Owners of a top Wellington restaurant could be left tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket from last month's earthquake.

Lower Hutt shoppers won't be vying for a car park at Queensgate or the CBD this Christmas season, thanks to a free weekend shuttle service.

Fans of this speed-wrapping technique claim it can cut the time spent labouring over present preparation to under 30 seconds.

The latest festive brainteaser to baffle the internet sees an elf hiding among a snow-capped evergreen forest - and he's deceptively tricky to spot.

With the Christmas season well and truly upon us, there's no end of festive puzzles sweeping the web.

The lighting ceremony for the famous Christmas lights display took place in Ponsonby tonight and included a lot of fake snow.

Letters must be sent to the man in red by Sunday to be sure of getting a response in the post.

Mince pies are a festive tradition. But why do we eat them, and only during the holiday season?

Papamoa householders keen to bring Christmas joy to others have had their light displays wrecked.

Ever since her two daughters were murdered, Christmas has been a dark time for Charlene Williams.

The signs of summer are among us with pohutakawa trees flowering already and forecasters say the official first day of the season on Thursday will be calm and dry.

Everyone left with a smile on their faces after this year's annual Farmers Santa Parade in Auckland, an organiser said.

Kids will line the streets of Auckland CBD today to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in the annual parade, but this time with a difference.

Tuesday marks the official start of the Christmas season - with homes up and down the country set to start erecting their Christmas trees.

A Rangiaroa boy left shaken by the recent eartquakes will have the best seat in the house for today's Farmers Santa Parade through Auckland city.

It's the slogan that won an election, and now people are rushing to emblazon Make America Great Again on their Christmas trees.

Lego for Christmas? Tree takes model-making to new heights

The Southern Hemisphere's largest Lego Christmas tree takes centre stage in Aotea Square.

Santa Claus is coming to town - in Christchurch - after initial fears the 7.8 magnitude quake may have cancelled this year's Christmas in the Park concert.

Don't let planning a meal ruin your Christmas holiday, buy one in.

Some Flaxmere residents will soon be the proud owners of new bikes gifted by Menzshed Hastings. And the gesture couldn't have come at a better time. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Circle_see_more_DP.epsFoodbank_Appeal_2016_DP_5.epsFoodbank_Appeal_2016_DP_1.epsBy Matthew Martinmatthew.martin@dailypost.co.nz GIVING

The Herald has put together the ultimate silly season planning guide to get you to the big day with the minimum of fuss.

Joseph Parker and Santa are set to go head to head as the heavyweight title fight coincides with Auckland's Christmas in the Park.

People looking forward to a hot Christmas in Tauranga rejoice, but pack your umbrella. Higher than average temperatures are expected

Wet weather has forced home gardeners to delay planting of summer fruit and vegetables.

COMMENT: Surely there's something to be said for a holiday that is wholly devoted to giving and joy?

British laws and traditions such as Christmas are under threat and must be vigorously upheld to stop ethnic segregation dividing society, according to a review.

A woman who found a handbag in a supermarket trolley took out $2500 and spent it on Christmas presents.

Generous Christmas shoppers have delivered a gift-wrapped present to CanTeen.