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The 2009 Wellington Santa Parade took place on schedule on Sunday 15 November.

The good news was that the All Whites won their FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Bahrain the previus night, which meant the Tip Top Santa Parade doubled as an All Whites victory parade. All Whites spokesman Jamie Scott said the team jumped at the chance to take part in the parade, which attracted more than 65,000 spectators. The All Whites beat Bahrain 1-0 to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Wotzon.com is the number 1 site for parade information and we carried updates through the weekend, including weather conditions.

The annual Tip Top Santa Parade is here to help get Wellington into the spirit of the holidays and festive season. With 65,000 spectators lining the streets of Wellington's CBD, it is huge day out for families.In 2009 the crowds saw the return of crowd favourite floats like Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants, plus a special appearance by the Wot Wots. Santa was at the end of the parade with his reindeer and sleigh as always. Plus there were animals, fantasy floats and much, much more.

The Wellington Tip Top Santa Parade started at the corner of Ballance Street and Lambton Quay at 2pm, then traveled down Lambton Quay to Willis Street. Then it turned onto Mercer Street, across to Wakefield Street and ends on Cuba Street at the northern entrance to Cuba Mall.

Head float builder Robert Baldock said one exciting new float in 2009 was feature Snoopy and the Red Baron, with two beautiful planes flying through the skies.

About 86 groups and floats took part in the parade, including Chinese political lobby group Falun Gong, which had battled to be included in previous parades.

Once the parade was over there was more excitement to be had with the Popsicle After Party in Civic Square, returning after being held in 2008 for the first time ever. Santa was there as well as live entertainment from Batucada, the Bodyworks Dance Crew, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and the Tip Top Popsicle Band. Like 2008, people could dress up like a rock star at the Popsicle Road Show caravan and have their photo taken with the band. The Popsicle After Party kicked off at 3.15pm in Civic Square and finished up at around 4:30pm.

The Tip Top Santa Parade - or is that Christmas Parade - is an iconic community event. It is a chance to share in the Christmas spirit, and to make the day special for the thousands of families who turn out to this magical event. 65,000 Wellingtonians line the parade route to watch Santa and his helpers wind their way through the central city every year.

The Santa Parade is one of Wellington’s oldest events, dating back to the 1960s when it was called the James Smith Parade. The parade is organised by the Council and Tip Top is back on board as the naming rights sponsor. The parade is also sponsored on an ongoing basis by The Dominion Post and The Radio Network.

There were a number of road closures and temporary parking restrictions in the central city on the day. Parade spectators were encouraged to use public transport to avoid traffic delays and congestion. There were also be some alternative bus stops in place on Jervois Quay to accommodate the stops along Lambton Quay being out of use on the day. For information on these stops, and more detailed information on bus diversions and delays, visit Metlink's website or give them a call on 0800 801 700.

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