Santa’s Darwin warm-up tour a hit with Territory kids

A visit from Santa and a main street Christmas parade are livening up Darwin for the silly season. Read what else is planned for the festive period.

Six weeks out from Christmas, Santa has been out-and-about in the Top End preparing locals for his big day.

The bearded gift-bringer made a spectacular helicopter touchdown at the Casuarina Square carpark on Friday afternoon watched-on by hundreds of children and their parents.

Before that, a colourful motorcade of vehicles made their way from Casuarina Beach along Trower Road to the shopping centre.

Various entertainers kept the crowd amused with juggling, jokes and tricks.

City of Darwin is also preparing for its ‘Very Darwin Christmas Pageant’, which returns to the Top End on November 18.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis launched Council’s Christmas program last week.

In 2022, more than 900 people and 50 floats took part in the pageant, which this year will take a slightly longer route through the CBD.

This year’s pageant will begin at the Esplanade and make their way through the CBD and finish at Smith Street Mall.

At 7pm on Saturday, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis will officially launch Christmas in Darwin when he lights the Christmas tree at the Westpac Bank end of Smith Street mall.

The weekend launch begins six weeks of fun and preparation leading up to Christmas.

On Saturday November 25 Council will host the Casuarina Cinemas Christmas party from 8.30am to 1pm which will include a visit from Santa, face painting, the Fun Bus and Christmas giveaways.

On Saturday December 9, Karama shopping plaza will host the Karama family fun fair from 2pm including face painting, school performances, prizes, library activities and a visit from Santa.

On December 16, Santa’s fun on wheels will kick-off with free entry from Nightcliff pool 3pm with carols by the sea beginning at Nightcliff foreshore from 6.15pm.

Darwin City brass band and other performers will bring carols to life.

The annual Variety Santa Fun Run and Walk will also return to the Darwin Waterfront on Sunday November 26.

SCROLL DOWN FOR IMAGES FROM SANTA’S VISIT

Santa’s descent by helicopter into Casuarina Square was watched by dozens of excited children and adults. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dozens of excited children and parents watched Santa’s spectacular arrival at Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Safe and sound! Santa popped in by chopper to meet kids and their parents at Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Santa was a popular visitor to Casuarina Square on Friday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Santa and the convoy gather at Casuarina Square after their colourful arrival. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Fairies warmed-up the fans before Santa’s spectacular arrival. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

The convoy on arrival at Casuarina square for the arrival of Santa Claus in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Savannah Mole, Shannon Mcarthy and Lily Rose Mcarthy at Casuarina square waiting on the arrival of Santa Claus in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darwin City Brass Band at Casuarina square waiting for Santa Claus to arrive in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Alan Maloney and Sariah Maloney at Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Christmas convoy arrives at Casuarina square in readiness for Santa. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Paramedics wait as Santa prepares to visit Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Liya Su, Anier Tong, Natasha Diamond, Olivia Diamond, Isabella Diamond, Manaia Johnstone, Emi Heffernan, Michiko Heffernan, Sara Heffernan and Clodagh Heffernan wait for Santa Claus to arrive at Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

City of Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis launches council's Christmas program for 2023.

Originally published as Santa’s Darwin warm-up tour a hit with Territory kids