THERE was a whole ho-ho-host of activities at Cardwell Garden Centre during their fun and festive Christmas open weekend.

Christmas celebrations were in full swing at the three-day event at the Gourock centre.

It was a real 'cracker' as families enjoyed the carnival with its fantastic funfair rides and an inflatable obstacle course.

Santa's Grotto was open and Father Christmas brought along his cheery pal Rudolph who helped get everyone into the festive spirit.

The day was soundtracked by a brass band who entertained guests as they tucked into a tasty festive treat in the Patio Café.

Cardwell’s retail general manager, Paul Carmichael, said: "We had a lot of visitors to Cardwell during our Christmas opening event at the weekend and we’re pulling out all the stops to give everyone a fun and exciting run-up to the big day.

"Of course, the big attraction for youngsters was meeting Santa Claus in his grotto and he’ll need to have an extra large sack on his sleigh this year with all the gifts he’s been asked to bring down the chimney on Christmas Day!

"The coronavirus restrictions that were in place curtailed the Christmas celebrations last year, but it seems like people are making up for it this year.

"We’ve got lots of fun festive attractions, including our carnival back again this year and the grown-ups can get all the Christmas trees and decorations, as well as all the gifts they’ll need to make sure everyone has a very Merry Christmas."

Pictures by Alex Craig