As Christmas trees start going up and lights around the city are illuminated, the Daily Echo looks at ten times festive revellers have got carried away.

Frosty the Snowman arrested during Christmas parade

 A man in a Frosty the Snowman costume was arrested following a Christmas parade in Chestertown, Maryland, in the USA. Kevin Michael Walsh, 52, was accused of kicking a police dog and led away in handcuffs after being charged with assault and disorderly conduct.

Man arrested for telling children Santa isn't real

A 24-year-old man was in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, was detained by police after spilling the beans in a “disturbing manner”, as well as allegedly being intoxicated in public. A police officer remarked that it was “particularly despicable” that someone would break the hearts of youngsters.

Inflatable snowman attacked with knives

Police in Colerain Township, Ohio, in the USA, searched for two men who allegedly stabbed the inflatable Christmas decoration, causing it to deflate. Owner Matt Williquette said he caught the attack on film after buying a security camera following a similar attack on the same snowman.

“Santa Claus Bandit” arrested

A man was arrested in southern California suspected of robbing 33 savings and loans associations while wearing long, greyish-white hair and a white beard. The man, immediately dubbed the Santa Claus Bandit, was reported to have committed the crimes after escaping from prison.

Man who used shotgun to shoot mistletoe from a tree

It wasn't a silent night as a 66-year-old man from Georgia, USA, aimed his weapon at mistletoe in a tree and pulled the trigger. He told police that “the best way to get it is with a shotgun”.

Woman allegedly used a holiday decoration to slash a woman at a craft fair

Police in Connecticut claimed that a 55-year-old woman stole a seashell ornament from a Christmas craft fair and attacked a woman who tried to block her escape. Witnesses noted the attacker's licence plate number and she was arrested at home later that day.

Reveller who put up decorations in a stranger's home

An 11-year-old boy was shocked when he found a man in his family house watching television. It transpired that the 44-year-old from New York State, USA, had broken into the home, put up Christmas decorations, lit a candle, and plonked himself down in front of the TV. He was charged with burglary.

Woman arrested for throwing Christmas tree at parents

Festive spirit wasn't evident in a home in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA, where a 19-year-old got in an argument with her family, prompting her to pick up their Christmas tree and throw it at them. They sustained minor injuries and she was arrested and charged with assault.

Grinch stolen from outside apartment building

In Houghton, Michigan, a thief took an inflatable Grinch from outside an block of flats, while in separate incidents brown plastic reindeer, a baby Jesus statue and several wreaths were also taken.

Children in tears as Santa gets in brawl at parade

A man in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was led away by officers dressed as St Nick after trading blows with a teenager at a Christmas parade. Some children were apparently so upset that they were taken to the police station and told that the man was a fake.