A Night Before Christmas event manager Luisa Schroder says Tauranga really got into the swing of last night's big event.

Luisa says more than 7000 locals took part in the event at Mills Reef Winery and Restaurant last night.

More than 7000 people enjoyed the festivities at Mills Reef. Photos: Leah Rogers.

'The Mills Reef fields was virtually full… For me the highlight would have been the cross-generational gathering that I saw and people dancing with their candles lit, with the sun setting on a balmy beautiful evening, people singing Christmas carols at the top of their voice and the fireworks at the end of the night.”

Organised by Bethlehem Baptist Church, the event was full of music, art, and entertainment Luisa says.

'We gave away some pretty epic giveaways. It's Christmas so in the spirit of generosity and giving away, every year we give away something as a random act. This year we gave away a barbeque, a toy remote control Mercedes ride-on car to two local families. Just the joy of giving away something like that was very exciting.”

Luisa says there was such a variety of local talent on display and it included the headline act of Late 80's Mercedes.

'They're a 10 piece sort of swing, funk rock band who had, really literally everyone on their feet dancing.”

She says the event was so successful plans are underway for next year.

'It was a resounding success. It exceeded our hopes and expectations.”

The event which is free does a collection for a worthy course which was Good Neighbour Trust. The final tally hadn't been counted but Louisa says the 'bags were bulging”.

Tauranga's Christmas in the Park was also enjoyed by thousands last night.

The event was headlined by Kiwi legend Dave Dobbyn and he was joined by Julia Deans, Beau Monga and Tiki Taane who was filming a special performance of his new song dedicated to the Bay of Plenty.

Event organiser Rachelle Duffy from Little Big Events says thousands turned up at Blake Park to be part of the event and to be a part of Tiki's special live version of his new single.

To see a video of the highlights of the night, click here.