Not only do they have to travel all the way from the North Pole (is that where the elves live), they have to hoof it along Railway Crescent wearing these incredibly uncomfortable looking pointy shores.

Santa has co-opted some of staff from Katherine Times to help him out this evening which poses a dilemma which readers may be able to help solve.

You can’t do two things at once – be a helpful elf, and record the event for the news.

So anyone planning to take a few shots of tonight’s festivities please share them with us on this Facebook post so we can record the event for history.

We may even be able to whisper in Santa’s ear on your behalf seeing we’re buddies all of a sudden.

This evening’s annual parade will will have a Disney theme this year.

The street party will run from 5-9pm.

The parade will assemble in the BP car park from 5.30pm to choof along Railway Terrace at 6pm.

Jointly sponsored by the Katherine Chamber of Commerce and the Katherine Times, the street party will feature both the fun parade and a host of trade stalls.

Carols by Candlelight will be held on Saturday evening to further stoke the Christmas fever.

As part of the annual Christmas celebration, local businesses are supporting  a Christmas in Katherine promotion.

Right through unto Christmas, if shoppers spend $25 or more at any participating businesses they will go into a draw to win a share of $2500 in prizes.

First prize of $1000 in vouchers can be spent at any of the supporting businesses and the entries have been flooding in.

Katherine Town Council is presenting this year’s Carols by Candlelight – Star of Wonder Star of Night.

The 2.5 hour show will feature 34 performances – including 32  performances supported by a house band, a first for the community carols.

Dani Mattiuzzo will be MC for the night and the schedule features the Cantarbillay Kids Choir, the St Joseph's Catholic Choir, the local Heritage Christian Church, St Paul's Anglican Band, two special performances from the Clyde Fenton School and many other community performances.

The festive cheer will begin at 4pm at the Lindsay Street Complex on Saturday in conjunction with the Katherine Markets with carols starting at 6.30pm.

As well, for the third year in a row, the Christmas lights will be switched on at Kalano Flexible Care at 6.30pm on Friday.

The Red Cross will put on free food as well as carols for the switch on.