Intense rivalry for parade honours is likely to result in some of Northland's most elaborate Christmas floats taking to the streets of Paihia this evening.
The parade kicks off at 5.30pm with the floats starting at Kings Rd, making their way along the waterfront and up Williams Rd before looping via Bayview Rd back to Williams Rd, where the winners will be pulled aside to receive their coveted awards. This year's theme is "a fairytale Christmas".
Last year's winners included Paihia School's truck and trailer-sized Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a cross-dressing extravaganza by the staff of Fullers GreatSights.
Previous years' entries have featured Rio-style costumes, vast quantities of gold body paint and scandal thanks to (untrue) rumours of floats featuring nudity and whipping.
Organiser Anika West said 17 groups had registered in the Business Paihia Christmas parade. The winners in the community and business categories would be chosen by a panel of three judges.
Paihia's best known float designer, Tiffany Holland, had a hand in three entries this year: Paihia School, Paihia-Waitangi Kindergarten and Bay Physio.
Business Paihia will provide a free bouncy castle, while the primary school and fire brigade will hold fundraising food stalls. Every child that dresses up will get a prize.
Tomorrow, it's Kawakawa's turn for a visit from the big man in red.
State Highway One will be closed and diversions in place from 9.45am-2pm with live music in the street from 10am. Floats will meet behind the Star Hotel at noon with the parade due to start at 12.30pm.
The theme for this year's Kawakawa Business and Community Association-organised parade is "a Kawakawa Christmas".
Prizes will be awarded for best costumes and best decorated bike.
Rawene is holding its annual Christmas festival from 5-9pm today at the Rawene School field while Kaitaia is not holding a parade this year but will stage a Christmas Carnival from noon tomorrow at the A&P Showgrounds with food, music and free family activities.