Santa will be making special appearance at a number of Northland Christmas events this year in the lead up to December 25. Photo / Northern Advocate
Santa will be making special appearance at a number of Northland Christmas events this year in the lead up to December 25. Photo / Northern Advocate
The festive season is upon us as Christmas events kick off in Northland this weekend.
From Santa parades to Christmas markets and events, there is something for everyone across the region.
Whangārei
The Whangārei Santa Parade is on Saturday and is the largest of its kind in Northland.
Theaction starts at 11am at the intersection of Hunt St and Bank St, with festive floats travelling down Bank St, on to Rathbone St, Robert St, before finishing at the end of John St.
Meet Santa in his grotto at Cameron St Mall until 10.30am when he hops into his sleigh to lead the Christmas parade.
The Waipū Highland Pipe Band makes its way through the Christmas Parade in 2022. Photo / Michael Cunningham
The parade is part of the wider Whangārei Christmas Festival jingling across the district until Christmas Eve, when the Waipu Christmas Parade will be held.
The festival includes Christmas-themed markets, carol-filled concerts, arts and crafts, merry workshops, parades, twinkling light displays and more.
Kaitāia
Kaitāia is getting into the festive spirit with Far North’s Christmas in the Sky.
The theme this year is Family Christmas Road Trip: “Anything that revolves around children being precious and having fun-filled memories, only limited by your imagination.”
Kaikohe’s Christmas Parade is on December 6. Photo / Debbie Beadle
To register a float for one of the catergories – schools and ECE, business, community groups and marae – email admin@kaikohe.town or call 027 210 53264.
Dargaville
The Dargaville Christmas Parade, organised by the Dargaville Rotary Club, is on December 6, starting at 12pm on Victoria St.
The club has invited people and community groups to get creative with the theme of this year’s parade: Christmas joy.
People can register at rotarydargaville@gmail.com or pick up a registration form at Dargaville Library or the Seed Co-Working Office in Fosters Arcade.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri is set to sparkle once again with Christmas in the Domain & Tree Lighting on December 6 from 6pm.
Bring your picnic blankets for a relaxed evening or, if you fancy, enjoy the many food stalls onsite.
An entertaining lineup will take the stage and includes performers from Auckland North alongside local talent.
The always-popular best dressed competition for children under-12 returns, plus lots of spot prizes throughout the evening.
A cherished Kerikeri tradition takes place at about 9pm – the lighting of the 8m community Christmas Tree.
For more information contact Our Kerikeri Community Charitable Trust via kerikeriourtown@gmail.com.
Paihia
The Paihia Christmas Parade, supported by Business Bay of Islands, is on December 5 on Williams Rd from 5.30-7pm.
This year’s theme celebrates “the magic of stories and books”.
Waipu’s Scottish heritage will take centre stage in the town’s Christmas events on Christmas Eve. Photo / Northern Advocate
Waipu
The annual Waipu Christmas Eve parade is the last to take place in New Zealand on Christmas Eve at The Centre from 7-8pm.
Local businesses and community groups take part in this much-loved fixture on the Waipu events calendar.
Ruakākā
The Ruakākā Christmas Parade and Fun Day Christmas Parade is on December 13 from 10.30am-1pm. The parade will head down Takutai Place onto Peter Snell Drive.
Auctions and entertainment in the Ruakākā Town Centre will follow.
The parade floats will depart from Swan Ave, turn left onto Valley Rd, travel down King St, loop around Church St, Alfred St and George St, then it’s back onto King St where it will disperse.
