Get ready for a live painting experience like no other on Saturday, 13 December 2025 from 10am-4pm. Join the Meet The Artists Collective from 10am and enjoy a diverse collection of emerging and established artists, sculptors and painters from the Auckland collective. They will paint, sculpt and create art full of the holiday spirit, with all artwork on show available for sale.
Catch MC Ellen Moana and DJ Blazem who present an epic line-up of entertainment between 11.30am - 1pm, including special guest performances from hip hop crew AKLA will be joined by Blanc Phase - performing rap, street dance, popping and beat box, with a twist of magic.
From 1pm, you can put your name in the hat to compete against the pros in A Taste of Art Battle – All Comers, in 20-minute speed painting rounds. The audience will decide the winner and all the paintings will be auctioned for sale, with all proceeds going back to the artist.
Check out the Resene Colour Station, filled with giveaways, plus one lucky visitor is guaranteed to win a $250 Resene voucher.
Visit the Playcentre Creativity Zone and the kid-friendly nature table, with ephemeral art, playdough sculpture and bubbles. Future artists, sculptors and builders welcome!
Be painted in Aotea Square and take it home for Christmas:
- Charcoal or paint with acclaimed portrait artist Caroline Kelly
- '3 Colours of You' with international abstract artist Vjekoslav Nemesh
- Pastel of Paint session with portrait artist Mark Whippy
- 10-minute captures or caricatures with speed artist Orion Mabelle
Sit for an artist or bring an image for the artists to reference.
This day is part of Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square 2025 - a free, all-ages celebration in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, running from Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Over 24 days, Aotea Square comes alive with live music, circus, film, karaoke, toi whakaari (performance) and whānau-friendly fun, plus large-scale artworks including The Pavilion and four-metre-tall light installation The Neon Star by Angus Muir.
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square 2025 is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate.
