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Christmas came early for families who attended Bayfair Shopping Centre's Santa Parade today.

Santa Claus was welcomed into Bayfair Shopping Centre with a parade today. Photos: Zoe Hunter.

Shoppers were stopped in their tracks this morning as Santa Claus was welcomed into the shopping centre led by a parade of his little helpers.

Among Santa's little helpers were students from Mount Maunganui Primary School, Pukehina School, Papamoa Scouts, police and local lifeguards.

Frosty the Snowman, Snow White, Pirate Claw and The Grinch from Prime Suspects also joined the jolly man in the red suit in a march around the shopping centre.

There was also live music played by Te Puke and District Highland Pipe Band.