Santa parade line-up 2015

The big man in the red suit. (File)
The big man in the red suit. (File)

As Christmas teeters on the horizon, New Zealand is beginning to descend into its festive traditions.

The Christmas carols are on loop, the decorations are out, the malls are at capacity and the parades are beginning to shut down city centres and townships, as the masses gather in the street for a glimpse of the old man in red.

It isn't the most comfortable few hours in the sun for adults, but it’s the perfect excuse to rally the family together and get in the Christmas spirit.

Where are they though and when? Here is a list of a few notable mentions which could be near you:

Manurewa, south Auckland: Saturday, November 28 at 9:45am

The Manurewa parade is a collaboration between the Manurewa Business Association and the Local Area Board.

The parade starts from the Station Rd carpark and heads up Northcrest Way before heading along Great South Rd, Weymouth Rd and Selwyn St.

Westgate, west Auckland: Saturday, November 28 at10am

The Westgate parade is a relatively new addition to the parade line-up after Henderson's event was brought to a close in 2013.

The parade starts on Westgate Dr before heading up Fernhill Dr where it then goes through the shopping centre's surrounding roads.

There is free parking near the motorway pedestrian bridge.

Auckland CBD:  Sunday, November 29 at 1pm

This year the iconic Farmers Santa Parade produces its 82nd event, making it as the longest-running parade in New Zealand.

The parade begins at the corner of Cook St and Mayoral Dr and turns left onto Queen St before heading along Customs St West, Albert St and Wellesley St.

Due to the popularity of the event, people are advised to arrive well before the start of the event if they want a good view and a carpark.

Devonport, North Shore: Sunday, December 6 at 11am

This is a Lions Club event, put on for the community.

The parade starts at Windsor Reserve and heads along King Edward Pde and into Devonport.

Sausage sizzles, bake sales, face painting and Devonport's finest food and crafts will also available.

Christchurch: Sunday, December 6 at 2pm

The parade is in its 68th year, and has more than 130 entries including 80 floats and 2500 participants.

The event will head along Riccarton Rd and is expected to pull at least 115,000 spectators.

Howick, east Auckland: Sunday, December 6 at 2:30pm

Smaller parade with a lot of character and community input.

The parade starts on Fencible Dr before turning right onto Wellington St and then onto Picton St before arriving at Cook St.

Parking will be hard to find, as the main streets are closed off for the parade, so early arrival is advised.

Dunedin: Sunday, December 6 at 3:30pm

Now in its 18th year, this parade is Otago's largest free public event.

The parade route starts at the Regent 24 hour Night and Day Store on George St and finishes in Moray Pl.

3 News