Santa and his elves will be at the Rotorua Night Market on Thursday to lend a hand and collect donations to the Salvation Army.
Visitors are encouraged to donate a can of tinned food to the mid-winter Christmas appeal in support of the Salvation Army food bank.
The event is sponsored by Red Stag Timber and supported by St Chad's Charitable Trust.
The Rotorua Night Market's manager, Brigitte Nelson, said while there would be a festive theme to the evening, the purpose of the event was to fill the food banks at the Salvation Army.
"Many in our community struggle during the winter months trying to put enough food in their cupboards for their families," she said.
"Christmas is a time for giving so let's have a mid-winter Christmas and help those in our community most in need by bringing a can or two to the night market.
"Santa and his elves will be there to lend a hand and food-stall holders have come on board by including festive bites to their menus."
She said the St Chad's community had created placemats for the evening's long, themed dining tables and they would also run a Christmas decoration workshop. A North Pole postbox would also be there to take letters to Santa.