Christmas is finally here, with hundreds of people turning out to the Rotorua Combined Church Christmas Lunch today.
About 500 people gathered at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre at midday today to celebrate Christmas with music, good company and plenty to eat.
Pastor Dave Moore said the day was about gathering together as a community to celebrate.
"We don't want people on their own for Christmas. We've done our best to accommodate everyone."
With about 100 volunteers helping out, dressed in Christmas colours, the annual event saw a vibrant and packed house.