Looking to join in the festivities this season? Check out our round-up of Christmas events, markets and all things good and Christmassy around the country!
Northland
The Great Whangārei Santa Run
Victoria Canopy Bridge, Whangārei
Sunday 15 December 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Get ready for a jolly good time and come together for a festive and fun-filled event! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just want a leisurely stroll, everyone is welcome. All types of Santa attire are encouraged, so get creative and show off your festive spirit. Make this a day to remember with as many Santas as possible coming together in the spirit of joy and celebration. Mark your calendars and gather your Santa squad!
Auckland
Coca-Cola Christmas In the Park
Auckland Domain, Domain Dr, Grafton, Auckland
Saturday 14 December 2024 7:30pm – 10:10pm
Enjoy the magic of New Zealand’s biggest FREE annual entertainment spectacular, Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park, celebrating 30 years of happiness! A spectacular lineup of some of the nation’s top singers, musicians, dancers and DJs on the big stage in front of a massive live audience. Guest artists include powerhouse performer Georgia Lines, Persian-Kiwi rapper CHAII, DJ double-act Sweet Mix Kids, and hip-hop legend Che Fu.
Gather your family and friends and head to the Auckland Domain for an evening of world-class, home-grown entertainment with highlights including the Coke Studio Megamix, lighting of the Mercury Christmas tree, the popular Coke Food Fest and an all-stars-on-stage lights and fireworks finale.
Giant tree will knock your Christmas stockings off
Standing at a majestic 18.4 metres tall, Te Manaaki is decorated with 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 pōhutukawa flowers and 200 giant baubles. A new centrepiece for Te Komititanga (adjacent to Commercial Bay and the Waitematā Station (Britomart), the giant tree marks the beginning of an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland.
The glow of Te Manaaki radiates into the evening, carving its place in time among the festive capitals of the world. In a contrast of eras, Te Manaaki stands between the glorious Chief Post Office building which has seen 115 Christmases and the buzz of Commercial Bay. On now until 5 January.
Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow – at MOTAT!
MOTAT, Great North Road, Auckland
Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 December
Sunday 15 to Wednesday 18 December
Friday 20 to Monday 23 December
8PM – 11PM
Celebrate the season in Tāmaki Makaurau with the return of MOTAT’s Christmas Lights. For 12 magical evenings this December, MOTAT will transform into a festive wonderland, inviting whānau and friends to enjoy a magical night out.
From 8pm – 11pm on select evenings (above), the Museum of Transport and Technology will spark the Christmas spirit with intricate light displays illuminating buildings, walkways and heritage trams – with guests invited to hop aboard.
Visitors can explore Santa’s workshop and snap a photo with the big man himself, join in outdoor games and lolly-making or savour delicious kai from the food truck market – all under the enchanting glow of holiday lights. Live music, carol singers and the return of te rākau Kirihimete nui, the grand Christmas tree, rounds out a night of unforgettable, festive fun.
Tickets are $3 for children 5-15, $6 for adults 15+ and free for under 5’s. Available to purchase here.
Bloodsuckers Blood Drive at Auckland Museum
Under the Dome, Auckland Museum
Saturday, 14 December 2024, 10 am – 4 pm
Discover the lifesaving power of blood and explore the fascinating world of blood in nature, mythology and medicine at Auckland Museum’s inaugural Bloodsuckers Blood Drive. Held in partnership with New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS), this event launches the Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches exhibition.
Donate blood in the Museum’s rooftop space with stunning 360-degree views of Tāmaki Makaurau, learn your blood type on-site, and contribute to NZBS’s goal of 6,000 donations in Auckland this holiday season. Every donation can save up to three lives! Spaces are limited – book your spot now at aucklandmuseum.com/bloodsuckers.
Christchurch
New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade
New Brighton Seaside Market, 25 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
Saturday 14 December 2024, 10:00am – 02:00pm
Meet Santa on the Beach and watch a fun community parade. Shop around the Seaside Market for your Christmas gifts while some great entertainment happens, and Santa meets the kids. There will be a huge array of arts, crafts, giftware and delicious food, a bouncy castle for the littlies and free face painting!
Christmas Markets Around NZ (north to south):
Catalina Christmas in the Bay
Catalina Bay Farmers Market, 3 Boundary Road, Hobsonville, Auckland
Sat 14 December 2024 8:30am and Sunday 15 December 2024 8:30am
Christmas Craft Harvest Markets
Jubilee Building – Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Sat 14 Dec 2024, 8:00am–11:45pm
Sat 21 Dec 2024, 8:00am–11:45pm
Waikato Christmas Market
The Barn, Claudelands, Gate 3, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton
Sat 14 December 2024 9:00am – 4:00pm
Destination Christmas Market at the Historic Village
The Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga
Sat 21 December 2024 9:00am – 1:00pm
Christmas At the Awa: A Waitara Night Market Event
West Quay, 23-33 West Quay, Waitara
Sat 14 December 2024 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Ngaio Village Christmas Market
Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Rd, Ngaio, Wellington
Sunday 15 December 2024 10:00am – 3:00pm
The Garden City Christmas Mākete
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Sat 14 December 2024 10:00am – 4:00pm
Christmas Market at The Palms
The Palms Shopping Centre, Corner Marshland & New Brighton Roads, Shirley, Christchurch
Sat 14 December 2024 9:00am – 6:00pm
