Tremains Santa Parade
When & Where
Taupo is rightly proud of our Santa Parade, with over 40 years of memories and moments to savour.
In all its time it is has essentially followed the same route of Lake Terrace onto Tongariro Street, but it is time for change as we navigate the future and the CBD developments.
As you will see from the map, we are proposing a new route which still has great CBD vantage points for the crowds to enjoy our parade.
We should have confirmation shortly...
2023 Event Date
10:30am Saturday 2nd December
Registrations open Monday 5th of December 2022. Limited spaces available so get your entry in early to secure a spot
NEW Parade Route
The new staging area will be on Lake Terrace facing towards the CBD, before Ruapehu Street.
When the parade begins at 10:30am it will turn right onto Ruapehu Street travelling North.
A left turn onto Tamamutu Street leads us to our finish on the Tongariro North Domain.
Keys Stats from previous parades:
35-50 Official Entries
Over 100 Vehicles
Hundreds of Participants
One of the largest parades per head of population in New Zealand!


How can we be involved?
If you would like to apply to be part of the Tremains Santa Parade please read through the event terms and conditions below.
Then proceed to the Online Application and complete all the appropriate sections. Once submitted our Festival Director will contact you.
If you would like to be a volunteer as a Road Marshall/Santa's Elf/Parade Helper click here.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2023
Santa Parade Online Application Form




Terms & Conditions
PARTICIPATING VEHICLES/FLOATS
General Entry Fee is $30 per group/entry.
Business Entry Fee is $60 per group/entry.
(Business Entry is for one vehicle, multiple vehicles are multiple entries)
Entry Fees need to paid by the entry close-off date to secure your registration. We will contact you with account details.
Entries for 2023 will open on Monday 5th December.
Closing date for entries is Monday 27th November 2023.
All entries must be Family Friendly and with effort made to be Christmas Themed.
No protest entries or offensive material because this is all about celebrating Christmas.
Entries will not be automatically accepted, entry is an application form in nature. If the organisers do not believe the entry submitted reflects the values and goals of the Santa Parade, the entry will not be accepted.
All entries will be scrutinised on the day and we reserve the right to refuse entry if the above conditions are not met.
If you have any questions/concerns about your entry please contact us.
Only the one official Santa/Father Christmas is allowed in the Parade. No other person/s is to dress up like Santa.
All floats must be constructed with safety in mind. All props should be fastened securely. Every measure should be taken to ensure no one can fall from a float or vehicle while participating in the parade.
All vehicles/floats must drive at a steady walking pace in the parade as indicated by the lead parade vehicle.
Do not stop at any time unless directed by Marshalls or because of a safety issue.
Please stay on and with your entry/float throughout the length of the parade. As a driver you can not step out of your vehicle and perform / entertain.
All drivers to obey NZ Road Code and not use Cellphones etc during the Parade.
Agree to follow all instructions of the Festival Director, Parade Co-ordinator and our Road Closure Contractor.
Parade participants are solely responsible for all persons safety involved with their float, particularly children from the time of parade arrival at the assembly area, throughout the parade duration and at the parade disassembly.
Every person in your group acknowledges that in taking part in the parade their photo/s maybe used for promotional purpose without further notice.
Please no water guns, balloons, water bombs, lollies or any other item to be thrown into the spectator crowd.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Personal safety and enjoyment is our priority at all times. Please make sure that anything you do with respect to the Santa Parade does not harm or injure yourself or others.
FLOAT ASSEMBLY
The staging area will be on Lake Terrace facing the CBD and before Ruapehu Street.
We would like all entries to be there before 10:00am so we can confirm the parade order and perform final scrutinising.
The staging area will be closed to the general public from 8am to allow safe use of the area.
The Parade Co-ordinator will advise each entrant when they should join the parade.
PRIZEGIVING
Prize Winners will be notified via Email and Social Media later in the day. Certificates and Monetary Prizes will be arranged with the winners post the event.
Categories :
- Most Unique Theme
- Most Entertaining
- Most Christmas Spirit
- Supreme Christmas Float 2023



