Santa will be dashing through New Malden High Street to kick off the festive season this month.

Shoppers and residents will be in for a spectacle at the annual Christmas light switch on, on Thursday, November 29.

The finishing touches to Christmas lights and decorations are being done ahead of the big switch on that will see Father Christmas park up his sleigh in St George’s Square to hand out presents.

Tony Gooding, who is a part of the fundraising committee on the New Malden Rotary Club, said: “The community love it. We have the lights up and the sleigh will come down New Malden High Street and each light will be switched on as it passes.

“The mayor will be on board with Santa. It will be the best lights switch on ever.

“Children really get into the spirit of it but it is going to be fantastic fun for all the family.

“The Malden community is developing into a very active group of people. We do more than the Malden Fortnight. The community is alive and well.

“The banners are up, we get hundreds of people – we don’t need any more people but bless them they come. It is an amazing spectacle. All we hope is that we have dry weather.”

There will be music, snacks, glowsticks and other goodies available on the day as well as a Christmas fair in the New Malden Methodist Church.

Tudor Williams has also sponsored the event and donated more than 400 children’s toys for Santa’s sack which will have something for everyone in the evening grotto.

The sparkling light display has been funded by collections from New Malden businesses.

New Malden’s parade and switch-on will take place at 5.30pm on Friday, November 29.