Twelve colourful reindeer statues, individually customised by local artists, are waiting to be found across Gloucester from Saturday 2 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024.
Families can track down all the characterful reindeer using a map, as they tick off each of the 6ft colourful creatures.
There are trail prizes to be won throughout Christmas and into the new year too.
Each reindeer has a letter displayed on it and those who find all 12 reindeer are challenged to unscramble the letters which come together to spell two secret words, for entry into weekly competitions to win £100 Gloucester Gift Cards along with other great prizes.
The trail, which is organised by Gloucester BID and launches to coincide with Small Business Saturday, will see the reindeers spend Christmas in well-known city landmarks including Gloucester Cathedral, National Waterways Museum Gloucester, GL1 Leisure Centre and the new Gloucester Food Dock. As well as shopping destinations including the Eastgate Shopping Centre and King’s Walk.
The reindeer are decorated in designs from well-known regional artists including Russell Haines, Jussara Nazare, Luna Lotus, Ben Ashworth and Candice Fox, with some being influenced by well-known city icons, including Beatrix Potter’s iconic The Tailor of Gloucester story, the River Severn and the famous Cherry and Whites.
Manager of Gloucester BID, Emily Gibbon, said: 'We’re very excited to see our Runaway Reindeer prancing into the city centre this festive season.
'All the locations are within walking distance of each other, so visitors can wander beneath Christmas lights and take in some of the city’s finest landmarks while they keep their eyes peeled for our lovely reindeer.
'The trail will give families a free activity to enjoy over five weeks, as well as offering a chance to win five £100 Gloucester Gift Cards, which can be spent at a wide range of shops, restaurants, and attractions in the city.
'It’s also a perfect event to launch on Small Business Saturday, as the trail will encourage people to shop local and see all that the city has to offer.'
Printed trail maps are available from a range of city venues, including Gloucester Guildhall, The Museum of Gloucester, Gloucester Cathedral, National Waterways, Gloucester Quays, The Folk of Gloucester and Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.
Further information about the Runaway Reindeers, including a downloadable trail map, is available at runawayreindeers.co.uk.
