What's on this December!
December Events – What’s on?
Can you quite believe we’re in the last month of the year! If you’re wanting to know what’s on in our largest cities we have you covered with our events and parking guide for Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.
For Aucklanders:
What: Alice: A Wonderland Musical
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
When: Sunday 1st December
The National Youth Theatre are back at the Aotea Centre with one of New Zealand’s leading creative duos, Alver & Doy. The duo will be showcasing their latest show with the premiere of Alice - A Wonderland Musical. This is a fun twist and re tell of the famous Alice in Wonderland tale with new songs and a show full of energy and colour. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Greys Avenue
- Saint Matthews
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
- Elliott Street
- Durham Lane
What: John Bishop – Back At It
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
When: Monday 2nd December
John Bishop is heading back to our shores as part of his Australia ad New Zealand tour. After two years spent TV presenting, stage acting, podcast hosting, dog walking and decorating the spare room, John is getting back to the thing he loves most; standing on stage and making people laugh. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Greys Avenue
- Saint Matthews
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
- Elliott Street
- Durham Lane
What: Cosentino 'Decennium' Greatest Hits Tour
Where: Bruce Mason Centre
When: Friday 6th December & Saturday 7th December
Australia’s greatest Magician COSENTINO is coming to Auckland with his spectacular new show DECENNIUM - The Greatest Hits Tour. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: Ski Mask The Slump God
Where: Auckland Town Hall
When: Friday 6th December
American Rapper Ski Mask The Slump God brings the 11th Dimension World Tour to Australia & New Zealand this November! The tour comes off the back of the release of his second album 11th Dimension. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
- Elliott Street
- Saint Matthews
- Durham Lane
What: Casual First Date
Where: The Pump House, Takapuna
When: Saturday 7th December
Perfect for a date nigh tor night out with the girls, Casual First Date is an improvised sketch comedy show where the strange and mundane get gleefully close. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: The Sleeping Beauty
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre
When: Saturday 7th December – Sunday 8th December
A mesmerizing dance showcase featuring a journey through ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and tap. For tickets and more information click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 55 Gaunt Street
- 36 Gaunt Street
- 115 Fanshawe Street
- Captain Daldy, 58 Gaunt Street
What: Chase Atlantic
Where: Spark Arena
When: Saturday 7th December
Representing the missing link between woozy trap, nocturnal R&B, and psychedelically-spun alternative, Chase Atlantic blur boundaries of modern, Gen Z-inspired pop music by being fearlessly experimental. The band has amassed over 5.4 billion Spotify streams, and has received acclaim from Billboard, OnesToWatch, mxdwn, PopCrush, Alternative Press, Substream Magazine, and Rock Sound, of which they graced the cover. For tickets and information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Railway Outdoor Upper (26 Te Taou Crescent)
- Railway Outdoor Lower (26 Te Taou Crescent)
- 73 Anzac Ave
- 2 Anzac Ave
- 2 Ronayne Street
What: The Wizard of Oz The Musical
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre
When: Saturday 7th December – Sunday 8th December
Auckland Performing Arts Academy proudly presents The Wizard of Oz, one of the world's most beloved musicals. Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and We're Off to See the Wizard, this spectacular production, with a contemporary edge, will be a magical experience for the whole family. For tickets and more information click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 55 Gaunt Street
- 36 Gaunt Street
- 115 Fanshawe Street
- Captain Daldy, 58 Gaunt Street
What: Morning Melodies 2024: The Royal New Zealand Navy Band
Where: Bruce Mason Centre
When: Monday 9th December
In its 23rd year, this much-loved Christmas concert is a band favourite promising to take you through a journey of Christmas music, from childhood classics to some more modern-day tunes. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: A Midsummers Night Dream
Where: Bruce Mason Centre
When: Friday 13th December – Saturday 14th December
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a co-production between the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Queensland ballet. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: A Christmas Celebration with Auckland City
Where: St Matthew in the City
