Santa is arriving at Mansfield’s Christmas lights switch-on at 2pm on Sunday 15 November.

Families are expected to line the route down Westgate from St John Street to the area beside Mansfield Library at the side of the Four Seasons Shopping Centre for Santa’s arrival parade.

He will be arriving in his horse-drawn sleigh to mark the opening of his grotto in the Four Seasons. He will be joined by some very special guests from the Palace Theatre’s Aladdin pantomime who will be feeling the party spirit and getting up to mischief with some festive stilt walkers.

There will be appearances at intervals during the parade from Paddington™, Mansfield Town Football Club’s Sammy the Stag and Four Seasons’ mascot, Buzz.

At the end of the parade, around 3pm, Santa will make his way to Santa’s Toy Factory Grotto in the Four Seasons where children can post their letter to Santa, watch his elves at work and sing along with his reindeer.

The parade is just a small part of a whole day of celebrations to mark the annual switching on of the Christmas lights.

The parade will be followed by Christmas party fun, games and prizes from 3pm on the stage in the Market Place before the main stage show featuring special guests and live music starts at 3.30pm.

The Executive Mayor of Mansfield Kate Allsop said: “The parade proves very popular with both young and old alike every year and I’m sure this year will be no exception. There is something for everyone at this year’s Christmas Light Switch On, so make sure you get into town early to make the most of this festive day.”

The council’s Christmas What’s On guide, which gives full details of all the events and activities over the festive period, will be delivered to homes across the district from 26 October. You can also pick up a copy from community venues or download it from www.mansfield.gov.uk/whatson from 1 November.

To receive school holiday What’s On guides direct to your inbox, email [email protected] with What’s On as the subject.