Napier Christmas Parade to be bigger, better and longer

Santa waves to the crowds at last year's Napier City Christmas Parade. Photo / File

Thousands are expected to attend a bigger, better and longer Napier City Christmas Parade on Sunday.

More than 50 floats will make their way around Napier's CBD for the fourth annual parade.

Napier City Business Inc manager Zoe Barnes said two major changes this year would make for a successful event.

The parade has changed days from a Saturday to a Sunday due to feedback from local businesses concerned about road closures affecting their businesses on a Saturday as well as organisers not wanting to conflict with school sport.

The route has also doubled in size due to spectator comment from last year on it being too short with some spots being 10 people deep which was not great for viewing, she said.

"We want to give people more opportunity to enjoy it."

Since reviving in 2014 following a break of about five years, the parade had grown in size each year and more than 5000 people were expected to turn up tomorrow, she said.

"I think we're on to a good format. People know it's a great, fun event to come to."

One thing Ms Barnes was looking forward to was seeing the Napier City Council's upgraded Santa float which was set to be "very impressive".

She also loved seeing the smiles on the faces of children who came to the event each year filled with delight.

"I think it's going to be fun, everyone should come along."

The route will start at Clive Sq East and turn onto Tennyson St, travel towards Marine Parade, turn at Herschel St and head back down Emerson St to finish at Clive Square.

The Napier City Council will temporarily close some of these roads throughout the day and more information can be found on its Facebook page.

Santa will be available for photos or a wish list at Clive Square for an hour after the parade.

People can vote for their favourite float number by texting 934 (texts cost 20 cents) for a chance to win a $100 voucher from a Napier CBD store of their choosing

The parade will start at 1pm on Sunday, November 26.