Santa Claus has paid an early visit to New York, much to the bafflement of residents and tourists.

Father Christmas, along with 15 Rockettes dressed as rag dolls, stood on a Radio City Music Hall porch as 12 Rockettes dressed as toy soldiers marched on the street below to perform the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.

It was a six-minute promotional event - complete with a belching snow machine - for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which starts on November 7.