Bluff is getting into the Christmas spirit with a full calendar of festive events lined up for December, promising a season full of fun and celebration for all ages.
The festivities begin on Sunday 7 December with the much-loved Santa Parade, proudly supported this year by South Port NZ Ltd. Leading the parade will be newly elected Mayor Tom Campbell alongside the Bluff Town Crier, followed by a colourful mix of cars, bikes, marching girls, and of course, Santa Claus himself.
The parade will travel along Gore Street (SH1) and turn into Palmer Street, ending at the Bluff Oyster Festival site on Barrow Street, where the Christmas In The Bluff (CITB) Gala Day will kick off.
This year’s Gala Day is a special milestone, marking ten years since the CITB Committee began hosting the event. The day will feature a range of free and fun activities for families. A big draw for kids will be the Santa Grotto, along with favourites like face painting, mini jeeps, a bouncy castle, craft and food stalls, live music, and the return of the Your Corps gaming area.
There will also be a Decorated Christmas Wreath Competition, with visitors able to vote for their favourite with a gold coin donation. A new addition this year is the Decorated Christmas Stocking Competition for children up to Form 2.
Organisers say the Gala Day is all about family, community and creating a cheerful space where everyone can enjoy the season without cost concerns. “The CITB Gala Day is all about the families having a fantastic day without having to worry about the cost – celebrating the 10th Anniversary with loads of smiles, fun and laughter.”
Support for the event comes from Rio Tinto NZ Aluminium Smelter Ltd, South Port NZ Ltd, and Talleys.
To keep the festive cheer going, Bluff Promotions will also run the Decorated Shop Window Competition later in the month. Now in its third year, the competition awards a trophy to the most festively decorated shopfront. Last year’s winner was Nicholson Engineering Ltd, while Southern Styles Hair & Beauty took the title in 2023.
Those interested in joining the parade or volunteering as a marshall can contact Alison Patrick on 0273 509 686 or [email protected]. Alison is also the contact for those wanting to participate in the window competition.
For Gala Day enquiries or to get involved, contact Debbie Fife on 03 212 6800 or [email protected].