A big crowd gathered on the San Remo foreshore last Friday evening to celebrate Christmas.

The night featured performances from local school groups and local musicians, and of course a visit from Santa.

Formerly run by the San Remo Newhaven Lions Club, this was the first year the event was run by the San Remo District Tourism and Business Association.

Vice President Paul Cooper, who was MC for the night, said the association believed the event was too important for the local community to let it go, after the Lions Club folded.

Entertainment included performances from Imogen Price, Bern Carroll, The Laing Bros as well as Asha McMahon and Lachie Owen from Bass Coast College.

Students from primary schools and kindergartens in San Remo and Newhaven also took to the stage.

There was plenty of opportunity to sing along, with carol lyrics displayed on big screens beside the stage.

Sponsors for the event included Bass Coast Shire Council, Bendigo Community Bank, Westernport Water and the San Remo traders.