Santa switched Christmas lights on in Theale on Monday, ahead of his trip around Reading to wish families a Merry Christmas and raise money for a good cause.

On Wednesday evening he will appear in 18 locations across Reading before Christmas, supported by the charity Reading Lions Club CIO.

Kids can come and wave to Santa and parents may make a donation to support small charities and community groups who don’t have the ability to fundraise.

Photos from Theale show Mr Clause spreading Christmas joy before December started (but we don’t mind).

Read more: 18 places to see Santa in Reading this December

Andy Young, of the Reading Lions Club, said: “Last year’s event was a hugely uplifting affair with the kids and the parents having something to look forward to and step out their doors to greet and see father Christmas."

Reading Lions will leaflet each street prior to Santa’s appearance The full list of locations Santa will visit is as follows, starting at 6:30pm each day bar December 18 and 19 which are daytime visits.

Wednesday, December 1 - Stanhope Road, Ennerdale Road, Barnsdale Road, Benson Close, Northcourt Avenue, Stansfield Close.

Thursday, December 2 - Shaw Road, Boston Avenue, St Saviours Road, Trelleck road, Hay Road, Arbour Close, Tintern Crescent, Holybrook Road.

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Friday, December 3 Kenilworth Avenue, Firs lane, Winser Drive, Southcote Farm Lane, Cowper Way, Tallis Lane, Barn Close, Monks Way, Southcote Lane from Southcote Farm Lane towards Southcote Beefeater.

Monday, December 6 - Top of Dee Road, Elan CLose, Elvaston Way, Poole close, Savernake Close, Hardwick Road, Riley Road, Atherton Close, Warnford Road, Logan Close, Royston Close, Bourton Close.

Tuesday, December 7 - Manor Park Close, Burlington Road, Holland Road, Portland Gardens, Grafton Road, Lansdown Road, Maiwand Gardens, Heathfield Avenue, Fairway Avenue.

Wednesday, December 8 - Westwood Road, Albert Illsely Close, Beverley Road, Oldean Close, Fircroft Close, Hartslock Way, Causemans Way, Pikeshaw Way, Armour Road, Victoria Road, Crescent Road, Ventnor Road, Lyme Grove.

Thursday, December 9 - Wealdon Way, Staffordshire Close, Holkam Close, Dartington Close, Chelsea Close, Delft Close, Minton close, Tuscan Close, Spode Close, Midwinter Close, Hornsea Close, Hirstwood, Coalport Way, Pottery Road, Denby Way, Portmerion Gardens, Wedgewood Way, Dresden Way.

Friday, December 10 - Oaktree Road, Parkhill Drive, Mapledurham View, Oakham Close, Elstree Close, Chepstow Road, Westwood Row.

Monday, December 13 - All Hallows Road, Marlow Court, Overton Drive, Micklands Road, Copse Avenue, Hawthorne Road, Maytree Walk, Woods Road, Woodlands Green, Orchard Grove.

Tuesday, December 14 - Westdene Crescent, Woodcote Way, Fernbrook Road, Geoffreyson Road, Hilltop Road, Shepherds Lane, Sandcroft Road, Silverthorne Drive, Carlton Road.

Wednesday, December 15 - Highmoor Road, Albert Road, The Mount, Kidmore End Road (in part), Buxton Avenue, Harrogate Road, Matlock Road.

Thursday, December 16 - Marshland Square, Evesham Road, Knights Way, Stuart Close, Grove Road, Surley Row, Cherwell Road, Gravel Hill, Eric Avenue, Gorselands.

Friday, December 17 - Chiltern Road, Tilbury Close, Pembroke Place, Onslow Gardens, Banbury Gardens, Kildare Gardens, Cawsam Gardens, Valentine Crescent, Norman Road, Raglan Gardens, Rossendale Road, Mayfield Drive.

Saturday, December 18, 9am to 5.30pm - Waitrose Store, Oxford Road.

Sunday, December 19, 10am to 5pm - Tesco Store, Portman Road.