The Golden Bay Santa Parade will start at 10am on Saturday, featuring colorful floats, a band, and Santa himself. The event is organized by the Golden Bay Workcentre Trust and will take place regardless of the weather.
In Richmond, a community Christmas party will be held on December 9, following the cancellation of the Santa Parade due to bad weather. The party will include entertainment, face painting, games, free slushies, a Christmas costume competition, and a chance to take a free photo with Santa.
The Nelson Santa Parade will take place on December 10, with over 50 floats taking to the streets to celebrate the festive season. The parade has been organized by the Nelson Santa Parade Trust, who have been working all year to create new floats and refresh old ones.
The Complete History of Nelson (Abridged) is a theatre show that humorously explores the region’s history. The show will run from December 1-10 at Founders Heritage Park.
The Christmas Journey is a free event where participants can explore the ancient city of Bethlehem, meet characters, and take part in experiences. Bookings are required for the event, which will take place at the Headingly Centre in Richmond.
Other events include a trio playing world music at the Riverside Community Centre, a pantomime at the Nelson Repertory Theatre, lunchtime concerts at the Nelson Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival, and an exhibition of fine woodworking at the Parker Gallery.
Sue Heydon’s exhibition, Return Delivery, explores the idea of returning English garden bird descendants to their country of origin. The exhibition will be held at the Refinery ArtSpace from December 4-January 13.
The Back of Beyond is a children’s art exhibition featuring works by Ukrainian children living through the war in Ukraine. The exhibition will be held at the Motueka Library Te Noninga Kumu from November 22-December 16.
Other events include a biennial exhibition showcasing the best of Nelson’s ceramic art scene at the Suter Art Gallery, a play based on Graham Greene’s classic novel at the Wakefield Village Hall, a lively show by the Gypsy Pickers at The Boathouse, and a performance of Alice in Wonderland by Ballet Nelson at the Theatre Royal.
The Umbrella Market invites children aged 8-16 years to sell their goods in the lead-up to Christmas. Each child brings a standard rain umbrella which becomes their “stall” in which to place the goods for sale. The market will take place at 1903 Square on December 9.
Finally, the Trees of Remembrance offer an opportunity to support Nelson Tasman Hospice and remember those who can’t be with us during Christmas. The trees will be on display at various locations in Nelson and Richmond from November 16-January 11.
