Shoppers stop in their tracks as Santa makes Christmas entrance at Meadowhall.

Christmas has officially arrived at Meadowhall after hundreds of excited children and families turned out to watch Father Christmas make his festive entrance.

The shopping centre was packed on Thursday evening (November 12) as crowds gathered for the annual Christmas parade, with shoppers spilling out of stores to catch a glimpse of Santa.

As Christmas decorations glistened throughout the centre, the usual bustle of shopping came to a standstill as families lined the walkways, with children eagerly waiting for the big arrival.

Father Christmas was joined by a host of familiar faces, including mascots from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Percy Pig from M&S, Steely Dan from Sheffield Steelers, Errol the Eagle from Sheffield Eagles and Captain Blade from Sheffield United.

The characters waved to the crowds and stopped to say hello to children along the parade route, with youngsters dancing along to the festive music.

The parade culminated in a performance from Sheffield Community Choir, which was met with loud cheers from the crowds as children danced along to the festive songs.

The choir led a Christmas singalong, with crowds joining in to wish each other a happy Christmas for the first time this year.

The parade marked the start of Meadowhall’s festive programme, with Christmas Cirque returning on Saturday, November 14, featuring acrobats, jugglers and aerial performers.

Families will also be able to visit a new Santa’s Magical Grotto, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas.