Santa Claus is comin' to town

It may be still more than five weeks to December 25, but an 'advance Santa' will pass through Newbridge in a convertible Cadillac tomorrow.

The man with the white beard and the famous red suit will arrive at Whitewater Shopping Centre at 2pm.

The Patrician Primary School Newbridge Pipe Band will play festive favourites as they march through Newbridge town, leading Santa’s vintage convertible Cadillac to Whitewater Shopping Centre.

Local Gardaí will close Newbridge main street to traffic and escort the Santa from Newbridge Garda Station to his base in Whitewater Shopping Centre.

On arrival at the centre, Santa will continue his journey on his silver sleigh, moving through the mall to his enchanted grotto, located in the Sports Lounge.

A flurry of indoor snow will even be organised to fall to the sound of “The Little Drummer Boy” resonating throughout the centre.

Entertainment will start at 12 noon with Kids’ Christmas Disco, entertainers and winter wonderland characters dancing throughout the shopping centre until 4pm.

Once Santa has settled into his Newbridge home, Santa and his friendly helpers will be welcoming visitors until Christmas Eve.

Meeting Santa is free as instead of paying to visit Santa, donations are invited to Down Syndrome Kildare.

Whitewater Centre Manager Ingrid Ryan noted: “Whitewater is a magical place at Christmas and Santa’s arrival party is a highlight of the season, for our younger visitors and the big child in every adult.

"We look forward to welcoming our customers on a wonderful family day out.”