THE festive season Sutherland Shire-style started on Saturday with the arrival of Santa at Cronulla Plaza in a beach buggy driven by local lifeguards.
Santa was escorted on a welcome parade accompanied by the dancing Jingle Bell Santas.
There were giveaways, craft activities and a free animal petting zoo for the kids.
Santa has taken up residence in his Christmas beach house in Cronulla Plaza and is available for Christmas photos.
This year families can bring along their pets to join in their traditional Christmas photo.
Each child who has their photo taken and their name ticked off Santa's "nice" list will receive a special gift.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said Cronulla Santa photos have become a shire Christmas tradition.
"The photos are great for families who love bringing some of the shire's outdoor lifestyle and particularly because pets are welcome too," he said.