Bayfair set to grant Christmas wishes these holidays

What does Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, local schools and $3,000 have in common? This year, it’s the Bayfair Santa Parade!

This holiday season, Bayfair Shopping Centre is making Santa’s arrival a community affair, by giving Bay of Plenty pupils the opportunity to walk in Bayfair’s Santa Parade and the chance to win a $3,000 cash-prize for their school.

The centre is inviting local school children to dust off their creative hats, and design a unique Christmas theme for their team. Whether they come dressed as Rudolph’s army, as items plucked from Santa’s workshop, or in Kiwi Christmas-themed attire, there will be plenty for the community to marvel at during the parade.

Bayfair’s Santa Parade will take place from 9:00am on Sunday 24 November, with festivities continuing on throughout the morning. Other activities include live music, face painting and, of course, the chance to take photos with Santa, and other much-loved characters such as Snow White, The Grinch and Bayfair’s own Pirate Claw.

Bayfair marketing manager Louise Chapman says the Santa Parade is a great way to get the community involved in a fun and interactive event to welcome in the festive season, and is looking forward to seeing what clever themes local schools come up with.

“This year, we wanted to involve the local community, and thought there was no better way than to invite local pupils to take part in the parade. We work closely with our local schools throughout the year and wanted to reward them with a chance to win a $3,000 cash prize by random draw. It’s going to be a great event.”

The parade will be open to the public to view so family and friends can come along and support their school. Additional prizes will also be given out for best dressed teams.

All schools interested in taking part in this event can register their school name, school team and school theme online via www.bayfair.co.nz or by visiting or ringing the information kiosk at Bayfair on 07 928 3441. School teams need to be between 20 and 60 people. Registrations due by Wednesday 20 November.  

Every day until 24 December following Santa’s arrival on 24 November, children will be able to have their photo taken with the jolly man in red. Signalling the start of the festive shopping season, Bayfair will be open until 9pm every night from 16 to 23 December.