Santa's back, and he's looking good

Float-builder Peter Taylor with part of his creation for Santa's 76th trip down Queen St today. Photo / Greg Bowker

Have you been good this year? Because Santa knows all and once again the big man in red is coming to town for Auckland City's annual Santa Parade.

The event is in its 76th year and attracts around 300,000 people every year.

This year's parade, in association with the Herald and sponsored by Farmers, will include dozens of new floats - as well as some of the old favourites, including the Buzzy Bee float.

Among the new floats is an Alice in Wonderland-themed creation by Farmers signwriter and float builder Peter Taylor.

Mr Taylor - who has worked for Farmers for 35 years - spent about two months creating the display, based on the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

He is looking forward to seeing his latest creation take its place in the procession, and is hoping for a fine day tomorrow.

"If you get decent weather, it just makes it so much better."

Wearing his bright red suit and big white beard, Santa will be the star at the end of the parade, waving from behind his reindeer.

Drivers can make use of the free parking facilities available at the K Rd, Victoria Rd and Downtown carparks between midday and 6pm.

People hoping to catch the bus be warned - normal services will be affected by to road closures.

Some services will be diverted to other spots throughout the city, and others will stop running for a short time until after the parade.

Train services will also be running tomorrow. Family train passes will be offered, valid for one adult and five children or two adults and four children for return travel.

For more information on bus, train and ferry services visit www.maxx.co.nz and search under Santa Parade.

Sunscreen and hats for the children will be handy accessories, as the weather forecast is for a fine day with cloudy periods.

But if the forecast is wrong, any cancellation will be announced on Newstalk ZB just after 10am.

SANTA PARADE

Road closures: All inner city roads will be closed between 12pm and 4pm tomorrow.
Free parking: Free parking is available at the K Road, Victoria St and Downtown carparks if you park before 12 midday and exit by 6pm.
When: Parade starts at 2pm and goes for about 50 minutes.
Where: Parade starts on Mayoral Drive and ends up at the corner of Albert St and Wellesley St.