Santa's Grotto

The Jackson Street Programme is bringing to you the tradition of twilight parades in Petone. The Petone Twilight Christmas Parade is on Friday, the 22nd of November starting at 7pm.

The route is Jackson Street from Buick Street to Petone Avenue. Floats include local schools, churches, sports clubs, cultural groups, bands plus amazing character floats. The Jackson Street Programme says “We have over 50 fantastic floats in this year’s parade, including many from our local community, plus Santa of course!

Which then leads on to the switching on the lights and listening to chorus music while The Jackson Street Programme open the Santa’s Grotto as Santa resides in Petone up to four weeks of the year at 274b Jackson Street, Petone in the Old Historical Police Station Lock Up.

The old Lock Up is transformed from a Police Museum into an entertaining, interactive Christmas Grotto that children’s dreams are explored beyond their imaginations.

Travel to Petone for the day to check out this year theme and keep our elves on their toes as the people of all ages explore. Once the Grotto has been explored, the children are able to meet Santa and for parents to take a photograph of this special moment.

A designated room within the Santa’s Grotto is set up for Women’s Refuge, where presents are left from caring strangers. We hear the children ask why do we leave presents here? While they are given an explanation our heart breaks with joy by the generosity of the community for this cause every year.

In the weekends, parents, caregivers or grandparents head off down Jackson Street in the sunshine on a free Treasure Hunt. The kids enjoy spending time writing letters to Santa and post them in the Santa’s letter box at 274b Jackson Street, Petone. Santa writes back to every letter. So much sure you include a return address!

Free for all.