Pick up a festive bake and start browsing Christmas jumpers - 'tis almost the season to be jolly.
Christmas seems to come earlier every year, but here are 10 signs which make you know the festive season is finally upon us in South Shields.
Christmas is coming in South Shields
South Shields has now taken on a festive glow to help people get into the festive spirit. The weather could have been better, but the Christmas lights switch-on took place on Thursday with X Factor veterans Jedward helping flick the switch.
You won't have to go far in the town centre before you see someone with one of these. So popular have they become, Greggs even launched a dedicated countdown website for its festive bake. They went on sale on November 8, one of the earliest signs of Christmas in Shields.
Expect to see cats, dogs and other animals adorned with santa hats, Christmassy collars and all manner of festive garb as the folk of Sunderland post pictures of their pets getting into the seasonal spirit.
Mrs Claus and her elves, reindeer and disciples in festive knitwear will be out in force in Sunderlands nightspots once December arrives, bringing with it Christmas party season and the new tradition of the Christmas jumper night out. Not to mention Black Eye Friday.
