The Christmas carols were booming, red, green and gold were the colours of the day, and there was tinsel aplenty.
The start of December also marked the start of the silly season in Dunedin, thanks to the Dunedin Santa Parade.
Thousands of revellers of all ages lined George St, from North Dunedin to the Octagon, to check out the spectacle yesterday afternoon.
It was certainly a sight to behold.
After all, where else would you see Jack Sparrow strutting alongside clowns on rollerskates, or Batman trailing a group of elves?
It was also a magical affair, with a new Harry Potter-themed float proving to be a fan favourite.
Manning one of the broomsticks was Jensen Bosworth (13).Dressed in his Hogwarts best, he was pleased to be part of the big day.
"I’ve been in the parade before as a Scout, but not on a float."
Just before the event began, the star attraction of the parade, Santa himself, was getting ready at George Street Normal School.
His sleigh had been given a spruce up ahead of the parade, the snow was sparkling white, and the reindeer had been put through their paces, he said.
While an overcast sky made for a slightly chilly start to summer, he was not complaining.
"I’m from the North Pole, I need it to be a bit cooler."
He said the best part of the parade were the children getting into the Christmas spirit.
"They’re cheering for Santa, for the concept of Christmas, that’s what I find the most marvellous."
Meanwhile, waiting eagerly for the action to begin from their prime Octagon vantage point were Baronn Ritchie (8) and his sister Anahera Williamson (5).
Decked out in antlers, flashing raindeer glasses, and other festive gear, the pair were looking forward to the main event.
Baronn could not decide which float he was most excited about seeing, but Anahera was keen to check out the Rainbow Rosalind truck, which featured one of her friends.
The hubbub of the crowd rose as the floats began snaking their way up the street, accompanied by Christmas carols and bagpipes.
And then, with a few final waves from the jolly fat man, it was all over for another year.
Santa Parade Trust chairwoman Michelle Ellwood believed about 40,000 people attended this year’s event.
She said everything ran smoothly, thanks to the "fantastic" volunteers.
