Christmas in Queens Park successful despite rain

Despite wet weather, there was a lot of Christmas spirit on show in Invercargill at the weekend.

Families gathered around the Queens Park band rotunda on Saturday for the Christmas in the Park event.

Even with the rain, people set up their picnic mats and camp chairs to enjoy an afternoon of music, games, and celebrations.

Friends since pre-school, Tahlia Van Boxtel-Malin and Victoria Bradney arrived early to secure "the best spot in the house".

They took the opportunity to catch up, as the childhood friends were now living in different cities.

Ms Van Boxtel-Malin said they grew up together but her friend had moved to Wellington at the beginning of the year.

"She came home this week to spend the holidays with her family and I’m taking advantage of this as I was missing her."

Locals Yvonne Gawn and Jenny Frasier dressed up, saying that during the Christmas period they wore their Santa costume to any and each event.

"It is our way to bring the holiday spirit," Ms Gawn said.

They joked they were "Santa’s big helpers".

Organiser Blair Savory, of MASSAV Productions, said it had been a challenging year for everyone and he was eager to bring fun to the families.

"We have a world-class park here in town and Christmas is the perfect time to have a free family event to celebrate our community.

"It's a great recipe ... in the wonderful surroundings of Queens Park."