Santa Claus was busy Friday night ahead of his annual visit to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade on Saturday.

The jolly old gent put in an appearance at the Chautauqua Residents Association’s Christmas carol singalong and offered rides aboard his horse-drawn carriage.

Meanwhile, carrollers from the neighbourhood enjoyed hot chocolate and treats — and had a live band on hand to accompany their festive tunes.