Although there were less spectators than previous years to watch the annual Tropical Christmas Santa Parade through town, the squeals of glee from the kids as the floats passed made it all the more worthwhile.

Led by the Arorangi Boys Brigade Band, the small number of floats were well decorated. Disney characters participated in the parade and the usual lollie scrambles were popular, not only with the kids, but the adults too.

The parade started from the St Joseph’s Cathedral ending up at the CITC Main Store where Santa and Mrs Claus posed for photographs.

The Tropical Christmas Committee have a range of activities to share the joy and magic of Christmas. 

Today IDCK will feature specials in store so pop and grab your bargains before next week, and tomorrow, Saturday, will see the last of Santa and Mrs Claus’ tour of the Punanga Nui market and supporting businesses.

The Santa and Mrs Claus will also visit CIPS Electronics, Fave Designs, Vonnia’s Warehouse, The Computer Man, The Furniture Centre and IDCK.

On Monday, the town central will light up with bright Christmas lights compliments of Te Aponga Uira, and next Tuesday, December 21, Vonnia’s will feature specials in store, as well as The Furniture Centre.

The final business specials day will be Wednesday December 22 at The Computer Man, and later that night the annual Rotaract Christmas will be hosted at the National Auditorium.