Christmas lights and decorations glittered along Front Street last night, as dozens of performers including Santa Claus himself ushered in the holiday season.

Thousands of people, young and old, turned out for the annual Santa Claus Parade, organised by grocery store chain The MarketPlace.

Thirty-two performers and groups showed off their skills including the Devonshire Ultimate Star Twirlers and Drum Corps, In Motion School of Dance and AJ ‘The Little Gombey'.

Merry tunes like ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland' rang through the air as ‘Santa's Toy Factory' display and a Butterfield and Vallis ‘Klondike' float drifted past.

Wendell Dill, the Master of Ceremonies (MC), said: “It was absolutely wonderful, just beautiful. The floats were fantastic, they were Christmasy and most of the music was Christmasy and that is what people have been looking for.”

People lined the streets to get a look at their favourite majorette troupes, gombeys and cartoon characters like Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse.

Most importantly was the big man himself Santa Claus, whose helpers gave out sweet treats to crowds of small children. Mother Takara Dill enjoyed the festivities with her ten month old son Coli.

She told

The Royal Gazette: “It's been great. Everyone looks happy to be performing, its hard to choose just one I like. I came out just so my son could enjoy his first one. We will be sure to come to every one after this.”

Charles Kasmer, who enjoyed the parade with his daughter, said: “It's very nice. I just like the festivities and everyone looks happy.”

Caroline Frias, 12, who came out with her mother Aida, said: “I liked when the dancers came and I liked when they gave me candies. I had fun.”

Last year there was criticism over some of the dancer's outfits and moves, but those who spoke to this newspaper said it was more age appropriate this time around.

Long time attendee Grace Madeiros, who admitted she has been coming for over three decades, said: “I enjoyed it very much. It was beautiful to share. The girls dancing were beautiful, their dances and costumes were beautiful, everything is beautiful.

Ms Madeiros said: “I come because I love to see it every year. This year it looks a little bit better than last year, but they are not finished yet. So far, it has been fantastic.”

While mother-of-two Cassandra Taylor said the floats were moving too slow for her liking, she admitted the parade marked the tart of the Christmas season and wanted her children to get a glimpse of Old Saint Nick.

Her daughter Te-Lyah gave the parade better reviews and said: “I like it. I like seeing all the majorettes.”

Organiser Albertha Waite said the family-friendly event was probably bigger than ever this year and added: “This is just one way for the MarketPlace to give back to the community”.

Dozens of staff and volunteers, including Natalie Rego, head of the store's advertising department, began organising the event nearly a year in advance.

Mrs Waite said: “This event is put on by the Market Place and its staff and volunteers. We do it because it is fun. I guess every year we try to improve, every year it has become bigger.”

She admitted she was happy to see people coming out to join in on the holiday spirit and added: “That is what it is all about.”