Divinesh Naicker and Sonam Mala, who are both primary school teachers in Ba, Fiji, are in Oamaru visiting family and headed along to Christmas in the North End at Roberts Park yesterday.
Ms Mala said they had enjoyed their time in Oamaru so much, they hoped to one day make it their home.
"It’s very nice. We would like to come back and stay here forever."
Christmas Day will be very much a family affair, as they celebrate with their relatives, the Janardan clan, who have lived in Oamaru for several years.
All up, about 20 people will mark the highlight of the festive season together.
The event they attended was one of two Christmas-themed events in Oamaru yesterday, the other being the House of Breakthrough Christmas in the Park in the grassed area behind the Victorian precinct.
Christmas in the North End co-organiser Zelie Allan said she was thrilled with the turnout.
"It was better than expected. We have had a lot more people than we expected to come.
"It’s community orientated ... I think it’s nice to bring the North End community, the whole Oamaru community, together."
She said it was likely to become an annual event.
It was originally scheduled to be held on Saturday, was but pushed back to yesterday as the date clashed with Strawberry Fare in Waimate.
Mrs Allan was not concerned about holding the North End event on the same day as House of Breakthrough event, albeit at different times.
Not only did Santa make an appearance in the North End, he also headed along to the second event.
Both featured plenty of family-friendly entertainment, which House of Breakthrough Church pastor Damien Goodsir said was what it was all about.
"Christmas is hard for some people, so if we can spread a wee bit of festive joy, it’s great."
