Music, dancers and the jolly man in red attracted thousands of families into Wellington's inner city streets for the city's Santa Parade this afternoon.
With the sun out as band music played, children, parents and grandparents cheered floats as they made their way down Lambton Quay and Willis Street, finishing at the bottom of Manners and Cuba streets.
Among the thousands were 8-year-old Moana Joyce and her 6-year-old brother Kingston of Johnsonville.
"I liked Santa the best,'' Moana said.
Kingston said he liked all the drums and seeing the colourful dancers.
The pair and their parents planned to continue their Christmas celebrations at the parade's waterfront after-party at Frank Kitts Park.
The park would also be host to Carols by Candlelight this evening at 7pm.