Auckland swings into spirit of Christmas

Milla Glassie, Sam Nauer, Brooke Glassie and Paige Nauer enjoy Christmas in the Park. Photo / Robert Trathen

Tens of thousands of people packed into the Auckland Domain on Saturday for the 2009 Christmas in the Park.

Aside from a light shower, the rain cleared up for a fine and mild evening filled with Christmas and pop songs.

Hosts Petra Bagust and Mike McRoberts entertained the crowd with the help of more than 280 dancers, singers, musicians and Santa Claus, who arrived on a brightly lit sleigh with 55 international helpers in national dress.

Traditional and modern Christmas carols made up the first half of the Coca-Cola-sponsored evening and crowd favourite Midnight Youth kicked off the second half.

A medley of Michael Jackson songs and a stunning fireworks display were the perfect finale for the night.

This year's charity partner, Surf Life Saving, recruited almost 200 volunteers to help out with fundraising.

Business development manager Nigel Cox said they sold out of glow sticks and chocolate bars and raised $50,000 to $80,000.