New start time for Farmers Santa Parade

This year's Farmers Santa Parade will be held on November 29 at the new time of 1pm. Photo: Dean Purcell.

Thousands of people are expected at this year's Farmers Santa Parade in Auckland CBD which will start at the new time of 1pm.

This year Santa will be comin' to town on board a new Kiwiana-themed float, accompanied by dancing Kiwis, dolphins, Tui and Pohutukawa trees.

The city's largest annual community event will be held in Auckland CBD on Sunday 29 November with a rain date of Sunday 6 December.

The Farmers' Santa Parade supports the Child Cancer Foundation and more than 150 volunteers positioned along the parade route will collect donations to help support children with cancer and their families.

Look out for the new 'Children of the World' float which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of today's Auckland and features children in their national costumes. Another new float is the 'River Rhapsody' float which will bring a touch of charm and romance to Queen Street.

Much-loved characters in the parade procession include The Minions, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Finn and Jake from Adventure Time, The Chipmunks, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Santa Bears, Where's Wally?, Spot the Dog and Cookie Bear. And there is a new line-up of Sesame Street helium inflatables with energetic dance troops, lively marching bands and celebrities to also delight onlookers.

THE DETAILS:

The Farmers Santa Parade hits central Auckland on Sunday 29 November (rain date Sunday 6 December).

Timeline:
11.30am Parade route closes to traffic
12:00 noon: Pre-parade entertainment, product sampling and giveaways
1:00pm: Farmers Santa Parade begins
2.15pm: Santa's Party, Aotea Square

The 2.2 km parade route starts on the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street, turns in to Mayoral Drive, down Queen Street, left in to Customs Street West, left in to Albert Street, ending at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets.