Santa's Coming to Town on Sunday!

Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday (9 December) for the 63rd annual Santa Parade through the streets of Wellington.

But rather than riding off on his magical sleigh after the parade, he'll be hosting his annual fun party for kids - Santa's Party in the Park - and making a special appearance at the Exodus Carols by Candlelight later that evening.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says: "We've listened to what the public has told us and are holding the parade closer to Christmas. Holding the kids' party and Carols by Candlelight the same day makes it a Capital Christmas celebration."

This year's parade has some very important guests. Leading the parade as Grand Marshal is Mary Fisher, who won a gold, two silver and a bronze in swimming events at the London Paralympics. Mary also broke the world record for the women's SM11 200m individual medley in London.

Two other Olympic swimmers will also be in the parade. Tash Hind and Samantha Lucie-Smith will be on the Swim NZ float. Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will join the parade to wish all Wellingtonians a merry Christmas.

The Santa Parade starts at 2pm on the corner of Lambton Quay and Ballance Street, travels down Lambton Quay to Willis Street then turns onto Mercer Street, along Victoria Street and into Manners Street where the parade ends.

Santa and his reindeer will be accompanied by some amazing floats featuring everything from Snoopy and the Red Baron to Buzzy Bee, Christmas toys, a nativity scene and much more.

Youngsters can also expect to see some of their favourite characters, including Cartoon Network's Ben 10, the Wot Wots, Peter Rabbit, Sylvester, Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo, and Ice Age's Sid and Scrat.

After the parade, kids can take a safe walking route through Civic Square and across the City to Sea Bridge to Waitangi Park for Santa's Party in the Park, which starts at 3.30pm. Dave and Camille from Classic Hits and Nick Tansley will help Santa play host plus there will be carol singing, entertainment from some of Wellington's top musical talent, fairies, princes and princesses and more in a magical kiddies' show. Food will also be available.

Exodus Carols by Candlelight begins at 7.30pm and as darkness falls the Telecom Tree will help light up the celebrations. Nick Tansley returns to host the event in its 22nd year.

Important Information

People should get into town for the parade early, as it is expected to draw more than 60,000 spectators along its route and good viewing spots are sure to be popular. Public transport or walking are the best ways to get into town.

If the parade and Santa's party are cancelled due to bad weather it will be announced on Newstalk ZB at 9am on Sunday. Or call the Council on (04) 499 4444 to find out if they're going ahead.

If Exodus Carols by Candlelight is cancelled, it will be announced on More FM.

There will be a number of road closures and temporary parking restrictions in the central city on Sunday.

For information check the Council's website, or call (04) 499 4444.

For bus and train information, go to the Metlink website, or give them a call on 0800 801 700.

Metlink website