Show your community spirit by lining Horton Street to cheer on the participants in the Santa Fun Run races which kick off at 5.45pm from near the Reject Shop.

Runners will be dressed in festive gear and you can join in the fun by wearing your Santa hat and other Christmassy clobber.

There are four age groups of funsters who will put their best foot forward as they dash for the Town Green, the last of which are the infants who will need the loudest support, and a mascot race to add to the chaos.

Once all the runners have reached the finish line the street parade will begin.

About 30 community, sporting, school and business floats and foot- powered groups will vie for the best dressed award.

A feature of the night's entertainment will be the fireworks.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Chamber of Commerce have come together to rev up the silly season with the Countdown to Christmas.

Bringing up the rear will be the most awaited visitor on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus, on board a vintage fire truck.

For your entertainment Sing Australia choir, Angus Gill and others will perform at the Town Green from 5.30pm.

Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and First Sea Scouts will fire up a barbecue and drinks stall or you can bring your own picnic.

Santa will be up for selfies and pics with the little ones before he takes up residence at Port Central.

Highlight of the night will of course be the switch on of the Christmas tree lights at 8pm.

The night sky will then explode with colour as fireworks sponsored by Holiday Coast Credit Union close the official event.