Farmers Santa parade draws crowds of thousands to Auckland city centre

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Last year's Farmers Santa Parade wound through central Auckland.

Auckland city centre was buzzing with bright colours, festive music and dancing during the annual Farmers Christmas Parade on Sunday.

Thousands of little eyes sparkled and hands waved as crowd-favourites Willy Wonka, Frozen's Anna and Elsa, giant penguins of Madagascar balloons snaked their way down the Mayoral Drive-Queen St parade route.

But no float garnered so much attention as Santa's Kiwiana wonderland, which took it's usual spot at the end of the procession.

Thousands turned out for Auckland's annual Farmers Christmas parade.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff managed to break away from a meeting with the British Minister of Trade long enough to wander down the parade route, greeting onlookers and posing for the odd photo.

* Five of Auckland's best Santa parades to get you in the festive spirit

* Ten tips to help you survive the festive season**

The parade lasted about two hours from midday Sunday.

Even police dogs joined in on the festivities.

'It's great to see all members of our communities, north, south, east and west, out here enjoying the santa parade and the festive season.'

America's Cup fans were delighted to see the Emirates Team New Zealand float sporting the shiny Auld Mug.

The police dog squad even made an appearance, with several pups taking a day off actual police work to enjoy pats and cuddled from children in the crowd.

For young Fhreya Ahluwalia, Frozen's Elsa and Cinderella were by far the favourite floats.

And as for the young boys in the crowd, Lego santa and Storm Tooper santa were sights to behold.