St. Nick promised to make a special entrance -- on top of City Hall.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt told The Royal Gazette the jolly old elf was scheduled to make a magical appearance shortly after 6 p.m.

First on the programme of entertainment, however, was a selection of Christmas songs by the Bermuda Regiment Band and the lighting up of the "Tree of Life'', said Mr. Sherratt.

Santa -- who announced he would be giving his reindeer a rest for the evening -- was also expected to travel along Reid Street in a fire engine before returning to the North Pole to prepare for his big night.

And to keep shoppers in a festive mood, the Bermuda Girl Guides were invited to serenade the public with Christmas carols.