The festive season in the Wakatipu was launched in earnest and in warm sunshine when families gathered to enjoy two bouncy castles, a petting zoo, a Queenstown School of Dance performance, a magic show and festive pop music.
The guest star was Father Christmas, who arrived perched on the Shotover Jet mini-car with a police car escort and a Frankton fire engine in tow. After a few introductory words on stage, Santa sat in his grotto where youngsters had their photograph taken with him for free.
Santa's Christmas Tree Grotto will be in Smiths City from December 1 to Christmas Eve. Residents were invited to view the trees decorated by businesses and community groups and there will be more free photographs with the man in red, provided by the retailer.
