'Tis the season for parades

A shot of the fun at the 2015 Stratford Christmas Parade.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, and there is a great opportunity to enjoy all the fun of this festive season on Sunday with the annual Stratford Business Association Christmas Parade.

This year's theme is 'A Story Book Christmas', and SBA chairman Peter Dalziel says he is looking forward to seeing lots of creative floats on the day.

"We think this year's theme will give the entrants plenty of scope to use their imagination and create some fantastic floats for the parade."

SBA secretary Lauren Darrah says while she has had plenty of calls from groups and organisations registering a float, there is still plenty if time for any school, community group or other organisation who wants to enter.

Lauren says Prospero Place will be packed with stalls on Sunday morning, providing the perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping before the parade, as well as the chance to check out the brand new Christmas tree on Prospero Place.

Santa's Cave, located in the old NZ Post Building, will also be open on Sunday for young ones to have their photo taken with Santa.

Stratford isn't the only place that Santa plans to stop in on, with the jolly man making an appearance at the Inglewood Lion's Christmas Parade the day before.

The theme is 'Christmas through the ages' and parade convener Peter Winter says, "We look forward to the community businesses, schools and groups once again showcasing their talents as they rise to the challenge of this years theme."

Peter says, while organisers would prefer that floats are registered in advance, they will be taking entries on the day.

As with every year the parade will be supported with the Inglewood First Christmas Carnival, showcasing a range of local and at home businesses.

"A great place to get the Christmas shopping done," says Peter.

Santa will also be stopping in on the shining stars of Eltham with the Eltham Lions Christmas parade on Friday, December 16.

'Your Shining Star' is the theme this year, which is set to be bigger and better than ever says Eltham Lions president Joyce Lawrence.

Joyce says the Christmas parade is the ultimate family event for the Eltham community with a Christmas themed market being held from 5pm.

Float registrations will be accepted right up until the parade begins for those who are wanting to get involved.

Christmas Parades:

* Stratford Business Association Christmas Parade: 'Storybook Christmas', Sunday, December 11 at 1pm. Float registrations to Lauren Darrah, (06) 765 6099. Search Stratford Business Association on Facebook for updates.

* Inglewood Lions Christmas Parade: 'Christmas Through The Ages', Saturday, December 10 at noon. Float registrations to Peter Winter, (06) 752 0167.

* Eltham Lions Christmas Parade: 'Your Shining Star', Friday, December 16 at 6pm. Search Eltham Lions Club South Taranaki on Facebook for updates.