Santa is Leading the Fun as the Christmas Parade Returns to Horowhenua
Published on November 27, 2025
Santa’s sleigh bells are ringing and Levin is gearing up for a big day of Christmas magic. On Saturday 6 December 2025 from 2pm, the Christmas Parade and Carnival will fill the town with colour, music and festive fun. Santa has confirmed he’ll be right there in the heart of it all.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the event is always a highlight for the district. “Christmas is a time to connect, celebrate and enjoy being part of a community. The Parade and Carnival bring out the very best of Horowhenua and it is wonderful to see so many families coming together for this special day. We are very grateful to Higgins for supporting the event again this year.”
The parade will start at 2pm from the corner of Victoria Street and Weraroa Road, travelling along Weraroa Road, turning onto Bath Street and finishing at the Levin Domain on Salisbury Street, where the Christmas Carnival will be waiting with food stalls, games, live entertainment and activities for the whole whānau.
To help the event run safely and smoothly, several streets will be temporarily closed on Saturday 6 December 2025.
• Victoria Street will be closed from 11am to 2.30pm for float assembly, with resident access allowed but no parking during this time.
• Salisbury Street between Queen Street and Bath Street will be closed from 1pm to 6.30pm for the Christmas Carnival.
• Weraroa Road, Bath Street, Hannan Street and Carlisle Street will be closed from 1.45pm to 2.30pm.
Detours will be clearly marked and emergency vehicles will have immediate access if required.
Other Christmas Events Across the District
Foxton Christmas Fair – Saturday 29 November 2025, 10am to 3pm
A lively market day in Foxton with food trucks, craft stalls, live music, kids activities, a petting zoo, classic cars and photos with Santa.
Candlelit Christmas – Stories and Carols – Saturday 6 December 2025, 7.30pm to 8.45pm
A peaceful evening of carols and storytelling led by HYPE Youth at Levin Uniting Church, with hundreds of candles creating a warm and reflective atmosphere. Free entry.
Thompson Memorial Cultural Centre, from Saturday 6 December 2025
The Centre and Gardens will be transformed with Christmas lights and displays, creating a festive Christmas house experience. The Centre will be open to the public on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, with Father Christmas attending and a model railway in the gardens.
Shannon Christmas Parade & Celebrations – Sunday 14 December 2025, 9am to 3pm
A full day of festive fun in Shannon with live music, food stalls, bouncy castles, free tamariki activities and a welcoming Kaumātua Space. The parade begins at 11.30am.
Christmas Avenue of Trees – Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025
A magical display of decorated Christmas trees, festive lights and Santa’s Lounge at the Levin Uniting Church and Community Centre. Entry is a non-perishable food item or two dollars, supporting local food banks.
With so many events happening across Horowhenua, it is the perfect time to gather your whānau, enjoy the celebrations and soak up the Christmas spirit.