The Christmas story of Mary and Joseph will come to life tomorrow when the Christmas Carols on the Waterfront returns to The Strand.

Mary and Joseph will make their way along The Strand walk along The Strand from 5.30pm and a sing-a-long on Tauranga's Waterfront at 6pm.

Elizabeth Leitch, 10, as Mary, and Finley Jones, 10, as Joseph, choosing a donkey for their journey. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Master of Ceremonies Simon McLeay says children are invited to dress up as shepherds or angels and follow Mary and Joseph on a donkey from No.1 The Strand to The Edgewater Fan, where they can join in a chorus of festive carols.

'The event is a chance for people of all faiths and no faith to come and hear the Christian story behind Christmas.”

In its fifth year, the event usually attracts about 1000 people and 'helps people to focus on the importance of family and the celebration of God's love for us, rather than what we get”.

'It's a free event and it's a little bit of time out from all the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas Day.”

Simon says carol singers can follow along with the words from the lift-out in The Weekend Sun.