Santa Claus and his elves prepare for the start of the parade.
Family (from left) Nigel Lawson, Hannah Lawson (10, second from right), Renee Lawson (12, far right) and friend Jasmine Todd (10) dress as a wolf and three little pigs.
Wizard
Taniora Ratahi (5) casts a spell
on the Harry Potter float.
Dressed as Alice Through the Looking Glass characters ready for the Santa Parade are (back from left) Courtney Lloyd (15), Ella Hodgson (15), Alex Barkman (12), Sophie Lloyd (13), Ruby Goodchild (13), (front from left) Damon Fleming (9), Alexia Fleming...
Orokonui Ecosanctuary educator Tahu Mackenzie shows off her decorative outfit before the parade.
Friends Charlotte Henderson (10) and Taj Morey (9) are astronauts on the space ship float.
Sisters Mackenzie (7, left) and Sophie (11) Johnston take a break from decorating a fire engine before the Santa Parade on Sunday.
Children, and their parents, were eager to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on Sunday.
The annual parade was held in George St, attracting about 40,000 people.
Floats included Barbie, a dragon, fairies and wizards, as well as musical performances.
The Star reporter Jessica Wilson captured some action before the parade.
