You know Christmas is coming when the Farmers Santa Parade is just around the corner.
This year the popular parade will take place on Sunday, November 26 at 1pm. If it rains the parade will be moved to December 3rd.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the parade, which is now in its 84th year.
The parade will take about an hour to pass at any given point and is scheduled to finish at around 2.30pm, followed by Santa's Party from 2.30pm to 5.00pm in Aotea Square.
Organisers advise people to arrive early to secure good vantage points for the parade.
Confirmed line-up for Santa's Party:
2.30pm – MC Flynny from The Hits
2.35pm – 3-Ring Riot White Christmas Show
2.55pm - Nick Junior Shimmer and Shine
3.05pm – Dinagyang Performance
3.10pm – Peppa Pig – Jump in Muddy Puddles
3.35pm – Santa Well Wishes
3.45pm – Ciaran McMeeken
4.10pm - West City Concert Band
5.15pm End
Route:
The parade leaves from the corner of Cook Street and Mayoral Drive and finishes at Albert and Wellesley Streets after heading down queen St and turning left up Albert.
People are advised to get into the city before 11.30am to avoid frustration with traffic and parking.
Car parking:
There will be parking restrictions in place with inner-city roads closed, however public parking is free at the Downtown and Victoria Street carparks for vehicles exiting between 1pm and 6pm.
Roads with parking restrictions: between 6am and 6pm: Wakefield Street, Mayoral Drive, Queen Street, Wellesley Street West, Albert Street, customs Street East, Tyler Street, Vincent Street, Cook Street, Wellesley Street, Rutland Street, Hobson Street, Commerce Street, Beaumont Street, Halsey STreet, Waterloo Quadrant, Hobson Street, Quay Street, Fanshawe Street, Princess Street, Alfred Street. Between 5am and 6pm: Randolph Street and upper Queen Street.
Road closures:
All inner city roads are closed between 11am and 5pm. Parade organisers have recommended arriving before this time to avoid parking issues.
Public transport:
Buses will operate to a Sunday timetable and normal fares/passes will apply. Due to road closures a number of city centre bus stops will be relocated and some route diversions will be in place. Auckland Transport Ambassadors will be on site to assist passengers.
Extra services will run before and after the parade, for more details head to https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/events/farmers-santa-parade-2017/
Event trains will be operating approximately every 20-30 minutes on most lines into the city.
Balloons are not allowed on the trains or inside the stations due to the risk of them touching the overhead power lines.
Fullers will be operating additional ferry sailings for the parade between Downtown and Bayswater, Birkenhead/Northcote Point and Half Moon Bay, check Fullers' website for additional times. Normal fares/passes apply.
Fundraising:
Gold con donations for The Salvation Army will be taken at the parade, so bring some change if you wish to contribute.