Father Christmas was joined by characters from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as he paraded through Norwich city centre.

Eastern Daily Press: A cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian BurtA cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Forum on Sunday morning to watch Santa make his way to his grotto at the Jarrold store.

To help warm up the crowds prior to his arrival, children from Stagecoach Theatre Arts danced to festive songs while dressed as rabbits. Meanwhile, youngsters from the Anglia Academy arrived dressed as inflatable elves.

The Mad Hatter, Alice and the White Rabbit led the parade through the Norwich Tunnel of Light, before heading towards Jarrold. Santa followed in his sleigh, along with his elves.

Carole Slaughter, Jarrold's marketing manager, said: 'It is lovely to see so many people this year supporting us.

Eastern Daily Press: A cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian BurtA cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'We do this ever year because it marks the start of our Christmas and we think it is great that Father Christmas can arrive in a traditional style.'

Eastern Daily Press: A cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian BurtA cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian BurtA cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian BurtA cheeky 'Elfie' with Father Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)