FATHER Christmas is ready for take off once more.

The incredible flying Santa returns to the skies above Southampton’s city centre precinct as part of this year’s Christmas Festival.

On Saturday, November 11 at 5pm, families are invited to join Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Les Harris and local hero nominated by Echo readers to switch on the Christmas lights.

After the switch-on Santa will make his flight along Above Bar before returning to earth to invite children to join him at the large Advent calendar to hand out small treats to all.

There will be two Flying Santa shows each day, Monday to Saturday at 5pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm and 5pm. Each show lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Above Bar pedestrian precinct will again host a traditional festive market operated by WELA Märkte, which will run through to Saturday, December 23.

Featuring alpine themed chalets with traditional German fayre, you can enjoy a delicious bratwurst or waffles, gingerbread hearts or even a mulled wine or cold stein of beer.

As well as over 40 stallholders offering a range of goods including authentic traditional hand-made gifts, this free festival also boasts regular festive entertainment with musicians and carol singers performing daily.

Chalets are open 10am to 8pm daily, with the bars staying open for a further two hours in the evening, until 10pm.

Cabinet member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “Having been voted nationally as one of the most festive cities, it’s great to see Christmas in Southampton get bigger and better every year.

"I’m particularly excited to welcome back our flying Santa and new additions to the city such as the ice rink. I’m looking forward to enjoying the festival with residents and visitors to the city."

The local hero to join the mayor at the big switch-on will be selected by Go!Southampton, which runs the new Business Improvement District (BID) and have been helping the council to put on extra seasonal attractions.

This includes adding lots of new Christmas lights and decorations to those already organised by the council, giving a more festive feel to East Street, Bedford Place and London Road.

Shopper looking for photo opportunities can head to the Cultural Quarter where you’ll find two giant baubles, big enough to walk through. One will be located at the Guildhall entrance to East Park and the other in front of the SeaCity Museum.