Christmas has come early for Te Puke with a raft of festive events in the town – including the traditional and remarkable float parade next Saturday, December 2.

EPIC Te Puke’s Rebecca Larsen says the Seeka Te Puke Christmas Float Parade begins 11am December 2, looping the main street twice with a wonderful array of delightfully decorated floats.

“This year, of course, we have Santa – but we also have other famous people in the parade, as the theme is Fame and Fortune/Christmas Movies.”

Expect to see rugby player Nathan Harris, Masterchef NZ 2014-come-iconic-Kiwi-chefs Kasey and Karena Bird, beauty pageant contestants Jerrie-Lee Ngareta Hill and Amaleigh Manktelow, some of the ‘Matilda’ cast, and Western BOP Mayor James Denyer dotted throughout the parade.

Rebecca says the parade has great float prizes – with categories for Main Theme, Education, Business, Community Organisations and a new Individuals section.

The parade finishes noon – and is followed by a market day in Jubilee Park called Christmas in Te Puke, offering a range of festivities, entertainment, plus food and items for sale.

The following Friday night, December 8, Epic Te Puke’s Christmas Night Market from 4.30pm-8pm will be in Te Puke War Memorial Hall.

“So there’s lots of Christmas celebrations this year in Te Puke to enjoy. After a soggy 2023 Christmas, a wet year, and Covid, this year the community can re-connect in the lead-up to December 25.”

Rebecca also reminds people the EPIC Te Puke Shopping Spree is on from now until December 2. Anyone who spends any amount of money on products and services at participating Te Puke businesses until December 2 has a chance to win $1000 worth of EPIC Te Puke dollars. The winner is drawn Monday, December 4.