The spirit of Christmas came to Auckland today, celebrated by enthusiastic kids and their families including: Thomas Braid (7), Elliot (18 months), Mani (7) and Olivia Tulia (9), and Sean (6), Patrick (4), and Leigh Fletcher (2).

"What a blast! The kids were totally into it as always. We come every year and it just gets better with age."
- Taka Nakazawa

Thousands of excited families lined the streets of Auckland today to celebrate 85 years of the iconic Farmers Santa Parade. Delivering Christmas joy, this landmark event featured over 3,500 participants and was jam packed with appearances from everyone’s favourite characters.

An absolute highlight was the return of giant inflatables Captain Hook, and Thomas the Tank Engine, with the familiar faces wowing crowds as the procession breezed down Queen Street.

Excited onlookers were also treated to new, stand-out costumes and floats featuring The Beginning of Time, Pinkfong & Yellow Shark, The Nutcracker, Lost Boys, and a seven-metre-long T-rex.

After the Parade, Santa’s Party saw everyone’s favourite canine rescue team Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol thrill the crowd with an epic live performance. The team was joined by The West City Concert Band, The Hits’ MC Flynn, Carter-Chan Dance Performance Centre, Neverland Studios, Wonderful Indonesia and the Mermaids who each brought their own funk and energy to the stage.

The Farmers Santa Parade is one of Auckland’s most treasured events. In this, its 85th year the hard-working team of planners, performers, make-up artists, designers and sponsors delivered an unforgettable family celebration to start the festive season off with a bang!

“This was a record year for the Farmers Santa Parade. It’s amazing to see families support this event 85 years on!” - Michael Barnett, the Chair of the Farmers Santa Parade Trust

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