A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant returns on Saturday, November 16, from 5:30 pm, promising to shine even brighter this year with a record number of floats and schools participating, organisers said.

The route will start at Knuckey Street on the Esplanade with the floats parading down Cavenagh Street and Bennett Street, and finish at Herbert Street.

The year’s Christmas Pageant will see over 50 floats and 11 schools set to spread Christmas cheer through Darwin City.

The pageant will include a variety of entertainment for all ages, with performances roaming throughout Smith Street Mall and along the parade route. Attendees can look forward to a broader selection of delicious food options across the city, enhanced accessibility areas, and plenty of free parking.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Northern Territory Government on the A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant, which gets bigger and better every year,” Darwin Mayor Kon Vatskalis said.

Mr Vatskalis said it was wonderful to see the record number of floats and schools participating where they will sing, dance, and walk through the city for everyone to enjoy.

“The Christmas Pageant kickstarts a fantastic range of Christmas events in our city, and I encourage everyone to make the most of what our vibrant and colourful city has to offer at this time of year. Christmas is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the magic of a Top End festive season,” he said.

A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant will start at 5:30 pm, with the Lord Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting scheduled for 7 pm. This new timing allows attendees to enjoy the festivities while avoiding the heat and fully embracing the Christmas spirit, organisers said.

The pageant heralds the start of the holiday season in Darwin. Local businesses and hospitality venues will receive encouragement and support to ensure their storefronts and spaces are beautifully adorned for the influx of visitors on pageant day.

“A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant is such a fantastic Territory event and it’s amazing to see so many community groups, schools, sporting clubs and organisations get involved this year,” Activate Darwin executive director Jo Smallacombe said.

“We’ve already seen some truly unique concepts for this year’s floats, and we think pageant goers will be really excited to see some of the new floats and critters making their pageant debut.”

“It’s a great excuse for locals to have a night out after the event and spread Christmas cheer by visiting some of the local cafes, restaurants, and bars open in Darwin city.”