There would be no Christmas for Kiwis without Auckland's introduction to the holiday season — the annual Farmers Santa Parade. Usually taking place in late November every year, or early December if the weather is not ideal, the grand parade has been what commenced the Christmas season for all New Zealanders for more than 80 years. Among the beloved characters that parade the streets are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Shrek, and Santa Claus himself, with the accompaniment of scores of marching bands, thematic floats, and multicultural community performances.