No need to wait for Christmas, Santa has made his way to southwest Georgia.

The jolly ole' fellow and a few friends arrived at the Albany Mall on his sleigh Friday evening.

Hundreds of kids from the area showed up to welcome St. Nick.     

After promoting the 2012 Toys-for-Tots campaign, Santa took time to light the Albany Mall Christmas tree.

Santa will be at the mall through Christmas Eve for photos and visits.