Young and old line Rotorua streets for Santa Parade

People have lined Rotorua's streets to get a glimpse of Santa as the annual Christmas Parade rolled through town.

With the sun out onlookers donned sunblock and wide brimmed hats instead of the traditional Santa hat.

Kicking off at 4pm the parade wound its way through the central business district and ended at the Village Green where a festival was held.

The theme, A Very Rotorua Christmas, was represented well in all the different community groups that had a float.

Even animals got in on the action with a nativity scene themed float. Photo/Ben Fraser

Among them was The Hits Fill The Bus, Harold from the Life Education Trust, school and daycare groups, Miss Rotorua, volunteer fire brigades and a Hare Krishna group.

The Sulphur City Steam Rollers took out the award for best community float and the Rotorua Girls' High Childcare Trust took out the overall float award.

Liam Wright said he noticed a distinct lack of lollies and that Santa was less portly than he imagined.

A few of Santas elves handing out lollies to the kids. Photo/Ben Fraser

His niece Isis said while it was quite short she liked the roller derby girls.

Surprises were plentiful at the festival as people laid out their picnic blankets and brought out the snacks.

Rachel Jessop and her 2-year-old daughter Olivia said the Santa parade was good.

"What was there, was lovely and the kids really liked it," she said.

They were enjoying a picnic on the Village Green.

People lined the streets for the annual Christmas Parade. Photo/Ben Fraser

Anne Bourk and Grace, 1, missed the parade but were pleased to find the Christmas festival.

"She met Santa, it was really really good," Bourk said.

"If she was older we would stay to watch the movie, and next year we will definitely be back."

Arthur Christmas was this year's feature outdoor movie feature and people settled in to watch it on the big screen from 6pm.

The Rotorua Santa Parade is making its way down Pukuatua St! Are you out watching? 🎄

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Friday, 1 December 2017