Gladstone Rd transforms into a Magic Winter Wonderland

Sit back and enjoy our slideshow of today's Christmas Parade. You might find yourself here, or you may see a familiar elf, fairy, motorcycle rider or man in red. All pictures by Paul Rickard

THE Gisborne weather had better plans than letting it snow for the Magic Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade this afternoon.

Floats filled with mini Elsas, Annas and even Olafs from the movie Frozen lined up alongside a nativity scene, motorcycles, a giant cross and a full concert band to embark on this year's parade circuit.

Thousands lined the bridge end of the main road to view the 28 floats in the parade, hoarding lollies and popping the odd bubble.

The bubbles came from Te Karaka Preschool's Frozen-themed float. Supervisor Diana Trafford said the pre-school crew loved it.

"We had about five Elsas. We have not had a float for a few years so to be involved again was great. The crowd was really good, fantastic."

The Frozen movie-themed floats, and there were a few, were a highlight for six-year-old Georgia Lamont.

"They were pretty and I got lots of lollies," she said.

Georgia's dad Wayne Lamont said the parade was very entertaining.

The horses, "because they were all dressed up", were a standout for Pippa Rhodes 10.

Finn Briant, also 10, said Harold the giraffe from the Life Education Trust float was his favourite.

"It was awesome, there were lots of floats."

Little brother James Briant, 5, liked seeing different Santas walking around.

The Gisborne Motorcycle Club fleet had the young ones very excited as they revved round the parade circuit. Cody Willson 9, was part of the motorcycle bunch. The nine-year-old was decked head-to-toe in motorcycle gear. He and the rest of the club were definitely feeling the 26 degree heat.

"I wanted to go faster but it was fun," he said.

Judges are still deliberating on which float in each category was best and best overall.