DEVONPORT santa parade
Sunday 7th December
Ho ho ho! Get ready for a Christmas cracker of a time at the Devonport Christmas Festival Santa Parade! This year marks another jolly good tradition, where the spirit of Santa takes over the streets of Devonport.
Calling all elves, reindeer and anyone who loves a bit of festive cheer! Local clubs, schools, and anyone with a twinkle in their eye are invited to create the most magnificent Santa-themed floats and join the merriment.
ABOUT THE PARADE
From 11am on Sunday, the streets of Devonport will come alive with festive cheer as we begin our annual Santa Parade — a much-loved tradition that brings joy to locals and visitors alike.
This is your chance to showcase your community group, club, school, or organisation by being part of the magic. Decorate a float, dress up, perform, or simply watch - however you choose to take part, your presence helps bring our town to life and share the spirit of the season.
Expect vibrant floats, lively music, and a joyful showcase of community pride that will wind its way through the streets, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages to enjoy.
Whether you're a dance troupe, cultural group, local business, or youth organisation — we’d love to have you involved!
Specific route details will be announced soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, start gathering your group, dreaming up your float ideas, and let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and most brilliant one yet!
Float decoration & Theme ideas
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A sweet and whimsical float idea for a Christmas parade is a Gingerbread Village, featuring gingerbread houses, candy trees, gumdrops, and icing trim. Participants can dress as gingerbread people, bakers, or walking cupcakes. To bring it to life, include a mobile “Gingerbread Bakery” as the centrepiece of the float.
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A creative take on the theme is The Twelve Days of Christmas, with different sections of the float representing each line from the classic carol. Costumes can include maids a-milking, golden rings, drummers drumming, and more, bringing the song to life in a vibrant and festive display.
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A Kiwi-style Pohutukawa Christmas float features a sunny beach scene with a decorated Pohutukawa tree. Add touches of New Zealand summer with kiwis, tuis, BBQs, jandals, surfboards, and wrapped gifts for a fun, local twist on the festive season.
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An Under the Sea Christmas float brings a vibrant ocean theme to the parade, with coral reefs, fish, dolphins, and mermaids with tinsel tails. Decorate with shells, seaweed garlands, and treasure chests full of presents for a colourful, lively display.