Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty will be jam-packed with Christmas spirit this weekend as festive activities unfold.

Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park will bring a day of fun, food and festive spirit to Soper Reserve at Mount Maunganui on Saturday, December 7.

But the event isn’t just about celebrating the season – it’s to support those in need during the holidays.

Organised by the Community Projects Charitable Trust in partnership with The Breeze Tauranga’s Stuff the Bus campaign, the event is free to attend but attendees are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation, non-perishable food, or a wrapped gift.

All donations collected will be distributed to local charities across the region in time for Christmas.

Chris Duffy, a Community Projects Charitable Trust representative, highlighted the impact of the rising cost of living on many families, noting that for some, Christmas can be a difficult time.

“We get numerous emails from people living on the breadline who are too proud or don’t feel they can ask for help. It’s a real struggle for many out there,” said Chris. “A lot of people have said they just can’t afford Christmas this year.”

Chris encourages businesses and individuals who can donate to get involved. “If you are in a position to help and want to be part of this kaupapa, this is your way of giving back.” Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park 2024 is on Saturday, December 7, from 10am-4pm at Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui.

Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park aims to bring a little bit of festive spirit to the families who need it most. Photo / ilk Photography

Rewind to Friday night, December 6, and Te Puke is having its Epic Night Markets’ Christmas Market at Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 130 Jellicoe St, from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

The Katikati Santa Parade begins at 3pm on Saturday, December 7. The parade starts at Katikati College on Beach Rd and heads down Carisbrooke St, with floats parking up at Moore Park. Follow the floats to the park for Katikati’s Christmas in the Park event from 3.30pm-5.30pm offering live music, kids entertainment, food and market stalls.

If you’re in Tauranga CBD there’s a free Razzle Dazzle Reindeer Trail in the City Centre on offer until Sunday, December 22. People, young and old, can dance, dash and prance their way around the trail by scanning a QR code to follow trail and enter a draw to win prizes. See: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz.

The Ōmokoroa Christmas Carols in the Park is this Saturday, December 7, from 5pm-8pm at Western Ave sportsground, offering live performances, food trucks, face painting, inflatables, a photo booth and lots more.

Don’t’ forget – Pāpāmoa’s Superhero Santa Parade is this Sunday, December 8, from 10.30am. The start location is Dickson Rd, beginning at Alexander Place; then the parade will head down Domain Rd to Pāpāmoa Plaza, where Santa will arrive 12.30pm for festive fun and photos in the grotto.

And Carols at Athenree Homestead is also on Sunday, December 8, from 3pm-5pm. The community carol singing event is a fun time for people of all ages. Music will be led by Katikati Concert Band and Waihi Beach Singers.

To find more festive events, visit: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz or: www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/events/event-calendar.

- SunLive