Too much Christmas spirit is being blamed for ugly scenes in central Auckland, where a group of drunks dressed as Santa has been on the rampage.

Santas were seen urinating in the street, throwing bottles, fighting and stealing from shops last night.

About 40 men in red Santa suits were seen in several parts of the city centre, all in an extremely intoxicated state.

There were complaints of tagging and theft. Some Santas attacked a giant Christmas tree at the SkyCity casino.

At one point the violence got out of hand, with rocks being thrown at buses, smashing windows.

Police came close to moving in on the group several times but say the Santas managed to get away on foot.

Just three arrests were made.