The shopping centre was packed with customers in the festive spirit when soap star James Baxter brought the city Christmas tree to life.

James, who usually plays Jake Doland in Emmerdale, stars in this year's panto, at the Sunderland Empire, as Peter Pan.

The former Farringdon School pupil, said: "I'm starting to feel really Christmasy after all this.

"I'm looking forward to Christmas Day at my parents' house in High Barnes – most of all the dinner.

Soap star joins Only Fools and Horses star in Sunderland panto.

"It's been a really good event, loads of people tuned out and the atmosphere has been brilliant."

SNO!zone delivered more than 14 tonnes of snow to create a winter wonderland in the Market Place.

And children took their first chance to go sledging as Sunderland saw its first snowman of the season.

Santa Claus took his traditional parade through the city centre streets, accompanied by stilt-walking pirates, snowmen, reindeer and balloon modellers.

There was a brass band singalong with traditional Christmas carol favourites sung by pupils from city primary schools.

Real Radio's Jonathan Morrell, who led an afternoon of family entertainment in the shopping centre, said: "I was a student in Sunderland and lived there in the early 90's, so it's great to be back and as part of such a big event."

James and the cast of Peter Pan start their rehearsals at the Sunderland Empire tomorrow.

The actor said: "I have done panto before, but nothing on this scale.

"The Empire is a big, beautiful theatre and it's very exciting."

'I feel all Christmasy now'

Parents Julie Milner, 29, and Scott Trembath, took their daughter Alesha, two, for her first real taste of Christmas.

Mum Julie, from Cleveland Road, High Barnes, an administrator at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said: "She certainly knows who Santa is and I think she has enjoyed seeing everything."

Friends Megan Thompson, 11 and Davie-Lee, 10, of Diamond Hall Junior School went shopping with Megan's mum, also called Megan.

The 50-year-old, from Cromwell Street, Millfield, said: "The girls have had a great time. They got their faces painted and we did some Christmas shopping."

Sky Price, 18, and Martyn Mallett, 23, took their niece Brodan, eight, and 13-month old daughter Kacie-Leigh out for the day.

Sky, a student who lives in Finsbury Street, Southwick, said: "They've enjoyed it, but we haven't started our Christmas shopping yet so we'll have to come back."

Carol singer Bethany Dobson, nine, didn't win the singing competition, but still had a great day out.

The Our Lady Queen of Peace School pupil said: "I'm out with my gran and it's been fun. I definitely feel Christmasy."