Pak'n Save Papamoa Santa Parade organiser Kate Percy says Papamoa really showed their Christmas and community spirit today with the annual event attended by more than 10,000 people.

Kate says it was the second time in the event's history the parade has taken place and she believes it just gets bigger and better.

A large crowd turned out for this year's Santa Parade in Papamoa. Photos: Cameron Avery.

More than 50 floats took part in the event with families really getting into the spirit of the parade.

The guest of honour was the jolly chap himself Santa Claus who Kate says was as popular as ever.

'He got mobbed. Obviously he was the last float and the kids were just so excited and couldn't wait for him to get out to them. So they could have their photos and give him high-fives.”

Kate says the community really got behind the event this year showing their community and Christmas spirit, with a number of organisations such as the local Scouts looking to raise funds.

'It's key you know. The thing about our event it encompasses the whole community. It's businesses, it's organisations, it's sports clubs, it's charities, it's everybody. It is the one chance for everybody to be under the same umbrella.

'It is amazing there has been a huge response from the community, there was no rain. We've had 50 plus brilliant floats who have really taken it up a notch from last year and we've had lots of smiley faces at the Little, Big Market.”

This year's best float was won by Porse who Kate says were well deserved winners.

'All of the floats were fantastic it was so hard to choose a winner.”

Kate says there is no doubt the event will be back again next year.