Hundreds of excited children would line the streets of Elder Way to greet the popular visitor whose spectacular arrival signalled the start of Christmas for many families.
While the Co-op has long gone and with it Santa’s arrival in town on a fire engine, some seasonal traditions survive – from Santa Special boat trips aboard Chesterfield canal to grottos where children can tell Father Christmas what gifts they are hoping to unwrap when the big day arrives….
5. Santa's arrival
Families lined Elder Way to greet Santa in 2007. Photo: Submitted
6. Santa's arrival
Father Christmas meets the first passengers aboard the Santa Special cruise, leaving Tapton Lock in 2009. Photo: Bernard Jones
7. Santa's arrival
Santa turned up on a sleigh at Christchurch Centre, Stonegravels, to delight children in 2006. Photo: Bernard Jones
8. Santa's arrival
Grace Hyman, 8, from St Mary's Primary School, Chesterfield, with Santa in his grotto after he arrived on the school's roof in 2011. Photo: Marisa Cashill