Farmers Santa Parade

The Farmers Santa Parade hits the streets of Auckland City this Sunday 28 November at 2.00pm with fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Spectators are in for a real treat at this year’s parade, with everyone’s favourite characters on show. They include Thomas the Tank Engine, SpongeBob Square Pants, Mr Potato Head, The Simpsons, Bob the Builder, Buzzy Bee, Santa Bears and Clifford the Big Red Dog, among many others.  Some characters even feature as giant helium-filled balloons in a spectacular aerial display on the parade route.

Highlights of the remarkable float and costume sets include Water Sprites, Flower Power, Danny the Diesel, Serendipity, Black and White Clowns and Cowboys Horse and Wagon.  Stunning special effects displays feature on a number of floats, including Terror Mountain, Alice and Wonderland, Monster Mash and the all important Santa’s Float.

Performers are scattered throughout the Parade and spectators can look forward to entertainment from five big brass bands, eight pipe bands, five glorious clowns, 14 tall stilt walkers and four marvellous marching teams!

The Grand Marshal leads the parade each year - the honour awarded to an Auckland citizen who has demonstrated outstanding leadership during the past 12 months. Auckland resident and Silver Fern Temepara George, part of the gold-medal winning team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, is Grand Marshal this year.

Organisers expect more than 250,000 spectators and everyone can join the fun after the parade at Santa's Party in the newly refurbished Aotea Square from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Santa's Party is the place to be with rides, stalls, giveaways, performances and non-stop music!

MC Jason Reeves gets the party started with performances from Urban Beat, All Star Cheerleaders and Rarotongan dancers. The highlight act is the Bob the Builder Christmas Show from Australia.

This year’s Farmers Santa Parade charity is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation with collectors out prior to the parade seeking donations. Money collected goes to helping improve the quality of life for patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.

Parking and Transport to the Parade

Free Parking is available at the following Auckland City Parks but only if you are parked by 12 noon:

• Downtown
• Victoria Street
• Karangahape Rd                                                                              

For information on  Bus, Train and Ferry schedules and fares including family and group passes visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the  MAXX Contact Centre on 366 6400.

Parade Route

The Farmers Santa Parade starts at the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street and travels down Mayoral Drive.  It turns left into Queen Street and heads all the way down to Customs Street West, then left into Albert Street, ending at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets.