WARWICK was abuzz with excitement on Saturday morning, with the arrival of Santa to kick off the Christmas season in the rose city.

Led by Town Crier Bob Townshend, Santa's street parade featured a reindeer-pulled sleigh, Christmas characters and a live nativity scene as well as community groups.

Warwick Police and SES members assisted with traffic and grinch control while the parade made its way up Palmerin St to King St, before returning to the shopping centre.

Rose City Shoppingworld marketing manager Louise de Lissa said the parade went off without a hitch.

"There is a lot more people than last year," Mrs de Lissa said.

"It's a great way to kick off the Christmas retail trade."

Mrs de Lissa said locally owned reindeer were used while the nativity scene and camels had travelled from Brisbane.

"(The nativity scene) gives a really nice Christmas spirit to it."

Mrs de Lissa said she was definitely happy with the parade and the effort community groups had gone to, and thanked Mayor Peter Blundell for acting as MC.

"We've had more involvement from the community this year. It was nice to see extra people participating," she said.

"We appreciate how much work is involved in preparing and participating in the parade."

Mrs de Lissa said the Warwick Police and SES had been exceptional, assisting with control without needing to close the street.

Parade sponsors included the Warwick Daily News, the Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rose City Shoppingworld, Warwick Credit Union, HOT FM, Destination Southern Downs and Warwick RSL.

The parade signals the start of Christmas celebrations at Rose City Shoppingworld, with various Christmas activities and events planned in the lead-up to Christmas.