Wellington Santa & Victory Parade!

BritMumInNZ

The rain held off, the wind was strong, but thousands braved it to celebrate the All White’s victory and see the amazing floats, bands and, of course, Father Christmas. We found quite a sheltered spot on Lambton Quay, tucked back from any ‘wind tunnels’. We got there early, so we’d have a spot at the front and not have to watch the parade with children hanging from our shoulders! They waited so patiently and with great excitement.

The Santa Parade gave the children a dose of their favourite TV & movie characters, Christmas themed floats near the end and the wonderful ambiance of marching bands.

Heading the parade was the All Whites, who were met with a huge cheer from the crowd. Regardless of how they get on at the World Cup, they’ve already won big for New Zealand. Go All Whites!

Here’s a short video clip of some of the highlights:

The reactions from the children around us was such a joy. We are so glad we went into town to join in the celebrations. We found a car-park easily, in the underground at the Intercontinental, and enjoyed a relaxing cuppa at the hotel after the parade. The girls were in awe and were quite ‘blown away’ by it all. Charli loved the Battacuda band and said she’d love to join up when she’s older. Sophie enjoyed seeing her favourite T.V. characters and two magnificent Shire horses. We were all quite ‘pumped’ after the fun and decided a late afternoon swim would be the perfect way to finish up the day – and indeed it was.

Here’s some choice pics from the parade:

Links:

White out steals Santas show – Stuff.co.nz

Related posts

4 thoughts on “Wellington Santa & Victory Parade!”

  1. Aww, I’m feeling blue now, I remember going to that last year! 🙁

      Awww, lovey, hope you can get to something near you. It seemed strange seeing a ‘Santa parade’ in early November, but then the deadline for economy postage to the UK is this coming Monday, so I guess I really should be putting on my elf hat and embracing it! 🙂

  2. We just loved watching the Santa parade and our feet were tapping away to the super bands and all. Just felt we were there in the crowd…super video and loved the still shots too. Good on you going for a late swim too…no end to your energy levels…well done!!

      Glad you enjoyed the video. The swim was actually very relaxing. Sophie just wanted to bob under the water to collect sinkers and pull faces, so I just enjoyed a good float, whilst keeping my shoulders under to keep warm! x

  3. Glad you got there Sarah, with Dan and the kids. Hideously windy wasn’t it, but that’s Wellington I’m afraid, and at least, as you say, it didn’t rain. Worth it just to applaud those footballers, but I loved those beautiful shire horses too. Much squealing with delight from littlies around me when some character came by whom I thought was dressed as a piece of Swiss cheese. But no.. this was Spongebob Squarepants!! and all and sundry were singing along to his song. Needless to say I had never heard of this cartoon phenomenon. But then I go waaaaaaay back to Noddy and Big Ears.

      Phil, I laughed at your comment about Spongebob, as if it wasn’t for our girls I wouldn’t have had a clue who have the characters in the parade were either! The Shire horses and marching bands were my favourite and I’m so glad we went. Glad you enjoyed it too 🙂

  4. Hey Sarah! Yay another Kiwi(ish) blogger! I’m trying to hunt down more of us… My hubby is a Geordie and we just returned from the UK for a holiday last month. I’ll try and add you to my reader but in the meantime, I’m going to bookmark you! luv Simone xx

      Hi Simone, I saw your side button on your trip to the UK and must have a look one evening soon. There’s a few of us Kiwi Mummy bloggers around – I’ll have to put them together on my links widget. It’s great to pick up ideas, tips and moral support from fellow parents – and have a moment of sanity and escapism! 😉 x

Comments are closed.