Let the fun begin!

Christmas is coming and as usual the Bluff community are working hard to make the festive season memorable for young and old alike.

December will see three festive events, including the annual Santa Parade, Christmas In The Bluff (CITB) Gala Day and then, later in the month, the Decorated Christmas Shop Window Competition. 

It all begins on Sunday 7 December with the annual Bluff Promotions Santa Parade, supported this year by South Port NZ Ltd.

That will be followed as always by the very popular Christmas In The Bluff Gala Day at the Bluff Oyster Festival site.

This year’s Gala Day is a particularly special one as it is the tenth year the Christmas In The Bluff Committee have organised the event for the community.

Family fun at the CITB Gala Day. Credit: Yvonne Pickford

The parade will commence at 1pm with newly elected Mayor Tom Campbell and the Bluff Town Crier leading the way followed by cars, bikes, marching girls and plenty more including of course Santa.

It will follow its traditional route along Gore Street (SH1) before turning into Palmer Street to end at the Oyster Festival site on Barrow Street where the Christmas In The Bluff Gala Day will be getting under way.

The Santa Grotto will be one of the big highlights for the kids at the Gala Day but there is plenty more with face painting, mini jeeps, a bouncy castle, a chocolate wheel, food and craft stalls and live music. 

The Your Corps gaming area returns this year and is bound to be popular.

A Decorated Christmas Wreath Competition, with an opportunity to vote for your favourite by gold coin donation, is also a popular part of the day and a new innovation this year will be the Decorated Christmas Stocking Competition for children up to Form 2.

The Gala Day provides a wonderful atmosphere and is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family.

Santa Claus, always a big attraction at the Bluff Santa Parade supported by South Port NZ Ltd. Credit: Nicole McLiskey

The CITB Gala Day is all about the families having a fantastic day without having to worry about the cost – celebrating the 10th Anniversary with loads of smiles, fun and laughter.

Admission is free as is much of the entertainment making it a truly family friendly day.