CHRISTMAS will start in Southbourne with the arrival of Santa and his elves on December 1.

From 10am-3.30pm, Southbourne’s Green will be bustling with seasonal surprises for visitors and shoppers. Little ones will be able to meet Santa and his elves, while grown-ups will have the opportunity to sample warming mulled wine and locally made mince pies as well as having the chance to win some prizes in the Christmas raffle.

The following day, from 1.30pm-4.30pm, there will be a traditional carol service at Southbourne’s Immanuel Church when the congregation and choir will be joined by a brass band as well.

Paul Clarke, chairman of Bournemouth Coastal BID, one of the main supporters and organisers of Southbourne’s Christmas celebrations. said: “Southbourne is already looking and feeling very festive with its wonderful avenue of Christmas trees. Its many high street and independent shops have really entered the Christmas spirit. "The start of the Christmas month, December 1, is always a little bit special. We wanted to mark the date with a day of festive fun that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages and bring even more customers into the town.”

December 1 is also the date of Small Business Saturday, a national campaign, actively supported by the Coastal BID, designed to highlight the success and innovation of small businesses around the UK and encourage consumers to ‘shop local’.

Bournemouth’s Coastal BID area runs from Westbourne to Hengistbury Head and works to generate more visitors to the area.

In the run up to Christmas, there will be free parking on a number of key dates.