Santa Claus is coming to Papamoa this weekend for the first of the region's Christmas parades.

Around 50 floats will make their way down Dickson Road to the Papamoa Plaza from 12pm on Sunday, November 26, competing for the Papamoa Shield.

The float competition will be judged by Papamoa councillors Steve Morris and Leanne Brown and Santa Claus will make an appearance in a red convertible.

The Christmas festivities will continue after the parade outside the Papamoa Beach Tavern with a bouncy castle, petting zoo, face painting and pony rides for the children, and Little Big Markets will be on site with food stalls.

The More FM bus will also be at the parade collecting presents and non-perishable food items for local charities Women's Refuge, Homes of Hope, Good Neighbour Trust and Shakti Women's Refuge. Presents should be labelled with the age and sex the present is suitable for.