Festive scenes delight as Christmas amps up

Mr and Mrs Claus enjoying their visit to Tauranga on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Christmas arrived early in Tauranga on Saturday with the annual Trustpower Christmas Parade through the city.

Spirits were high despite a patch of rain and a chilly wind and children were dressed up for the occasion.

And the big man himself did not disappoint as he rolled along Devonport Rd in his sleigh with the beautifully dressed Mrs Claus by his side.

Tauranga's Filipino Club created an elaborate Nativity scene with the Virgin Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men and even some camels.

Melissa Yu said it was special to be the Virgin Mary for the day with her husband Vladimir as Joseph and their son Von as Jesus. It was a great way to "amp up" the Kiwi Christmas, she said.

"New Zealand Christmas is a lot more toned down than how we celebrate in the Philippines but this is a big event ... It's very special because we're Catholic and as Filipinos we're very into Christmas so it's a very special holiday for us."

The parade was hosted by Downtown Tauranga after moving from Mount Mainstreet.

The move paid off with thousands lining Devonport Rd as the parade of singers, dancers, faces and floats went past. Organisations, teams and businesses from across Tauranga took part, providing an entertaining half hour.

Mayor Stuart Crosby rode in the back of an open-top car, waving and smiling.

Even Elvis made an appearance on the back of the Lone Star truck.

National masters champion marchers, the Pacific Guards, said it was great to get into the community spirit. "The community supports us so it's time to give back. It's a fun time," marcher Robyn Brewer said. Members of the Tauranga City Council Travel Safe team said it was a great way to connect with the community.

The highlight for the Bay Twisters Cheerleading team was seeing the faces of children light up as they did their flips and tricks, team captain Taryn Bloxham-Chase said.