Santa steps out on town with cartoon entourage

Thousands turn out each year for the Farmers Santa Parade to cheer Santa. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The jolly bearded man in red will make his annual trip through Auckland's CBD tomorrow for the 77th time.

More than a quarter of a million spectators are expected to watch him make his journey in this year's Farmers Santa Parade.

Santa will travel alongside characters such as SpongeBob Square Pants and Mr Potato Head. Some of these will be giant helium-filled balloons floating high above the parade route.

Underneath the balloon characters will be dozens of floats including Alice in Wonderland and the all-important Santa's Float, with some featuring special effects. There will also be brass bands, clowns, stilt walkers and marching bands.

Every year the parade supports a charity and this year it is the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. Collectors will be seeking donations from the crowd before the parade.

Drivers heading into the city should expect delays because all inner-city roads will be closed between noon and 4pm.

However, motorists could take advantage of the free parking at Downtown, Victoria St and Karangahape Rd to avoid traffic.

Otherwise, people could catch a bus or train into the city centre. More information is available at www. maxx.co.nz.

Silver Fern Temepara George - who played centre position in the gold-medal winning team at this year's Commonwealth Games - will be the parade's grand marshal.

An after-party will be held in Aotea Square from 3pm to 5pm, hosted by Jason Reeves from the Classic Hits radio station.

Children will most likely be screaming "Yes, we can!" because the Bob the Builder Christmas Show from Australia will also be performing at the party.

All you need to know

What: Farmers Santa Parade.

When: Starts at 2pm and goes for about 50 minutes.

Where: Parade starts in Mayoral Drive, goes down Queen St, into Customs St West, then Albert St, ending at the Wellesley St corner.

Road closures: All inner-city roads will be closed between noon and 4pm tomorrow.

Free parking: Free parking is available at Auckland City Parks but only if you are parked by noon at Downtown, Victoria St and Karangahape Rd.