Their return, complete with the popular Insta-worthy sleigh, was marked with an appropriately reindeer-themed birthday cake to mark the reindeer's 10^th birthday on Wednesday morning.

WATCH the reindeer celebrations, featuring Santa, below.

The man in the bright red suit - SANTA!! - even popped in, waving to commuters along Sturt Street, having photos and cake with junior passers-by and a bit of a boogie with Fat Tuesday's, Mount Clear College's band.

City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor, who launched a rendition of Happy Birthday for the reindeer, said Christmas was the best time to get out and explore the centre of town.

"We've got the decorations out in the middle of Sturt Street all the way down to the Bridge Mall so I encourage all of Ballarat to get out, get involved in Christmas and enjoy the Christmas spirit," Cr Taylor said.

"(In Ballarat) everyone gets behind each other, they support the 3BA Christmas Appeal and really come together as a community to enjoy family, friends and loved ones."

There is plenty of yuletide fun to find in central Ballarat this month including the new giant bauble at the Bridge Mall end of Sturt Street. It is a chance to jump inside and take a selfie under Christmas fairy lights.

You an also give Santa a call in the red telephone box outside Myer and leave a message for him between 8am and 8pm (calls are free).

The gingerbread house near Parent Place lights up and comes to life at the touch of a button. Created by Ballarat artists Zlatko Balazic and Margie Balazic, this is already proving a favourite with youngsters.

A pop-up trail of art for the 12 Days of Christms Windows will start on Friday with a Partridge in a Pear Tree at Central Square.

Christmas elves will be roaming the city centre later in the month with festive face painting, hairspray and Christmas cheer.

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