Sutton’s Christmas celebrations get underway this evening, with a little help from Santa, Cinderella and some real life Shetland ponies.

Father Christmas will join the Mayor of Sutton to light up the Christmas tree in Trinity Square at 6pm.

Choirs from local schools, SCOLA and the borough’s youth theatres will entertain shoppers from 4pm.

On the same night, Titan the robot will be making appearances at the St Nicholas Centre, at 5pm and 6.30pm, and the centre will be open for late night shopping until 8pm.

The fun continues on Friday 18 November, with a music night for adults at venues across the town centre.

On Saturday, November 19, the stars of the Secombe Theatre’s pantomime will take to the street.

Shetland ponies will pull Cinderella’s carriage along Sutton High Street at 2pm, while characters Poppy The Penguin and friends will be on hand to bring some festive cheer throughout the day.

Other highlights include performances from The Shimmy Sisters, Star Steppers and Mishmak Youth Theatre, from 11am.

Times Square’s winter wonderland also opens next weekend. Animated penguins and polar bears sit alongside Santa, who will be open for visits from November 19.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, executive member for planning, economic development and housing at Sutton Council, said: “This is going to be a great way to kick-start Christmas in Sutton and get everyone in the mood in the run-up to the big day."

Father Christmas and his real Reindeer will be at Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries from Saturday, November 19.

Santa Claus will be arriving at the centre in Woodcote Green at 11am with his reindeer. He will then open his new Grotto at 1pm. From Saturday November 26, the big man and his Reindeer will continue their Grotto run right up until Christmas Eve.

Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries, Woodmansterne Lane Wallington, 020 8647 6838, see woodcotegreen.com for more details, prices and availability