by Mat Churchill

Christmas came to Port Douglas early as two major community parties brought hundreds of  locals together to celebrate the festive season.

Over 200 people endured a sweltering night on the Sugar Wharf at the Port Douglas Catering and Events' Communal Christmas Party on Friday night.

But the heat didn't deter revellers from enjoying a fantastic night of food, drinks, music, dancing, and most importantly, catching up with friends old and new.

See the photo gallery of the Communal Christmas party.

Port Douglas Catering and Events' Chris Morgan sweated it out behind the bar, but still managed to enjoy himself.

"People were quenching their thirst because it was so steamy. It was lots of fun and we certainly had a good time. We've had lots of great feedback," he said.

On Saturday the Clink Theatre held their Christmas party which included two sessions of their fantastic pantomime, and a visit from the big man in red who was delivered right on time by the Port Douglas Fire and Rescue Service.

Clink chairman Claire Tierney said the play is a sign of bigger things to come.

"The play was kids doing a play for kids and to give them a taste of what acting is about. Next year we're hoping to run an acting school at the Clink Theatre," she said.

It was hard not to feel sorry for Santa who was a long way from his icy home, and in the midday heat endured temperatures in the mid-thirties while still donning his traditional suit (although the red thongs were a nice tropical touch).

Dozens of enthusiastic kids enjoyed face painting, Christmas carols, circus tricks, and snow cones, and while many were only too happy to have their photo taken with Santa, one or two toddlers were a little taken aback by this stranger from a strange land.

See the photo gallery of the Clink Christmas party 

"Santa had a great time and promises to come back next year," Ms Tierney said.