Christmas events & markets
The countdown is officially on with less than 5 weeks to go until Christmas. If you’re looking for festive events and markets, we’ve got a handy guide all with great options of where to park:
Auckland
Find out what’s on in Auckland to celebrate the festive season.
What: Midtown Street Party, Elliott Street
When: Thursday 21st November
Where to park: Elliott Street, 205 Queen Street, Kitchener Street carpark, Durham Lane, Finance Centre.
The Midtown Street Christmas Party is a great way to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy a night of entertainment with market stalls, live music where you can dance, live jazz all under neon lights! Plus local businesses will be have special offers and giveaways! The event takes place across Elliott Street, Victoria Street, Darby Street, Queen Street and the stand, kicking off from 6pm until 9pm!
What: Auckland Farmers Santa Parade, Queen Street
When: Sunday 24th November (rain date 1st December)
Where to park:
Start point: Elliott Street, Greys Avenue, Wakefield Street, Saint Matthews, 450 Queen Street, Kitchener Street.
End point; 27 Fort Street, 51 Shortland Street, 2 Anzac Avenue, ANZ Centre, SAP Tower, Upper Shortland Street
In Auckland, The Farmers Santa Parade is on Sunday the 24th November and is the perfect way to kick off the festive season! The parade starts at 1pm, leaving from Aotea Square with Santa making his way down Queen Street and finishing at Custom Street. If you want to continue the celebrations Santa is throwing an after party at Aotea Square from 2:30pm with family activities, kids rides, yummy food and giveaways!
For more information follow The Farmers Santa Parade on Facebook.
Please note: inner city roads will be closed between 11am and 5pm and these closures will affect access to some of our car parks. We advise that you arrive and park in the city before 11am to avoid any issues trying to park and confusion. If you are heading in early there will be acts and giveaways along Queen Street from 12pm so a great opportunity to grab a spot and enjoy the atmosphere.
What: Takapuna Christmas Carnival, Waiwharariki Anzac Square, 38 Hurstmere Road
When: Saturday November 30th
Where to Park: Takapuna Police, 11 Northcroft Street, Takapuna Strand, Como Street carpark, Carpark by the Sea
If you fancy heading over the bridge for some festive celebrations on the shore then head to The Takapuna Christmas Carnival on Saturday 30th November from 9am until 4pm. The festival is a fun day out for the whole family with market stalls as well as family entertainment with games, boutique market stalls, dance performances and even a visit from Santa.
There is also a Santa Claus Show on at The Pump House in Takapuna, which is perfect for little ones with songs and a Christmas fun. The show is on from the 1st December until the 22nd December, for tickets and more information, click here.
What: A Very Tasty Christmas Market, The Cloud at Queens Wharf
When: Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December
Where to Park: Princes Wharf, Reo carpark, 27 Fort Street, ANZ Centre, Viaduct carpark, 2 Anzac Avenue.
The Cloud is turning into a special and very festive Christmas market on the first weekend in December. The market runs from 10am – 6pm and is for all ages, entry is $5 entry per adult and kids under 12 are free. At the market you’ll find gourmet treats and festive food stalls with yummy samples. It’s a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents for even the fussiest family member, with a huge range of gift stalls.
What: The Karanga Plaza Christmas Market, Karanga Plaza and Park Hyatt Auckland
When: Saturday & Sunday 7th and 8th December
Where to park: 36 Gaunt Street, Viaduct Carpark, Captain Daldy, 115 Fanshawe Street.
Head down to the waterfront for two festive days filled with holiday cheer. Explore unique stalls offering handmade gifts, delicious treats, and designer fashion. They’ll even be a special guest appearance and don’t miss your chance to meet Santa for photos and holiday joy!
What: Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Auckland Domain
When: Saturday 14th December
Where to park: 339 Parnell Road, Parnell Road, The Gateway carpark, Tennis Auckland, Nicholls Lane, Heather Street
New Zealand’s biggest annual Christmas entertainment spectacular is heading to Christchurch and Auckland! Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park celebrates 30 years this year and π π¦ππ is the nation’s favourite Christmas party. If you’re heading along to the free family friendly event, get 25% OFF event parking with the promo code CCCITP24.
What: Christmas in Aotea Square, Queen Street
When: Friday 29th November to Sunday 22nd December
Where to park: Greys Avenue, Saint Matthews, Wakefield Street, 450 Queen Street, 205 Queen Street, Kitchener Street.
Head to Aotea Square from the 29th December for Christmas festivities and a range of events from music, dance, carols, orchestras, brass band shows, family entertainment and an illuminated light forest. For kai the square has you covered with lots of restaurants nearby or the pop-up container for tasty treats.
Wha: Christmas Markets at Commercial Bay, Downtown Auckland
When: November - December
Where to park: Reo carpark, Princes Wharf, ANZ Centre, 27 Fort Street, Swanson Towers, Viaduct carpark
An 18 metre Christmas tree named Te Manaaki will be unveiled in Commercial Bay to celebrate the festive season! But that isn’t all, Commercial Bay has so many festive events happening which are perfect to entertain the kids and help you get your Christmas shopping ticked off! From the 8th December Santa will be visiting with is helpers offering free face painting, they’ll also be a magic mail machine to send of your postcards and wishlists directly to the north pole. Kids can even enjoy a free hot chocolate with any facepainting from KΕkako. Other festive events and activities include a candy cane lane, festive weekend markets and live music and lights every Thursday from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
What: Smith & Caughey’s Santa’s Enchanted Forest Experience – The last one
When: November & December
Where to park: Elliott Street, 205 Queen Street, Kitchener Street carpark, Durham Lane, Greys Avenue, Finance Centre.