When: Saturday 14th December
Auckland City Brass returns to St Matthew-in-the-City this December for an unforgettable evening of festive music for brass band under the baton of Music Director Mark Close. This year the band will be joined by wonderful coloratura soprano Christina Ellison, who will delight with a mix of Christmas songs and operatic arias. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Saint Matthews
- Elliott Street
- Greys Avenue
- Durham Lane
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
What: Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre
Where: The Pump House, Takapuna
When: Sunday 15th December
A family fun Christmas day out! Head to the Pump House for their annual Christmas sing along. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: Tunes 4 Tamariki Christmas
Where: Bruce Mason Centre
When: Sunday 15th December
Get the whānau together for the Auckland Philharmonia’s festive family concert led by award-winning children’s singer/songwriter Rainbow Rosalind the Fairy! For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Takapuna Police
- Como Street carpark
- Hustmere Street
- Car Park By the Sea
What: Dan & Phil – Terrible Influence
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
When: Thursday 19th December
Dan and Phil are set to embark on a transformative journey through Australia and New Zealand, aiming to reclaim lost aspects of their internet presence and provide healing to their fans. Their latest live stage production promises uproarious comedy and a fresh perspective on their lives. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Greys Avenue
- Saint Matthews
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
- Elliott Street
- Durham Lane
What: BNZ Breakers v Sydney Kings
Where: Spark Arena
When: Friday 20th December
Head to Spark Arena to watch the BNZ Breakers take on the Sydney Kings, a perfect early Christmas present for all basketball lovers! For tickets and information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Railway Outdoor Upper (26 Te Taou Crescent)
- Railway Outdoor Lower (26 Te Taou Crescent)
- 73 Anzac Ave
- 2 Anzac Ave
- 2 Ronayne Street
What: The Holiday Live in concert
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
When: Saturday 21st December
The Holiday (2006) presented live in concert this festive season with the film’s legendary Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by the Auckland Festival Orchestra. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Greys Avenue
- Saint Matthews
- 205 Queen Street
- Kitchener Street carpark, 6 -12 Kitchener Street
- Elliott Street
- Durham Lane
For Hamilton events
What: Sky City Hamilton Waikato Cup
Where: Ken Browne Drive
When: Saturday 14th December
It’s the biggest race day of the year, for Waikato, head to the Sky City Hamilton Waikato Cup Day for a day of racing and sunshine. For tickets and more information click here.
Best Parking Options:
- Home Straight Bunnings, 450 Te Rapa
- Barton Street carpark, Te Rapa
What: Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More
Where: St Peter’s Cathedral
When: Friday 20th December
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Hamilton. Buy your tickets now to discover a night of Christmas soundtracks at St Peter's Cathedral under the gentle glow of candlelight. For tickets and more information click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 212 Anglesea Street
- The Farmers Hamilton carpark, 43 Collingwood Street
- Barton Street carpark, 306 Barton Street
For Christchurch events:
What: Come Together – Big End of Year Bash
Where: Issac Theatre Royal, 224 Saint Asaph Street
When: Thursday 5th December
This event will showcase the 20 most outstanding rock songs, many of which have captivated over 50,000 Kiwis, bringing together music royalty like Jon Toogood, Jenny Skulander, Sam Scott, Milan Borich, EJ Barnes, Julia Deans & Dianne Swann and many more For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 148 Gloucester Street
- 160 Gloucester Street
- 50 Cathedral Square
- 245 Manchester Street
- 227 – 235 Manchester Street
What: BNZ Breakers vs Melbourne Unitec
Where: Wolfbrook Arena
When: Thursday 5th December
Watch the Breakers basketball in a pre Christmas showdown against the Melbourne United! For tickets and information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- The CDHB Park n Ride carpark
What: The Great Santa Trek
Where: Riverside Market
When: Friday 6th December
Santa Claus will begin his trek into Riverside Market by boat, boarding a punt at the Boat Shed stop, near the Christchurch Hospital before he glides down the Avon River, then jumping on the Peace Train and riding into Riverside Markets. Santa Claus will then take a seat on his sleigh parked outside Riverside Market where children will be welcomed to come and see Santa Claus and tell him what they are wanting for Christmas this year. For more information and tickets click here.
