SANTA will arrive in Durham City on Thursday to switch on the Christmas lights and take up residence in his grotto.
He will travel from Palace Green to the Town Hall, where he will be greeted by the mayor and will switch on the Christmas lights.
Entertainment will be provided by the Metro Radio Roadshow and performers including Rudolph, the Phoenix New Orleans Jazz Band and two stilt-walking Christmas trees.
Peter Bennion, manager of the Prince Bishops shopping centre, said: "We are confident that, as always, the people of Durham will turn out in their thousands to see Santa.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article