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Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Whatever he is called, Santa Claus / Father Christmas / St. Nicholas, He will usually have the same characteristics - that is, he will be an elderly though powerfully built gentleman with a booming voice, white beard, twinkling eyes and a ruddy complexion that matches his bright red clothes.

He travels through various countries on a variety of eccentric conveyances - air-borne sleighs, white-winged horses, black camels, to name just three.

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Christmas is here as lights are turned on in Swansea

FAMILIES flocked to the centre of Swansea last night to see the Christmas parade and the big light switch-on.

Despite gale-force winds and torrential downpours over the weekend, the rain held off for the start of Swansea's Christmas.

And after a difficult economic year, businesses are hoping the festive spirit will set the tills ringing and give them a much-needed end of year boost.

Radio DJ Kev Johns kicked off the festivities by leading the parade through the city centre from the Guildhall to the Dylan Thomas Centre.

He said: "It's fantastic. It has been a bit of a gloomy year, but it's a great way to lighten the spirits.

"The kids love it and it's great to see them up on the floats — and of course Santa was there too."

Meanwhile the people of Port Talbot also welcomed the start of the Christmas season this weekend.

The town's lights were illuminated on Friday, and families watched the festive parade on Saturday morning. Below: Video report on the parade.

Santa, however, doesn't arrive in Neath until November 27, when he will lead the parade through the town.

Peter Birch, vice-chairman of Swansea Business Improvement District (Bid), said he believed Swansea was coming out of the recession and business would benefit from a bumper Christmas.

"The recession has bottomed out and I think we are turning a corner," he said.


"There will be slow growth and it will take a long time to get back to like we were two years ago.

"I have to praise Swansea Council for the Waterfront Winterland.
"They have done a tremendous job and this year it is going to be better than ever.

"When visitors drive in from the Eastside they will see the big wheel lit up — it looks wonderful. It's only 150 yards from the closest shops and it does bring people in."
Visit our Christmas website for everything you need to know about the festive season

He added: "The Christmas parade was fantastic. I went along with my family — my grandson wanted to meet Santa."
Floats in this year's parade included Swansea Bravehearts Disabled FC, Ishtar belly dancers, and Santa's little and large helpers from The Hill.

Leanne Waghorn, who danced on the Ishtar float, said: "It's great. We were looking forward to taking part. We decorated the float on Friday night, but the gale-force winds blew it all off on Saturday and we had to quickly put it back together in the morning."

See more of our Christmas lights switch-on slideshow here

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Track Santa

All the preparations for this year are in place! Visit Norad each day to receive updates from the North Pole and to discover new surprises in the Kid's Countdown Village. Click here to visit Norad.