Relive the 2014 parade when tens of thousands of people flowed into the centre of Auckland for the Farmers Santa Parade. The parade is the 81st in its history which stretches back to the 1930s.
Santa's nearly here - in fact he's only two days away. The big red character will be sweating aboard a float in 22C temperatures at Sunday's annual Farmers Santa Parade.
Families are being urged to get to the central Auckland celebrations early if they want to get a good spot along the route.
Queen and Custom Streets tend to fill up quickly, said an Auckland council spokeswoman.
"Choose your parade viewing spot wisely... If you can't get there early, it's best to try Mayoral Drive or Albert Street as the parade arrives there a little bit later."
Kids can sit behind a "Blue Honour Line" - a line of paint along the parade route - so they have the best view of the action and adults can keep a close eye on them from further back.
"If you're looking for a spot away from the crowds, it's also possible to watch from places such as The Strand Arcade Café and Rendezvous Hotel's balcony," the spokeswoman said.
Another option is to find a friend who works in an office in the CBD and ask if you can watch the parade from above - you'll get an unimpeded view, plus easy access to toilets which is handy if you've got young children.
The parade route
This year, Santa will ride past on a newly decked-out float where he flies with his reindeer over New Zealand landmarks - one of more than 150 floats in this year's parade.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the parade, which is now in its 82nd year.
The Herald is asking readers how they are getting into the holiday spirit and asking them to share pictures and memories from holidays parades, parties and barbeques. Tag your pics with #KiwiChristmas.
Readers of all ages have responded, remembering past parades fondly.
"We used to go every year and watch it from the balcony in the building of Dad's office," said Pattrick.
"I remember I felt sorry for the kids stuck on the pavement and that Santa was always a bit of a swizz compared to some of the other floats. My memory of the floats was that there were heaps of them - pirate ships and fairy castles and quite a lot of detail - far better than the motley bunch of floats and clowns on stilts these days, if you ask me.
"Another reader, Sam, said she remembers huge crowds and the mad scramble for lollies thrown out during the parade. she said it was "the most important part. More exciting than Santa if I remember correctly."
Kate remembers "being scrubbed up & put into our Sunday best".
" Thick crowds, having trouble seeing much over grownups heads," she added.
"Fast food wasn't really a thing back then but if you were lucky you might get some candy floss or a TT2 - so sticky hands & stains on Sunday frock.
"I was on a float as a Brownie once - in my full brown uniform with polished brass buckle, badge, & school shoes. Our sweet spinster Brown Owl was there wrangling us all while we waved & waved. All a bit exhausting really. Early to bed that night."
"Christmas is time with family, and those who love us," said Sailau on the Herald's Facebook page.
"Taking the dog for a BBQ with the kids at the beach and a swim on fine weather! Going to visit the animals at the zoo and having fun at the park! Just enjoying the people of God at the church and having lots of swimming at summer time."
Rosita said she was going to celebrate Christmas with a lot of overindulgence - "like most New Zealanders."
What you need to know
Start time:
The parade begins at 1pm on Sunday afternoon and is preceded by an hour of giveaways, samples and pre-parade entertainment.
The parade will take about an hour to pass at any given point and is scheduled to finish at around 2.30pm, followed by Santa's Party from 2.30pm to 5.00pm in Aotea Square.
The parade leaves from the corner of Cook Street and Mayoral Drive and finishes at Albert and Wellesley Streets after heading down queen St and turning left up Albert.
People are advised to get into the city before 11.30am to avoid frustration with traffic and parking.
Car parking:
There will be parking restrictions in place with inner-city roads closed, however public parking is free at the Downtown and Victoria Street carparks for vehicles exiting between 1pm and 6pm.
Roads with parking restrictions: between 6am and 6pm: Wakefield Street, Mayoral Drive, Queen Street, Wellesley Street West, Albert Street, customs Street East, Tyler Street, Vincent Street, Cook Street, Wellesley Street, Rutland Street, Hobson Street, Commerce Street, Beaumont Street, Halsey STreet, Waterloo Quadrant, Hobson Street, Quay Street, Fanshawe Street, Princess Street, Alfred Street. Between 5am and 6pm: Randolph Street and upper Queen Street.
All inner city roads are closed between 11.30am and 4pm. Parade organisers have recommended arriving before this time to avoid parking issues.
Public transport:
Buses will operate to a Sunday timetable and normal fares/passes will apply. Due to road closures a number of city centre bus stops will be relocated and some route diversions will be in place. Auckland Transport Ambassadors will be on site to assist passengers.
Extra services will run before and after the parade on the following routes: Howick and Eastern 500 and 550; Birkenhead Transport 955, 973 and 974; Go WEST 222 and 224; Metrolink 249, 258, 267, 277, 305, 625 and 769; Waka Pacific 328; Northstar 879 Northern Express.
Event trains will be operating approximately every 20-30 minutes on most lines into the city.
Balloons are not allowed on the trains or inside the stations due to the risk of them touching the overhead power lines.
Fullers will be operating additional ferry sailings for the parade between Downtown and Bayswater, Birkenhead/Northcote Point and Half Moon Bay, check Fullers' website for additional times. Normal fares/passes apply.
In case of heavy rain:
The parade will be delayed until the 6th december. An announcement will be made after 10am on sunday 29th on Newstalk ZB if the parade is to be cancelled.
Fundraising:
Gold con donations for child cancer will be taken at the parade, so bring some change if you wish to contribute.
Fun facts:
• Running for 82 years • Started in 1934 by Farmers • A charitable trust took over the running of the parade in 1990, but it has kept its name • Pulls the biggest crowd annually into Auckland city • There are more than 150 floats in the parade this year • 4000 volunteers work behind the scenes and with the crowds • Some volunteers helping out for 25 years • The current parade Santa's 2nd year in the sleigh • His float is brand new with a Kiwi twist, featuring a sleigh sailing over the north and south Islands
