Christmas in Killarney has truly begun as excited children and their families gathered on Saturday night for a colourful display for the town's first festive parades and switching on the festive lights.

Santa Claus arrived in style with his all new specially engineered reindeer sleigh for the first of the Christmas in Killarney Parades and switching on the Christmas Festive lights in town. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Dave Rea dancing with the parade characters awaiting the arrival Santa Claus for the first of the Christmas in Killarney Parades and switching on the Christmas Festive lights in town. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Donal Dux O'Donoghue driving a Christmas float awaiting the arrival Santa Claus for the first of the Christmas in Killarney Parades and switching on the Christmas Festive lights in town. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

.

Families lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the man of the moment and were wowed by the wonder and colour on display.

Santa Claus - who was being cautious and wore a red face mask - arrived in style with his all new specially engineered reindeer sleigh.

A new route and a new float were added this year. The parade left Fitzgerald Stadium at 6pm and it proceeded along Lewis Road, College Street, Plunkett Street, Main Street and High Street.

After last year's parade was cancelled due to COVID, the excitement was palpable as children finally had a chance to catch a glimpse of the man himself who took time out of his busy schedule to visit before returning to his busy toy room and elves to finalise his plans to deliver the presents on time.

Local dancer Dave Rea had great fun dancing in the streets with the stars of the show, the fantastic parade characters, and the event was beautifully captured by local photographer Valerie O'Sullivan.

Don't worry though, Santa has promised a number of return visits again before the big day arrives on December 25!