SANTA Claus is coming to town as the countdown to Christmas begins in Stratford.
The lights switch-on event, on Saturday November 18, will feature entertainment throughout the day, between 10am and 7pm.
A giant snow globe and ice cave will be among the interactive attractions as part of the free to attend day, which also includes live music, roaming performers and fairground-style games.
Christmas market stalls offering gifts and festive food and drink, will also be open at the bottom of Bridge Street and on Waterside as well as the regular Rother Street Market.
The big switch-on, at 5.30pm, will be carried out by Father Christmas, with his helper for the day, Stratford mayor Kate Rolfe.
Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas will also be riding through town in their horse-drawn carriage.
Live music on the stage will include The Jivettes, a vintage trio performing their own special tribute to the 1950s, and David Harrop, whose broad range of styles includes swing, jazz and West End.
Local choirs will be among other performers keep the crowds entertained in Henley Street, Wood Street, Meer Street, High Street and Bridge Street.
A packed programme of family events and activities also includes the opportunity for little ones to get their faces painted, or have a glitter tattoo at various locations around the town centre.
The event is organised Stratford-Upon-Avon BID, Stratford-upon-Avon Lights Company, Stratford Town Council, Magic Alley and Bell Court.
BID board chair Rich Jones said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On ushers in the most wonderful time of the year and this year the fun and entertainment is going to be bigger and better than ever with free fun and entertainment taking place throughout the day.
“We have so much going on around the town centre which is guaranteed to get visitors and locals in the Christmas spirit, something for everyone to enjoy.”
Road closures will be in place in Bridge Street, High Street, Wood Street, Lower Henley Street, Union Street, Meer Street and Waterside (to junction of Sheep Street.)
