Jingle bells are set to ring throughout the Thames Valley this silly season. The jolly man in the big red suit has set his sights on our region, so keep your eyes peeled for all things Christmas in your town. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from Christmas carols with the Kerepēhi Brass Band and the Ngātea Xmas Funday, to the Paeroa and Thames Santa Parades, Te Kauaeranga Whānau Day, and Waihī Christmas at the lake.
If you wish to join in the festivities happening in your area across the next month, here are some noteworthy dates to jot down on your calendar.
November 26: Kerepēhi Brass Band Christmas Carols at the Beach for the Kaiaua Seaside Market at 925 East Coast Rd, 11am-1pm. The band will also play Christmas Carols in Ngatea on November 29; Paeroa on December 6; and Thames on December 13, all from 6.30pm.
The Paeroa Santa Parade will kick off at 5pm on December 1 with the theme: ‘Winter Wonderland’.
The Thames Santa Dash opens the Santa Parade at 10:50am in Pollen St on December 9, followed by Te Kauaeranga Whānau Day at Thames South School with the theme: ‘The Environment – Loving the Earth’. Live entertainment, free activities, rock climbing wall, bouncy castle, food and market stalls.
Waihī Christmas at the lake begins at 2pm on December 10, with live music, creative kids activities, fun rides, stalls, food trucks, prizes and more.
Santa will be there and so will his grotto. On December 15, Paeroa Christmas Lights at Maritime Park will open, bookings online at www.historicalmaritimepark.co.nz.
In Ngātea, celebrations begin on December 17 with the Xmas Funday at the Ngatea War Memorial Hall, 10am-3pm, gold coin entry. Entertainment all day, food trucks, more than 80 stalls, Santa, face painting, kids rides and lots more.
On December 22, enjoy Carols in the Karangahake Gorge hosted by Kerepēhi Brass Band from 6.30pm.
DETAILS: To find out more about what is happening in your town, check out our Events tab on the Coromandel App, free to download in your Smartphone app store.
