Community encouraged to share festive flair in Rotorua Christmas Parade and Festival

Santa makes an appearance at last year's Rotorua Christmas Parade. Photo / File

It is just under a month until the Rotorua Christmas Parade and Festival, and community groups are invited to get creative and join in with the Christmas cheer.

The parade and festival organisers are looking for a few more groups to create floats, dress up and entertain the crowds.

The event is being held on December 1, with the parade starting at 4pm outside Rotorua Primary School on Arawa St.

Organiser Alia Ryan encourages people to get involved with a float because it is a free event for the community to enjoy.

"The more people able to be creative and put something forward for everyone to enjoy the better, and it's a great opportunity to showcase their business or community group at the same time."

She says the theme is 'A Kiwi Christmas' because they like to keep the event all about what is experienced here in New Zealand.

"We encourage as much creativity and festive flair in their designs as possible."

She says the sooner people register the better, as they will have more time to plan their float.

There will be prizes for the best community float, corporate float and educational float, she says.

After the parade there will be a festival, which will include carnival rides, markets, free games and entertainment, and the Christmas family movie which the public will get to vote on soon.

Alia says she loves how the parade and festival is something she can bring her whole family to.

She says she has four children between the ages of 3 to 16-years-old, and there is always something they can all enjoy.

Alia says she is looking forward to seeing the new floats entered.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they have created. There have been some quite cool ones already come through."

She says there are many awesome volunteers behind the event and people who have given their time to share with the community.

"Come along and support those giving up their time to support making something wonderful for us."

For more information and to register go to www.christmasparade.co.nz.