Big night out: Christmas in the park

What: The 12th annual Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.
Where: Auckland Domain.
When: Today, 7.45pm.
What does it cost? It's free.

Who are the stars this year? The MCs are Jeremy Corbett, Jeanette Thomas and Petra Bagust. The line-up for the show includes Frankie Stevens, Jackie Clark, Greg Johnson, Shane Cortese, Nathan King, Amber Claire, Siobhan Marshall, Carolyn Taylor, 11-year-old Ben Kara and hip-hop group Fast Crew. And Santa, of course, plus fireworks at the end.

Will there be a collection? All money collected from generous patrons will go to Youthline.

How do I get there?

By car: No parking in the Domain. If you park on grass verges you may be ticketed. Try to arrive early and find a spot in the streets around the Domain. Parking buildings off Mercury Lane, Upper Queen St and by the Sheraton Hotel are good options.

By train: Scheduled train services will run throughout the day. A special Britomart shuttle to Newmarket and Boston Rd stations near the Auckland Domain will also operate between 4pm and 7pm, and between 10pm and midnight.

By bus: North Shore: Park and ride at Albany and Constellation Stations and catch the Northern Express, travelling on to the Domain. Drop off and pick up from The Crescent near the Wintergarden.

* Howick and Eastern buses

Howick service: Buses will depart Millhouse Drive at 4.45pm and travel via Whitford Rd, Paparoa Rd, Sandspit Rd, View Rd, Pah Rd, to Cockle Bay (depart 5pm), then via Cockle Bay Rd, Granger Rd, Selwyn Rd to Howick, then via Pakuranga Highway all stops to Pakuranga Plaza and on to the Domain.

Bucklands Beach service: Buses will depart Bucklands Beach at 4.45pm and travel via the normal Route 52 to Pakuranga Plaza, then on to the Domain.

Buses will depart for the return trip 15 minutes after the close of the concert.

* Stagecoach Auckland

Standard stage fares apply for special services to Christmas in the Park.

Return journeys. Buses will depart from the Domain Wintergarden (the Link buses will follow the usual route).

For more information phone Maxx on (09) 366-6400 or visit their website

What happens if the weather turns bad? It will all happen tomorrow, and if it's still raining, it's all over for this year. Listen to 91.8 More FM for details.

What about food and drink? You can bring your own, but if you have any glass, do be careful with it, and put any empties in the recycling bins round the park. A liquor ban will apply in an area round the museum.

Survival guide

Five ways to survive the big show.

1. Take a waterproof rug to sit on, an umbrella and warm clothing. Light showers are possible. Of course.

2. Turn the house upside down looking for yesterday's paper with the complimentary song sheet that you decided to keep and didn't.

3. Take bets with the family on which of the stars will wear those ridiculous antlers.

4. Turn your back and see if you can guess who's singing The Little Drummer Boy. Or use the time for a comfort break.

5. Make sure you can find your way back to your possie, or you will spend the evening wandering the Domain.