Papamoa is gearing up for its first-ever official visit from the jolly, red-suited man with the suburb hosting its first-ever Christmas Parade this November.

Float applications are now open for the inaugural Pak'n Save Papamoa Santa Parade, organised by Papamoa Unlimited, on November 23.

Events manager Kate Percy says about 30 community groups and businesses have so far registered their interest in the parade from Dickson Rd to Palm Beach Plaza.

Santa is booked and ready to go too, says Kate, who is encouraging as many different businesses, groups and organisations to apply for a spot in the parade.

'That way the parade itself ends up being like a moving picture of the community.”

Kate says the parade is also an opportunity for people to promote their business for nothing, as there's no entry fee.

'We want to put on an event where people aren't being asked to put their hands in their pockets for anything.

'But if they are then they know the money that they do spend is going back into the community.”

Palm Beach Plaza centre manager and Papamoa Unlimited chairman David Hill says a targeted rates system and sponsorship is being used to fund the coordination of the event.

'Pak'n Save is on board as naming right sponsors, which is very exciting.”

David says the parade will help put the spotlight on the Papamoa community.

'Papamoa's screaming out for a focal point for community events.”

'Lots of local businesses are on board and were already into the thousands of dollars' worth of giveaways on the day. It's all about Papamoa businesses giving back to the community.”

The theme for the parade is ‘Kiwi Christmas and what it means to you' and entry forms must be completed and returned by October 31.

The parade on November 23 is expected to start at midday, with the Post-Parade Party on the paddock opposite Palm Beach Plaza from 1pm to 3pm. The parade party's MCs are More FM presenters Bel Crawford and Brendon Weatherley.

Anyone interested in registering can visit the event Facebook page at www.facebook.com/papamoasantaparade or email [email protected]