Santa Claus has been given special essential worker permission to virtually turn on the St Helier Christmas lights.

The event was broadcast on social media this year, because of Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings and distancing.

A Christmas story, especially for Jersey, was made by some expert elves.

Virtual technology was used to show this year's Switch on and Santa's special 2020 Christmas message.

The Parish of St Helier hopes this will encourage islanders to shop local and bring the early Christmas festivities to life.

"I am delighted that the Parish, supported by Jersey Development Company, has found a way to keep alive our much-loved tradition of the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’.

"The ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ is a major event in our Island calendar, enjoyed by Islanders and their families, coming together to celebrate and enjoy annual festivities in our town centre.

"Whilst the pandemic prevents us holding our traditional event, the launch of the ‘Virtual Christmas Light Switch On’ is a fantastic way to mark the beginning of the Fête dé Noué in these difficult times." - Simon Crowcroft, Constable of St Helier.