That’s because over the next three Saturdays in December, Santa Claus will be in town, giving residents an opportunity to grab a happy snap with the man himself.

Santa will be commuting from his base in the North Pole to come to the Coffee Shot Cafe in the Kingsway Plaza in Lang Street where owner Julie Myers has created quite the Christmas cave for Santa to receive his visitors.

Ms Myers said that Santa will be posing for photos on site for the first three Saturdays in December and for just a gold coin donation, families will have the opportunity to snap their own shot and that all people needed to do was bring a camera or a phone and their best smiles.

“For just a gold coin donation, people can come along and take their own photo of their child with Santa Claus which is great value for money,” Ms Myers said.

She added that there was also an opportunity for families to grab group shots with or without the legendary present giver.

“We will also be more than happy to take photos for people who might want to get a family Christmas photo,” Ms Myers said.

Ms Myers added that she and the staff at the Coffee Shot Cafe had been working like elves over the past six months to get Santa’s Kurri Kurri headquarters in tip-top shape and as an added bonus all of the Yuletide-themed goodies lining the space will be for sale.

“There are lots of things on offer like jars with nativity scenes inside, hand made wreaths and garlands and we are also doing things like customised mugs, so there are plenty of unique Christmas gifts on offer.

Ms Myers said that the Santa visits, which kicked off on November 1 had already been a huge hit with the local children.

“The kids are just loving it,” she said. “It is pretty special to see the excitement on their faces when they see Santa.”

If the demand for Santa’s time proved too great, there are plans to extend the hours he will be on site.

Santa will be at the Coffee Shot Cafe (Lang Street, Kurri) from 10am to 12pm on Saturday December 1, 8 and 15.