But stunning sunny weather and warm temperatures no doubt put a bit of sweat on the big guy’s brow during Invercargill’s Santa Parade up Dee St on Saturday.
Event co-ordinator Alice Pottinger said the mercury reached 21°C.
"You’d expect it to be cool enough for Santa down here, but it was very warm, that’s for sure."
She believed between 15,000 and 20,000 people attended the event which contained 64 floats, brass bands, pipe bands and other cultural and community groups from across the Southland region.
It was a fantastic day for what was a "huge amount of work" to put together, but it was worth it to see the smiles on children’s faces.
Meanwhile in Oamaru, the main street was overrun with pirates, military vehicles and biblical figures as thousands lined the main street to watch the town’s annual Santa Parade on Saturday.
Featured were a wide array of vehicles, including vintage and military cars, industrial equipment and large floats.
Members of all sorts of different groups were involved, including the Waitaki District Schools Pipe Band, the Oamaru Swords Club and the Oamaru Farmers’ Market.
Several high-profile guests were also in the parade, including Elmo and Jesus Christ.
Organiser Anton Roswell said there were queues "stretching out for miles" to watch the parade.
"It was like the whole of the town was there.
"It’s a credit to the people of Oamaru and the organising committee."
