With sleigh bells ringing in the distance, and festivities popping up all over Aotearoa, it’s time to start planning how you can get amongst some of the best Christmas events this holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas lights, window displays or something interactive, I’ve rounded up a bunch of activities from around the country to put you in the festive mood.
AUCKLAND
Te Manaaki lighting ceremony
Auckland’s newest Christmas tradition will see the 18.4-metre tree named Te Manaaki be lit up in a celebration with performances from local iconic Kiwi artists Anika Moa and Tami Neilson, alongside the Auckland Youth Choir.
Te Manaaki will be decked out with hundreds of giant baubles, thousands of bright Pōhutukawa flowers, and a whopping 10,000 individual LED lights to illuminate Te Komititanga square in the CBD.
When: Saturday, November 23rd Price: Free
Farmers’ Santa Parade
The Farmers Santa Parade is back for its 91st year with some epic new floats. Leading the parade as Grand Marshal through the CBD is Hamish Kerr, 2024 Olympic gold medallist in the high jump.
The Parade will also feature a life-size sleigh made out of Lego fit for Santa to deliver his presents around Aotearoa, as designed by two clever Kiwi siblings.
After the parade, the festivities will kick on at Aotea Square, where I heard a little rumour that Bluey will be hosting a live Christmas experience. There’ll be food, rides and extra live entertainment.
When: Sunday, November 24th Price: Free
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
It’s the annual event that’s been a Christmas staple for many Kiwi families. Christmas in the Park is headed to Auckland domain mid-December with all the live entertainment from the most talented Kiwis, including Vince Harder, Ella Monery, Che-Fu, Georgia Lines, Lavina Williams and Sweet Mix Kids.
When: Saturday, December 14th Price: Free
Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Smith and Caughey’s
It’s the final year for Aucklanders to head along and see Smith and Caughey’s Enchanted Forest experience after 15 years.
They’ll take you through the forest where you can jump on the North Pole Express and Santa's cherry-red sleigh to grab a selfie, before entering Santa’s Cosy Cottage, where you’ll get a free bauble to hang on the tree at home and a photo with the big red man himself.
When: Now - Tuesday, December 24th Price: $24-$30 per child
For more Christmas festivities to get amongst in Auckland, Visit Auckland shared their top 10 picks.
WELLINGTON
Christmas in the Quarters
Wellington City Council are putting on a bunch of free Christmas activities to head along to, including kids' crafts and live entertainment.
For the next four Saturdays, there will be something to get you in the festive mood, whether it’s Crafts at Midland Park, Music at Glover Park, the Circus at Queens Wharf or seeing Santa, activities and carols at Waitangi Park - there’s heaps to get amongst.
When: Every Saturday - December 14th Price: Free
Zealandia’s Christmas Night Tours
You can see all the native festive species including Pōhutukawa and Northern Rātā, they even have some native mistletoe - pirita - growing.
By heading along to the ecosanctuary, you can see all the Aotearoa native wildlife in their natural habitat, all under the glow of festive lights - you might even spot a kiwi.
When: Night tours are available with booking required Price: $25 - $100 per person
CHRISTCHURCH
Ballantynes Christmas Window display
This year the department store is switching up its usual display by having three local schools -St Michael’s, Amberley and Tai Tapu - design a Christmas-themed window to compete for a $10,000 prize.
The unveiling of all three windows is going down at 11am on Saturday, November 23rd, where the public can vote for their favourite.
People’s choice voting will be available until mid-December.
When: Saturday November 23rd - Tuesday December 24th Price: Free
Christchurch Christmas Show parade
Heading to the Agricultural show grounds for entertainment, rides and a Christmas market, the Santa parade is part of a huge day of festive celebrations.
Grab a bite to eat, seek some thrills and watch the Parade go past at 2pm.
When: Sunday, November 24th Price: Free
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
Returning to North Hagley Park in late November, Christmas in the Park will be jam-packed with live entertainment from the most talented Kiwis, including Vince Harder, Ella Monery, Che-Fu, Georgia Lines, Lavina Williams and Sweet Mix Kids.
When: Saturday, November 30th Price: Free
Christchurch Christmas Lights Tour
Many a Chrsitchurchian will already know about the famous Shands Road Christmas experience. There’s a lot to see, with the unique wall through Christmas village, Animated displays and a light show synchronised to Rock music.
It’s become quite the tradition to then note down a list of all the houses around the city getting amongst the festive celebrations, and taking a little drive to spot how people have decked out their front yards.
When: Monday, December 2nd - Monday, December 30th Price: $5 per child $15 per adult
DUNEDIN
Dunedin Santa Parade
The parade will be filled with heaps of themed floats, music, marching, community groups, local businesses, sports teams, and of course the man in the red suit himself - Santa!
It all starts off at George Street 3pm at before ending in the Octagon.
When: Sunday, December 1st Price: Free
Christmas in the Garden
Get into the festive spirit with free family fun, live entertainment, and creative activities at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Bandstand.
There’ll be plenty of live entertainment from Em and Me, the Dunedin Youth Orchestra, The Foxy Tones, Tahu McKenzie and Jingle Belle the Christmas Elf.
They’ll also have a creative maker space where you can create your own flower headband - maybe one you can wear to your festive feast this year?!
When: Saturday, November 30th Price: Free
Christmas Skate at Dunedin Ice Stadium
It might be a summer Christmas here in Aotearoa, but you can strap on your skates and get a feel for the cold at Dunedin Ice Stadium Christmas Skate/World Ice Skating Day.
There’ll be plenty of food, live music and fun to be had as you spend the afternoon whizzing around the rink.
When: Sunday, December 15th Price: $9 - $16 per person
So, what’ll you be heading along to, to get you in the holiday spirit?
