It is also one of the busiest, with shopping, festive fairs, decorating and wrapping all to do.
In our latest retro gallery, here is a selection of photos of Hartlepool getting ready for the big day from the 1950s to the 2010s.
Are you or anyone you know featured in them?
1. Big welcome for Cain Dingle
Crowds turned out in Middleton Grange shopping centre to see Emmerdale actor Jeff Hordley who plays Cain Dingle at Christmas in 2004 Photo: TC
2. Jam packed
Middleton Grange was packed with people to see the Emmerdale star. Photo: TC
3. Curly ramp
Who is old enough to remember the shopping centre's curly ramp seen here with a Christmas protruding through the centre? Photo: Mail
4. Festive fundraiser
Participants in a Walking Home for Christmas event that was held at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in 2017. Photo: Mail
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