Orewa’s most anticipated event is nearly here, with the annual New World Santa Parade set to bring festive cheer to the Hibiscus Coast on Saturday, November 29.

The parade draws more than 10,000 locals and visitors, making it the biggest Christmas parade north of the bridge.

Coasties can look forward to colourful floats, lively marching bands, plenty of cheerful characters, and Santa himself waving along the route.

The parade begins at 4:30 pm, setting off from Hillary Square on Florence Avenue, then travelling down Hibiscus Coast Highway before finishing at the Orewa Beach Reserve car park next to the Surf Club.

For safety and space, all parking bays along the route will be closed from 8 am, and cars left on Florence Avenue or Hibiscus Coast Highway between 3 pm and 6 pm will be towed.

Expect local road closures too: Alice and Edward Avenue will be residents only from 8 am to 2 pm, then fully closed until 6 pm.

Florence Avenue and the Hibiscus Coast Highway (from West Hoe Road to Centreway Road) will be shut from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Free parking will be at Western Reserve off Centreway Road, weather permitting.

Best viewing spots are along Florence Avenue by Hillary Square and The Coffee Club, or anywhere on the Hibiscus Coast Highway between Florence Avenue and the Surf Club.

From 3 pm to 7 pm, the Rotary Christmas Carnival will add more fun at the Surf Club car park, with amusement rides for all ages, food trucks, and sweet treats.

Locals might see everything from bouncy castles to donuts, snow cones and more.

This is a true community day out, and a Coast tradition that signals the start of summer and the Christmas season.

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