A great Christmas experience if you have little ones and with the chance to do some Christmas shopping after at Auckland’s iconic department store. At Smith & Caughey’s little ones can experience a magical enchanted forest before meeting Santa in his grotto. This is a wonderful experience and great family tradition to meet Santa, with family photos and a keepsake Christmas decoration for the tree given. You also receive 20% off shopping on the day of your Santa experience.
Please note bookings are essential for this experience.
If you are short on time or haven’t booked, it’s still worth heading to Smith & Caughey’s to look at the famous festive window displays which are great for little and big kids.
Wellington
For Wellington, there are lots of festive events kicking of in the city and surrounding areas.
Christmas in the Quarters:
What: Crafts at Midland Park
When: Saturday 23rd November at 11am – 5pm
Where to park: NTT Tower, 99 The Terrace carpark, HSBC Tower, Queens Wharf.
The perfect event for little ones, they can make Christmas crafts, enjoy craft activities to enjoy, face painting, and post their letters to Santa in Santa’s Letterbox.
What: Music at Glover Park
When: Saturday 30th November 11am – 5pm
Where to park: Cuba Street, Leftbank, Bute Street carpark, Ghuznee Street
Here you can enjoy festive music and dance performances from everything from Christmas carols to hip hop. There’s also face painting for kids and another chance to post your letters to Santa.
What: Circus at Queens Wharf
When: Saturday 7th December 11am – 5pm
Where to park: Queens Wharf, VSPC Victoria Street Parking Centre, HSBC Tower, NTT Tower
Experience a festive family fun day with street buskers, circus performances and a sprinkling of festive activities and even a touch of fire!
What: Santa’s Arrival at Waitangi Park
When: Saturday 14th December 11am – 5pm (rain date the 15th Dec)
Where to Park: Chaffers Street, 25a Taranaki Street, Bond Street, Lombard
For the main festive event head to Waitangi Park for Santa’s arrival! Kids can meet Santa in his grotto from 11:30am to have a photo and tell him your Christmas wish list. Other activities include ice skating, the snowball globe, a foam pit and love music and entertainment for mum and Dad. For food options you’ll be covered with food trucks or lots of options at the many close by city restaurants and cafes.
If you fancy sticking around, the day will finish with Christmas carols from 5pm.
For more details or any wet weather changes click here.
What: Christmas Carols by Candlelight, Wesley Methodist Church, 75 Taranaki Street.
When: Saturday 21st December 6:30pm
Where to Park: Chaffers Street, 25a Taranaki Street, Bond Street, Lombard
Enjoy live Christmas carols by candlelight at the Wesley Methodist Church, with favourites such as White Christmas, The Night before Christmas medley, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Let is Snow Let it Snow and many more. For tickets and more information click here.
Christchurch
For Christchurch city centre events, they are a few festive events to enjoy for the whole family.
What: Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Hagley Park in Christchurch
When: Saturday 30th November
Where to park: 157 Victoria Street, 98- 1-5 Victoria Street, 118 Victoria Street, 90 – 98 Victoria Street, The Cranmer carpark
New Zealand’s biggest annual Christmas entertainment spectacular is heading to Christchurch! Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park celebrates 30 years this year and π π¦ππ is the nation’s favourite Christmas party. If you’re heading along to the free family friendly event, get 25% OFF event parking with the promo code CCCITP24.
What: Tinsel & Toes: The O’Neill Christmas Show, Performing Arts Centre Hagley College
When: Saturday 7th December
Where to park: Tu Waka Waipapa, 238 Antigua Street, 56-58 Asasph Street, 8-12 Acton Street
The O'Neill School of Irish Dance is putting on a Christmas Show showcasing their championship dances in a Tinsel and Toes Christmas performance.
What: The great Santa Christmas Trek, Riverside Markets
When: Saturday 7th December
Where to park: The Terrace Christmas Market, 150 Tuam Street, 118 Tuam Street, The West End carpark
Santa is heading on a trek to bring festive cheer across Christchurch! He’ll start his trek via punt and train on the Avon River to Riverside Market. He’ll then head to his sleigh outside Riverside Market to hear everyone’s Christmas Wishlist’s. The event also includes train rides for kids and live music and markets for a perfect way to start the festive activities.
Please note this event is a gold coin donation, with all donations going to Cholmondeley Children's Home. Cholmondeley Children’s Centre has been providing short term emergency or planned respite care for whΔnau with aged 5-12 since in times of crisis since 1925.
What: A very Jazzy Christmas, The Art Centre
When: Saturday 12th December
Where to park: 56 Worcester Boulevard, The Cranmer carpark, 63 Worcester Boulevard, The West End carpark, 76 Armagh Street
Back by popular demand A Very Jazzy Christmas is bringing you festive joy this December. Vocalists, Naomi Ferguson, Trish Rainey and Kate Taylor will be performing Christmas classics and seasonal songs.
What: Festive Brick Building, The Arts Centre
When: Monday 16th December – Friday 20th December 2024, 10am – 3pm
Where to park: 56 Worcester Boulevard, The Cranmer carpark, 63 Worcester Boulevard, The West End carpark, 76 Armagh Street
For a fun FREE family festive event, head to The Art Centre for Festive Brick Building, here kids can get festive by building and creating their own Studio tree.
What: Festive Chamber Favourites, The Arts Centre
When: Monday 12th December – 2pm – 3pm
Where to park: 56 Worcester Boulevard, The Cranmer carpark, 63 Worcester Boulevard, The West End carpark, 76 Armagh Street
Professor Mark Menzies leads UC chamber musicians in a festive seasonal programme at Te Matatiki Toi Ora, The Art Centre's Great Hall. Festive Chamber Favourites is a free event to bring festive cheer to all.
