Friday Five: Fun and festive weekend activities in the city

1. Johnsonville Charitable Trust Lions Christmas Parade returns!

Come see Santa and celebrate Christmas this Saturday 3 December from 11am at the 23rd annual Johnsonville Christmas parade! The route starts at Dr Taylor Terrace and travels along Broderick Road, Johnsonville Road, Moorefield Road and Frankmoore Avenue. Afterwards, you can meet parade characters at the Memorial Park next to Waitohi. 

The parade route will be blocked off from 10.30am. Leave the car at home if you can. Find out more on the Facebook event.

2. Hit the streets for the Thorndon Fair

This huge street fair highlights the charms of historic Thorndon, with over 20,000 people and 250 stallholders gathering on the first Sunday of December every year. It's the perfect chance to do some Christmas shopping for beautiful hand-made gifts from different stalls, enjoy live music and have a bite to eat from a range of food trucks! 

Head along this Sunday 4 December from 10am to 3pm to join in the fun. Find out more on Facebook.

3. Celebrate Karori’s improved town centre

We can’t wait to showcase and celebrate the fantastic upgrades in the new space of the Karori Town Centre with the community! On Saturday 3 December, there will be activities for the whole whānau, so come along for some arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, some kai, and music. We will have some chill zones and play zones for you and the family to enjoy. 

Things will kick off from 10am to 2pm. See the programme of activities.

4. Join in the festivities at the Kilbirnie Santa Parade

Get into the festive spirit and see all your favourite floats at the Kilbirnie Santa Parade on Sunday 4 December from 10.30am onwards. Have a full day of free family fun and meet the big man himself at Santa's Grotto. Find out more about the parade on Facebook.

5. Te Awa-A-Taia Summer Vibes 

This Sunday 4 December, head along to a family-friendly free play event, suited to adults and children of all ages. Te Awa-A-Taia Summer Vibes is on from 11am to 2pm at Kilbirnie Recreation Centre, and everyone’s invited! Find out more on our website.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.