But the staff at Davis Bus Lines have turned that notion on its head, with many donning their best Santa costumes in a bid to spread the Christmas cheer.

After a long Christmas campaign including buses decked out with tinsel and baubles, this year marks the first in which you may find yourself on a bus driven by Santa himself. 

Davis Bus Lines depot manager Glenn McKenzie said his staff used their own initiative to start the tradition.

“They’ve all got into the Christmas spirit,” he said. 

“Most of them have sourced their own costumes and they look great.”

Bus driver Brock Powell, who admitted his festive paunch came naturally, said the public had responded well to seeing Santa at the wheel. 

“Obviously the kids love it,” Mr Powell 

said. 

“But it’s also the elderly who get a real thrill out of us helping them make Christmas special.”

With more than 70 Davis buses in use in Ballarat and surrounding regions you’re bound to see Santa soon.