Farmers Santa Parade 2026
Postponement Date: 1pm. Sunday 6th December 2026
In the event of adverse weather, a postponement decision will be announced by 9am, Sunday 29 November on the Parade website and Facebook page.
Farmers Santa Parade 2026
Join us as we celebrate this iconic occasion with a dazzling display of fantasy floats, characters, musicians, and entertainment groups galore. But the highlight of the day, of course, will be the arrival of the jolly man himself – Santa Claus!
Introducing the brand-new The Grinch float, bringing the mischievous spirit of Christmas to life! With playful festive details and a larger-than-life Grinch at the centre, this playful float captures the cheeky charm and magic of one of Christmas’s most iconic characters.
And Paddington Bear, one of the world's most beloved children's characters, will be joining this year's Parade, riding on a float in the Parade, as well as featuring in a Paddington Bear Stage Show at Santa’s Party.
Or be captivated by the wonder of the holiday season with our Magical Christmas floats. Hear the delightful chugging of the North Pole Express as it makes its way through a snowy wonderland, accompanied by pastel snow fairies, adding a touch of magic. Curious about your status on Santa's list? Keep an eye on the Santa’s Workshop Float, where Santa's helpers check off names from the naughty and nice list.
Watch in awe as a glistening Christmas Tree Float adorned with the graceful dancers glides by, adding elegance to the festive celebration. And for the young and young at heart, don't miss the beloved holiday characters sprinkled throughout the Parade.
But the fun doesn’t end there. After the Parade, keep the excitement going with our incredible stage entertainment line-up, delicious food vendors, and entertainment for the whole family at Santa’s Party in Aotea Square.
With a rich history dating back to 1933, the Farmers Santa Parade has become a beloved tradition for families across New Zealand, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Join us on Sunday 29th November for a day of fun, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!
So, mark your calendars, grab your Santa hats, and get ready to experience a spectacle like no other at the Farmers Santa Parade.
PRE PARADE (12pm-1pm)
Getting you into the spirit of the Farmers Santa Parade, we have a fabulous lineup of pre-parade entertainers, including Christmas choirs, bands, and interactive characters as a prelude to the big show.
Pre-Parade runs from 12pm – 1pm, so get in early for a good viewing spot!
SANTA'S PARTY 2.30pm - 5pm
KEEP THE FUN TIMES ROLLING AT SANTA’S PARTY!
Once families have cheered for their favourite Farmers Santa Parade characters and waved to the man in red it’s time to get the party started at Santa’s Party.
From 2.30pm, Santa’s Party will see Aotea Square burst into festive life with FREE entertainment for the whole whanau.
Join our MC’s, as they take you through a jam-packed lineup including a Paddington Bear stage show from Australia, dance and musical performances, circus acts and plenty of other fun family entertainment.
The fun continues off stage with rides, food vendors, activations, and even one last chance to see Santa before he heads back to the North Pole to pack the sleigh for Christmas Eve.
Check back later, for this year’s full lineup!
Santa’s Party in Aotea Square – THE ULTIMATE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY!
PARADE ROUTE
The Parade Route is 1.6km long and takes approximately 1 hour to pass any given point.
Top Tip: The best (unknown) viewing spots are Mayoral Drive between Cook Street and Queen Street and Customs Street East. There is usually ample space to even lay down a picnic blanket and then wander either to Santa’s Party or the transport hub afterward!
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
TRANSPORT
Bus, train, ferry or cycle into the city centre.
For Bus, Train and Ferry schedules and fares visit
at.govt.nzor call the Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.
Children ride FREE on weekends.
For more information about free public transport click
here
ROAD CLOSURES
All inner city roads are closed between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 29 November 2026. People are advised to get into the city before 10am.
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