THE countdown to Christmas has officially begun as we come into December. 

Ahead of the big day, Santa will be touring the area to visit families and spread the festive cheer. 

This Christmas, The Rotary Club of Newton-le-Willows is returning with its annual Santa tour; sponsored by local organisations. 

Here are the dates and times Santa and his helpers will be touring Newton-le-Willows and surrounding areas:

Today, December 1 (6-8:30pm) 

Braithwaite Road, Lowton (supported by Earlestown Cricket Club) 

Friday December 2 (6-8:30pm) 

The Bird's Estate and Queen's Drive, Newton-le-Willows (supported by Wargrave House School) 

Sunday December 4 (12-6pm) 

Christmas Markets on Newton High Street 

Monday December 5 (6-8:30pm)

The Fairbrother Estate and Queen's Drive area; starting at Belvedere Road Medical Centre (supported by Business for Youth) 

Tuesday December 6 (6-8:80pm)

Golborne tour; starting at Barn Lane (supported by Newton Community Centre) 

Wednesday December 7 (6-8:30pm)

Common Road, Earlestown; starting at Heather Brae (supported by Earlestown Cricket Club) 

Thursday December 8 (6-8:30pm)

Trees Estate, Earlestown; starting at Mesnes Park car park (supported by Newton and Earlestown Community Group)

Saturday December 10 (10am-4pm)

Kenyon Hall Farm, Winwick Lane

Sunday December 11 (10am-4pm) 

Santa's helpers collecting at Tesco Earlestown (no Santa) 

Monday December 12 (6-8:30pm)

Vista Road and Makerfield Estate; starting at Vista Road Medical Centre (supported by Friends of Lyme Wood)

Tuesday December 13 (6-8:30pm)

Burtonwood; starting at Chapel House Pub (supporting Burtonwood Community Group)

Wednesday December 14 (6-8:30pm)

Stone Cross, Lowton; starting at Hare and Hounds (supported by Business for Youth)

Thursday December 15 (6-8:30pm)

Wargrave; starting at St Mary's School on Victoria Road (supported by Earlestown Cricket Club)

Saturday December 17 (10am-4pm)

M&S Gemini, Warrington 

Sunday December 18 (11am-5pm)

M&S Gemini, Warrington 

Monday December 19 (6-8:30pm)

Mill Lane area; starting at the Millstone (supported by Newton Boys and Girls Club)

Tuesday December 20 (6-8:30pm)

New Vulcan Estate; starting at Newton Community Centre (supported by Business for Youth)

Wednesday December 21 (6-8:30pm)

Newton area including High Street; starting on Ashton Road (supported by Viaduct Violets WI)