The Annual Picton Christmas Parade and Carols will take place on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Join the parade, then enjoy a foreshore concert featuring our wonderful local tamariki. Free face painting will be available, and a few food stalls will be fundraising for local schools. We’re hoping for sunshine, light winds, and a warm festive atmosphere.

It’s a lovely way to welcome Christmas, the summer holidays, and special family time. We look forward to seeing you again this year, dressed up with your group, business, school, or preschool. You’re never too old to enjoy the Picton Christmas Parade!

The decorated shop window competition will be judged prior to the Parade so find that creative staff member to decorate your windows. Entry forms will be available at the Picton Book Shop.

Entry is free, but everyone must complete an entry form for health and safety and to help the committee and Chief Marshal organise the parade. Forms will be available from The Picton Book Shop, where the Santa Letter Box will also be ready for Christmas wishes.

Picton Fresh Choice will hand out free raffle tickets during the parade for a food hamper and Christmas cakes. Winners must be on the foreshore when the raffles are drawn to claim their prizes.

The parade starts at 2.30pm at the top of High Street, outside the Picton Police Station. It will travel down High Street, turn right into Waikawa Road, left into Wellington Street, then continue along London Quay. It will then turn left into High Street, head to Summit Corner, circle the roundabout, return down High Street, turn left into London Quay past Fork & Fable, and finish outside Port Marlborough on Auckland Street. The concert begins at 3pm, with Santa available for family photos. Prize giving for Best Community Float and Best Business Float will also take place from 3pm.

Thank you to Marlborough Lines the main sponsor along with Fulton Hogan, Marlborough District Council, Port Marlborough, O’Donnell Park Barging, Kenny Barging, Picton Fresh Choice, The Picton Lions, The Picton Book Shop, Signs Now.