Among them was The Hits Fill The Bus, Harold from the Life Education Trust, school and daycare groups, Miss Rotorua, volunteer fire brigades and a Hare Krishna group.
The Sulphur City Steam Rollers took out the award for best community float and the Rotorua Girls' High Childcare Trust took out the overall float award.
Liam Wright said he noticed a distinct lack of lollies and that Santa was less portly than he imagined.
A few of Santas elves handing out lollies to the kids. Photo/Ben Fraser
His niece Isis said while it was quite short she liked the roller derby girls.