A Very Kiwi Christmas

Santa comes to Auckland CBD for the 82nd time

Spectators at this year’s Farmers Santa Parade will see the man in the big red suit arrive in a decidedly different fashion.

Santa will be comin’ to town on board a new Kiwiana-themed float, accompanied by dancing Kiwis, dolphins, Tui and Pohutukawa trees. But no need to panic, there’s still room for a touch of the traditional – Santa’s preferred mode of transport is still by sleigh and prancing reindeer.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of the Auckland CBD on Sunday 29 November for the Farmers Santa Parade, the city’s largest annual community event. Rain date is Sunday 6 December.

This year’s parade, with a new start time of 1pm, features all the exciting mix of pageantry, festive fun and surprise which makes it a perennial favourite amongst children and families.

Look out for the new ‘Children of the World’ float which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of today’s Auckland and features children in their national costumes. Another new float is the ‘River Rhapsody’ float which will bring a touch of charm and romance to Queen Street.

Much-loved characters in the parade procession include The Minions, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Finn and Jake from Adventure Time, The Chipmunks, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Santa Bears, Where’s Wally?, Spot the Dog and Cookie Bear. And there is a new line-up of Sesame Street helium inflatables with energetic dance troops, lively marching bands and celebrities to also delight onlookers.

It’s the 27th year event organiser Pam Glaser has been involved. She says the parade couldn’t go ahead without the more than 4,000 volunteers who give up their time to bring joy and delight to kiddies of the region.

About the Farmers Santa Parade 2015
The Farmers Santa Parade hits central Auckland on Sunday 29 November (rain date Sunday 6 December).

Timeline:
11.30am Parade route closes to traffic
12:00 noon: Pre-parade entertainment, product sampling and giveaways
1:00pm: Farmers Santa Parade begins
2.15pm: Santa’s Party, Aotea Square

The 2.2 km parade route starts on the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street, turns in to Mayoral Drive, down Queen Street, left in to Customs Street West, left in to Albert Street, ending at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets.

Charity
The Farmers’ Santa Parade supports the Child Cancer Foundation, which will have more than 150 volunteers positioned along the parade route collecting donations to help support children with cancer and their families. Child Cancer Foundation collectors will be wearing bright blue uniforms, so be sure to keep an eye out. The Child Cancer Foundation aims to reduce the impact of cancer by offering services that ensure children and their families are supported, informed and remain connected at every stage of their journey.

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