Best Parking Options:
- The Terrace car park
- 150 Tuam Street
- 118 Tuam Street
What: Dylan Gossett - The back 40 Tour
Where: Christchurch Town Hall
When: Friday 13th December
Breakout Texas-born singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett international tour is hitting New Zealand. Following sold out shows in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe throughout this summer and fall, Gossett announces The Back 40 Tour dates in Christchurch this December 2024. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 119 Kilmore Street
- 71 Kilmore Street
- 55 Chester Street West
- Durham Street
- 818 Colombo Street
What: Ōtautahi Smoke
Where: North Hagley Park, Rolleston Avenue
When: Saturday 14th December
Head to Hagley Park for the ultimate BBQ and rock music experience at Ōtautahi Smoke, Christchurch's top BBQ festival! For event tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 99 – 105 Victoria Street (evening and weekend parking only)
- 118 Victoria Street
- 48 Peterborough Street
- The Cranmer carpark,, 327 Montreal Street (event parking only from 5pm)
What: Peter Pan Ballet
Where: Issac Theatre Royal, 224 Saint Asaph Street
When: Saturday 14th December
Embark on a magical journey with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and the Darling family to the captivating world of Neverland. Encounter Captain Hook, graceful fairies, mermaids, pirates, and a not so scary crocodile. Adorned in magical costumes, this production will showcase a dazzling blend of Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz dance styles. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 148 Gloucester Street
- 160 Gloucester Street
- 50 Cathedral Square
- 245 Manchester Street
- 227 – 235 Manchester Street
What: The Holiday in Concert with live Orchestra
Where: Christchurch Town Hall
When: Thursday 19th December
The Holiday (2006) presented live in concert this festive season with the film’s legendary Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 119 Kilmore Street
- 71 Kilmore Street
- 55 Chester Street West
- Durham Street
- 818 Colombo Street
What: The Nutcracker – Merry Christmas
Where: Issac Theatre Royal, 224 Saint Asaph Street
When: Saturday 21st December
Join Convergence Dance Studios for an enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday classic! Our talented young dancers bring to life this magical tale of Clara’s adventure through the Land of Sweets. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 148 Gloucester Street
- 160 Gloucester Street
- 50 Cathedral Square
- 245 Manchester Street
- 227 – 235 Manchester Street
What: NYE24
Where: North Hagley Park, Rolleston Avenue
When: Tuesday 31ST December
Ōtautahi Christchurch. Your biggest, free NYE party is back with Queen Forever - the ultimate Australian Queen tribute band. The event is free entry, for more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 99 – 105 Victoria Street (evening and weekend parking only)
- 118 Victoria Street
- 48 Peterborough Street
- The Cranmer carpark,, 327 Montreal Street (event parking only from 5pm)
Wellington events: Find out what’s happening in Wellington this July.
What: John Bishop
Where: The Opera House
When: Tuesday 3rd December
John Bishop is heading back to our shores as part of his Australia ad New Zealand tour. After two years spent TV presenting, stage acting, podcast hosting, dog walking and decorating the spare room, John is getting back to the thing he loves most; standing on stage and making people laugh. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 25A Taranaki Street
- Bond Street, 40 Bond Street
- Lombard
- Ghuznee Street
What: Blackcaps v England Test Live
Where: Cello Basin Reserve
When: Saturday 6th December – 10th December
Kick off outdoor festive sport in Wellington with the Blackcaps taking on England at the Basin Reserve.
Best Parking options:
- Girton Terrace – ParkMate only
What: Orchestra Wellington 6 – A modern Hero
Where: Michael Fowler Centre
When: Sunday 7th December
Wellington’s favourite Orchestra is bringing you a night of an amazing performance based on a powerful Emily Dickinson poem Eve de Castro-Robinson (1956-). For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking options:
- 25A Taranaki Street
- Bond Street, 40 Bond Street
- Lombard
- VSPC (Victoria Street Parking Centre, 15-21 Victoria Street
What: Urzila Carlson
Where: The Opera House
When: Sunday 7th December
New Zealand’s favourite South African comic is heading to the Opera House for her latest tour after having busy year in 2024, where Urzila made her mark in the realm of feature animation by lending her voice to the character Honkus in the animated film Ozi, For tickets and more information about her show, click here.
