The star of the show, Santa Claus, makes his appearance at the end of the Dunedin Santa Parade. PHOTOS: GREGOR RICHARDSON : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Even the Grinch turned up. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

The Mosgiel Brass Band added to the festive atmosphere. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Children on board the Dunedin police float wave to the crowd as sirens wail. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Jorja Gibbons (14), Tait Morton (14), Kaila Geeves (14) and Mackenzie Galvin (14) wait patiently for the parade to begin. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Tui Penno (2) shows her Christmas spirit in a festive outfit she put together herself. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Trevor Macdonald drives his aeroplane float. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters

Children and their parents on board a float for Rainbow Preschool sing and cheer. : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters : Santa escorted to town by a wide cast of characters