Cowal is set for another spellbinding season of festive cheer as the much-loved Santa Sleigh Tour returns to the streets in the final few days of December..
The event — now a firm favourite in the local festive calendar — sees Santa travelling through communities including Tighnabruaich, Kilmun, Innellan, Sandbank, Kirn, Hunters Quay and Dunoon on his illuminated sleigh, spreading joy while raising money for a local cause.
What began during lockdown “just for fun” has grown into a annual tradition that has already raised more than £4,300 for Cowal charities.
This year, the volunteer organisers have chosen to support Cowal Hospice CHATS, continuing their commitment to giving back to the community.
Just like last year, a live Google Maps tracker will be posted each night on the group’s Facebook page — Dunoon Christmas Santa — allowing families to follow Santa’s journey and gather along the route in time for his arrival.
Santa’s 2025 Cowal tour dates are: December 18 – Tighnabruaich,
December 19 – Kilmun, Strone School, Ardentinny bus terminus, returning along the shore. December 20 – Innellan, December 21 – Sandbank, December 22 – Kirn and Hunters Quay and December 23 – Dunoon.
All routes begin at 5.30pm, with up-to-date maps and the nightly tracker link posted to: facebook.com/dunoonchristmassanta
The sleigh tour first captured the community’s heart in its inaugural year during lockdown. As locals began asking how they could donate, volunteers set up fundraising pages, collecting £800 for Olly’s Wee Bothy in the first year and another £800 for Cathleen’s Cabin the next.
Santa himself told the Observer last year that he loved the chance to see Cowal’s best festive displays up close, he explained: “We really enjoy looking at the decorations. It’s always been a family tradition to drive around the town to see all the best houses — now me and the Elfs can do it and spread joy at the same time.”
With the sleigh polished, the lights checked, organisers say all that’s left is for residents to keep their eyes — and ears — open.