Best Parking options:
- 25A Taranaki Street
- Bond Street, 40 Bond Street
- Lombard
- Ghuznee Street
What: Oof Tatata
When: St James Theatre
Where: Saturday 9th November
Join Jason Momoa, Mike Hayes and Kenny Dale as they perform their first tour of New Zealand for Öof Tatatá . Performing a mixture of rock and roll classics and their own songs, the gigs are sure to be a night to remember! For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 25a Taranaki Street
- Lower Tory Street
- Ghuznee Street
- Chaffers Street
- 29 Marion Street
What: BNZ Breakers v Sydney Kings
Where: TSB Arena
When: Sunday 7th December
Head to TSB Arena to watch the Breakers take on the Sydney Kings. For tickets and information, click here.
Best central Parking Options:
- Queens Wharf
- Victoria Street Parking Centre
- HSBC Tower
- 8 Gilmer Terrace (ParkMate only)
- 80 Boulcott Street
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
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: Cirque Africa
Where: The Opera House
When: Thursday 12th December
Cirque Africa is a brand-new show coming to Wellington. It features a hand-picked troupe of talented musicians, dancers, and contortionists. At The Opera House, you’ll witness a wonderful night of traditional African culture. The energetic two-hour spectacle features an array of talents. See pan spinning, hand balancing, contortion acts, dancing, and live music. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking options:
- 25A Taranaki Street
- Bond Street, 40 Bond Street
- Lombard
- Ghuznee Street
What: Come Together End of Year Bash
When: St James Theatre
Where: Friday 13th December
This event will showcase the 20 most outstanding rock songs, many of which have captivated over 50,000 Kiwis, bringing together music royalty like Jon Toogood, Jenny Skulander, Sam Scott, Milan Borich, EJ Barnes, Julia Deans & Dianne Swann and many more For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking Options:
- 25a Taranaki Street
- Lower Tory Street
- Ghuznee Street
- Chaffers Street
- 29 Marion Street
What: Phoenix FC V Macarthur FC
Where: Sky Stadum
When: Saturday 14th December
Wellington’s Phoenix take on Macarthur FC on the 14th December at Sky Stadium! For more information, and locations, click here.
Best central Parking Options:
- Station
- Railway
- Centre port Zone C
- Pipitea Marae
- Thorndon Central
What: The Holiday – live in Concert Dean Lewis – The Epilogue World Tour
Where: Michael Fowler Centre
When: Friday 20th December
This Christmas, experience a classic rom-com in style. Festive film ‘The Holiday’ came out in 2006 and quickly became a favourite with the public. Now, you can see the movie on the big screen again. The Michael Fowler Centre transforms into a cinema while below the screen, Orchestra Wellington plays the soundtrack live. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best Parking options:
- 25A Taranaki Street
- Bond Street, 40 Bond Street
- Lombard
- VSPC (Victoria Street Parking Centre, 15-21 Victoria Street
What: White Ferns v Australia Live
Where: Cello Basin Reserve
When: Thursday 19th December & Saturday 21st December
Enjoy the sunshine and vibes as the White Ferns take on Australia at the Basin Reserve.
Best Parking options:
- Girton Terrace – ParkMate only
What: Phoenix FC V Macarthur FC
Where: Sky Stadum
When: Saturday 28th December
Wellington’s Phoenix take on The Newcastle Jets FC on the 28th December at Sky Stadium! For more information, and locations, click here.
Best central Parking Options:
- Station
- Railway
- Centre port Zone C
- Pipitea Marae
- Thorndon Central
What: The Art of Banksy
Where: Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
When: Thursday 28th November - 20th January 2025
Following unprecedented public demand, The Art of Banksy - the major exhibition which has brought Banksy’s era defining works to over 1.5 million visitors in 15 cities across the globe – is coming exclusively to Wellington’s exciting new exhibition centre, Tākina, opposite Te Papa. For tickets and more information, click here.
Best central Parking Options:
- Lower Tory Street
- 25a Taranaki Street
- 260 Wakefiled Street
- Chaffers Street
