the top tourist attraction magically transforms into Scotland 's biggest and best festive village.
Young and old will be able to take a magical boat trip to a secret location to visit Santa Claus, visit a yueltide toy exhibition, browse our Christmas fayre, ride in a traditional Ferris Wheel and every Saturday witness a spectacular fireworks display.
With a sprinkle of magic elf dust, passengers on board the four daily festive boat trips will enjoy a fantastic journey that takes them through the glittering winter tunnel and straight to Santa's spectacular secret village and grotto.
Father Christmas will board each vessel with a sackful of goodies and once he's heard what every child hopes to find under the tree he'll give them a special present that they can open on that day.
But Santa's secret village won't be the only thing awash with glittering lights. When darkness falls The Falkirk Wheel will be illuminated in a spectacular array of festive hues, while twinkling icicles will light the way for boats along the aqueduct.
Richard Millar , Service and Business Manger, British Waterways Scotland , said: "Santa Claus has been a regular visitor to The Falkirk Wheel since it opened in 2002, but this year we're going to make Christmas even more spectacular for him and all our visitors with our amazing secret village. If you love that special Christmas feeling, there will be no better place to come this December."
Have you ever wondered what your grandfather's favourite toy might have been when he was young? Or what your mum had hoped for under the Christmas tree when she was a girl? If the answer is yes the exclusive 'All I Want For Christmas' exhibition will help you find the answers!
Over 25 toys from the past 50 years will be on display at the free exhibition which takes visitors on a journey of the most popular games, action figures and dolls of yesteryear including Klackers, the Beatles Flip Your Wig Game, Timpo Toy Figure Sets and Katy Kopycat.
And if visitors feel inspired to look for top toys to buy, or simply want to find unique gifts to give this Christmas, there's no better place to seek them out than at The Falkirk Wheel.
Not only will the gift shop be stocked full of amazing presents, various stalls will be situated throughout the visitor centre brimming full of wonderful goodies that will bring a sparkle to the eyes of your loved ones on December 25 th . Entrance to the market is free.
Visitors will also be able to find the perfect pine for their home this yuletide as Christmas trees will be on sale at the Wheel right up until Christmas Eve.
For those looking to take a trip on a different type of wheel this December there will be a traditional Ferris Wheel on site giving visitors the opportunity to experience yet another breathtaking ride at The Falkirk Wheel. Rides on the Ferris Wheel cost £2.50.
Richard Millar added: "This year we've really pushed the boat out to make sure everyone has a very Merry Christmas experience when they visit The Falkirk Wheel. We're all big kids at the end of the day and people young and old will enjoy a magical day out."
Santa Boat trips cost £10 for adults and children. From December 1 st to December 2 4th boat trips depart at 3.00 pm, 4.15 pm, 5.30 pm and 6.45 pm and on December 24 th trips will leave the basin at 11.30 am, 12.45 pm and 2 pm. Due to anticipated demand booking is advisable call 0870 500 208 or online www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk
From December 1 st to January 7 th The Falkirk Wheel will be open, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 4.30 pm , Wednesday to Friday 11:30 am to 8 pm , Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm . Exceptions are on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay when the site will be open from 10 am to 4 pm .
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Issued on behalf of The Falkirk Wheel by Wave PR. For more information contact Chris Bell Tel: 0141 303 8390 Mob: 07974 692 330 or Alison Jack Tel: 0141 303 8390 Mob: 07803 137 262.