Kids & Family
There were fancy cars, flags flying, buggies, marching girls, medieval sword fighters and the Invercargill Mayor dressed as the ‘Cat in the Hat,’ but with elephant pants. Related: Discover the Magic: Your Guide to the 2024 Christmas Lights
Captain Sparrow was there and a man inside a sputnik, along with an array of multicultural communities - some performing drumming and dance for the crowd.
You definitely see it all in The Southland Santa Parade and this year was no exception.
The full 50 minute parade showcased a huge variety of what Southland has to offer, particularly with community groups.
Santa Parade trustee Alice Pottinger said some of the groups really “stepped up” this year with beautiful floats and they were so lucky once again to have good weather.
"There would’ve been a few sunburnt faces, including mine,” she joked.
The new committee and huge amount of volunteers worked hard to put on a spectacular show for the thousands of people who came to watch.
The event has been going strong for 25 years and has built up a strong number of floats that have been added to each year.
Over the past few years the Gala day at the reserve has added to the entertainment, with the chance for children to be able to explore the floats - some even with interactive features.
Alice said after Covid-19 they had to change things up and “take the parade to the people,” which was when the Gala day started, and despite now having something extra to organise it has turned out to be a success.
“People are now sticking around a lot longer and it’s getting busier. Families seem to be making more of a day of it.”