Ho, ho homing in on Christmas...

FATHER Christmas arrives in Oldham town centre tomorrow on real reindeer.

Oldham’s festivities will begin with Santa’s Christmas Parade featuring the reindeers, festive characters, the cast of the Coliseum’s pantomime Dick Whittington, marching bands and much more.

Youngsters are reminded to bring their letters to Santa to give to his elves in the parade.

Starting at 12.45pm, the parade will travel along Clegg Street, High Street, Lord Street, Albion Street and Henshaw Street before ending at the Town Square shopping centre main entrance back on High Street.

Santa will then open his fairy-tale grotto in Spindles on the upper mall, near Peacocks.

The reindeer can be spotted having a short break in front of the Market Hall before heading home to the North Pole.

Street performers will also be out and about on the High Street between 11am and 3.30pm, entertaining the crowds and giving out free hats and sweets to youngsters.

There are free car parking offers in Oldham town centre in the run-up — and beyond — Christmas.

Shoppers can enjoy free parking for three hours in council car parks as well as parking for £1 for three hours in the Spindles and Town Square car parks.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “Santa’s Christmas Parade has become a firm family favourite. Thousands are expected to turn out tomorrow and I’m sure it will not disappoint.”

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre manager Mike Flanagan said: “Parade day is the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping.”

Santa’s Christmas Parade is organised by the Oldham Town Centre Partnership in conjunction with the Oldham Business Improvement District, the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and Oldham Council.

It is the first in a series of events that will take place in Oldham town centre over the Christmas period. Oldham’s Christmas lights switch-on is on Sunday, November 20.

Mrs Claus’s Christmas Village runs from Saturday, December 3 to Sunday, December 18.