Bring in the children and come and see Santa Claus this Christmas as he treks in via punt and train on the Avon River to Riverside Market.

Santa Claus will begin his trek into Riverside Market by boat, boarding a punt at the Boat Shed stop, near the Christchurch Hospital before he glides down the Avon River, then jumping on the Peace Train and riding into Riverside Markets. Santa Claus will then take a seat on his sleigh parked outside Riverside Market where children will be welcomed to come and see Santa Claus and tell him what they are wanting for Christmas this year. 

The Christmas cheer doesn't end there, the much loved Peace Train will be in service outside Riverside Market offering children rides up and down the terrace. The Peace Train is a children's train that was donated by musician Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) to the city of Christchurch after the Mosque Attacks. This much loved children's attraction can be seen circling the Botanical Gardens with children on board on Sunday mornings. 

Please note, a gold coin donation is required to sit in Santa's sleigh, this is a donation to go to Cholmondeley  Children's Home. Cholmondeley Children’s Centre has been providing short term emergency or planned respite care for whānau with aged 5-12 since in times of crisis since 1925.

Timings are as follows:

11.30am: Santa Claus departs the Boat Shed via punt on the Avon River

12pm: Santa Claus begins welcoming children into his sleigh

11am-2pm Peace Train rides

Timings maybe subject to change. If in the event the weather is restrictive, the postponement date is Saturday 14th December.