Santa Claus zoomed down the Thames on his super speedboat sleigh with its illuminated reindeer to switch on the Christmas lights at the historic St Katharine Docks.

East London Advertiser: Santa arriving at St Katharine Docks greeted by children from St Peter's School in Wapping for the Christmas lights big switch-on. Picture: Kirsten HolstSanta arriving at St Katharine Docks greeted by children from St Peter's School in Wapping for the Christmas lights big switch-on. Picture: Kirsten Holst (Image: Kirsten Holst)

He was met on the quayside by children from St Peter’s Primary School in Wapping, who then belted out seasonal carols.

Santa arrived for the big switch on at 6pm on Thursday to kick-start a festive season of merriment and goodwill at the old docks with quayside entertainment.

The picturesque docks by the Tower of London were awash with sparking lights and festive live music and a carol concert from the City Chamber Choir as well as the carols by St Peter’s schoolchildren.

East London Advertiser: Christmas lights switch-on at St Katharine's-by-the-Tower. Picture: Kirsten HolstChristmas lights switch-on at St Katharine's-by-the-Tower. Picture: Kirsten Holst (Image: Kirsten Holst)

Mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies were being served up to keep visitors, tourists and Santa warm now the cold winter is setting in.