Here comes the big man in red

Auckland CBD Farmers Santa Parade. Photo / Michael Craig

There's no holding him back. That big guy in the red suit is starting his rounds of Auckland -- and the world. Next weekend is the first of the town centre holiday parades, he's in all the malls, there are wishing trees and more.

Make a diary date for:

Farmers Santa Parade

The grandest of them all, the Farmers Parade kicks of at the new start time of 1pm on Sunday, November 29, at Cook St and Mayoral Dr. The goes down Queen St, into Customs St West and up Albert St to Wellesley St. (Listen to cancellations on Newstalk ZB after 10am if the rain is torrential; rain date Sunday, December 6).

Park free at Downtown and Victoria St car parks or check out public transport family passes at at.govt.nz. All inner-city roads are closed between 11.30am and 4pm, so get into the city early to avoid frustration. Bring a gold coin donation for Child Cancer Foundation.

Orewa Santa Parade

Next weekend is the New World Orewa Santa Parade (Saturday 21, from 4.30pm). It starts at Alice Ave, Hibiscus Coast Highway and goes to the Orewa Surf Club, where you can join the You Can Help Project Summer Festival (until 8pm), for entertainment, market stalls, food and festive fun by the beach.

Glenfield Lions Santa Parade

Glenfield Lions Community Santa Parade is Sunday, November 22 (from 11am) around the Glenfield Mall following by a community gala at Marlborough Park.

Henderson Christmas Festival

Henderson Town Centre has its Christmas Festival on Saturday, November 21 (10am-2pm). Enjoy carol singers, a ferris wheel, and Santa will stop by.