Warm welcome expected as Santa Jim returns to Castletown Shopping Centre
You better watch out, I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to Castletown. Check out the plans for Santa’s joyful parade and photo session on Saturday.
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for Castletown Shopping Centre’s long-serving Santa, who is ready for another year delighting families by making his triumphant return in a welcome parade on Saturday morning.
For over three decades, Santa Jim has been coming to town, bringing holiday joy to generations of Townsville families, with parents who once visited him as children, now returning with their little ones to continue the tradition.
Local legend Jim Manser first took on the iconic role in 1994 while working at Castletown in the operations team.
Since then, he has donned the red suit every year, even during the challenging times of socially distanced Santa photos in 2020 and 2021.
Castletown centre manager Kathy Langsford said Santa Jim is more than just a Christmas fixture at Castletown, “he’s an icon in the community”.
“We’re delighted to celebrate his 31st year and invite all Townsville families to join in the festive fun as we welcome him back,” MS Langsford said.
Families are encouraged to visit Castletown to witness Santa’s grand arrival at 9am on Saturday, followed by a “lively welcome parade” around the centre.
From 10am, Santa will be available to make lasting memories with a Christmas photo session.
This holiday season, Santa Jim will be available for photos from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9pm and 1pm, up until December 24.
For more information and photo bookings, visit: castletown.com.au.
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Originally published as Warm welcome expected as Santa Jim returns to Castletown Shopping Centre
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