McAlpines Family Fun
Zone
Fun activities for kids of all ages with inflatables, floaties, bikes,
📅 Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Location: Kaiapoi Park, Smith Street
🎟 Entry: FREE!
Lion Foundation Christmas Carnival
A community celebration with entertainment, craft stalls, food.
📅 Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Location: Kaiapoi Park, Smith Street
🎟 Entry: FREE
Featuring exciting carnival activities. There will be over 100 stalls with a focus on North Canterbury arts and crafts. There will be around 20 food trucks with a yummy delights, a huge range of ethnic foods, desserts, and drinks.
During the day there will be numerous musical performances and other entertainers on the
KIWI GAMING COMMUNITY GREEN.
Kaiapoi Toyota Christmas Parade
Watch over 50 floats and welcome Father Christmas to Kaiapoi.
📅 Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Location: Kaiapoi Park, Smith Street
🎟 Entry: FREE
Over 8,000 visitors are expected to watch the 2026 much-anticipated
Kaiapoi Toyota Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 1:30pm, at the western end of Dale Street, travelling south along Ranfurly Street passing the historic Kaiapoi Mill ,before finishing in Sidey Quay.
Kids don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto – Proudly sponsored,and constructed by
– Kaiapoi Trellis.–
Food Vendors: Applications close: 31 October 2026.
Now Closed.
Stall Sites: Applications close 31st October 2026.
Closing soon.
Float Entries : Please apply below to complete.
Closing 21st Nov 2026.
How to get there.
Carnival Layout.
Santa Parade Route.
Official Event Programme
Time
Activity
9.30
Carnival opens to the public
10.30
Opening & Kapa Haka 🎵
11.00
Music; – Kerryn.
11.30
Children’s Entertainment; – Lou Keer.🎵
12.00 noon
Children’s Entertainment;-Strawberry Fairy & friends.
12.30
Children’s Entertainment ;- Strawberry Fairy & friends.
1.00
Children’s Entertainment;-Strawberry Fairy & friends.
1.30
The iconic Kaiapoi Toyota Santa Parade.
2.30
Music; – Kerryn
3.30
Carnival closes; – Thank you.
Our Major Event Sponsors.
FAQ’s
About the Christmas Carnival.
Wear comfortable footwear, a sunhat and sunscreen. Bring your reusable water bottle. There are water refill stations at three locations (north, central, south event areas). No large suitcases or glass bottles. Outside food and drink allowed for baby snacks and medical needs only.
Is smoking permitted?
No. Smoking is not permitted at this event.
Will alcoholic drinks be available?
No. There won’t be any alcohol sold at this event and you cannot bring alcohol into the event.
What are the rules about Pets
Only certified service animals permitted in the event zone. No other pets for safety and crowd management. This will be enforced.
♿ What Accessibility facilities are available?
We are committed to making the event accessible for everyone: Wheelchair access is available into the Kaiapoi club. across main event area.
Who is running the Kaiapoi Event ?
The event is being run by Kaiapoi Promotions Association, a not for profit group run by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to running free community events in Kaiapoi.
Do you have EFTPOS and cash out facilities?
No, we will not have EFTPOS available. Many individual stallholders and food trucks will offer EFTPOS, but please bear in mind that some will be cash only depending on their facilities.
Where do I park and is there a fee?
Available at Wylie Park, Raven Quay. Follow the signs from Smith Street. If you are attending the parade, please note this car park closes at 12 noon under the Traffic Management Plan. * * FREE * *
Please follow all parking signs and avoid no-parking areas. Vehicles parked in restricted areas may be towed and could delay the Kaiapoi Santa Parade.
Is the event suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the main event area is wheelchair accessible. We also have accessible toilets and designated disabled parking bays, are available at the Kaiapoi Rugby Club Grounds, accessed only via the main entrance on Smith Street. A valid mobility parking permit must be displayed.
🚑 First Aid
There is an on-site first aid provided by North & South first aid. In case of emergency, the first aid station is located near the main stage.
🛡️ Security
Security guards will patrol the event; Please follow event staff instructions in case of emergency or evacuation.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The carnival is an all-weather event. In case of extreme weather, please check our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Can I apply to be a stallholder?
Yes! We welcome applications from local businesses and community groups. Click here for application forms and deadlines.
Our Major Event Sponsors & Supporters.
