Father Christmas and his grotto will be taking up residence in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre from Saturday.
After welcoming families and children he will open his grotto for the first time at 11.30am.
In the meantime, here are some retro scenes showing Santa’s parade in the past. Can you spot someone you know?
5. First to see Santa
First in Santa's Grotto in 2017 was 8 month old Alice McBride with mum Lauren Precious and dad Daniel McBride. Photo: Kevin Brady
6. Putting on a show
There is always a great spectacle for the crowds on the day of the Santa parade. Photo: Kevin Brady
7. Lining the malls
Crowds wait for Santa Claus to arrive in Hartlepool on his sleigh in 2017. Photo: Kevin Brady
8. Every space taken
The crowds grabbed any vantage point they could to see Santa in 2017. Photo: Kevin Brady
2 / 3