A favourite festive event among locals, Carols on the Green is back for 2025 on Saturday 6 December thanks to Ōrākei Local Board!
Why join the fun? Here are our top five things to look forward to:
1. Sing
It’s what the cover says, but this event is all about belting out our favourite festive tunes with friends, whānau and the wider community. A bunch of fantastic choirs are joining us to lead the carols and showcase their talent.
2. Dress up
What better way to celebrate than to add some sparkle to your outfit? We’re encouraging everyone (but kids especially!) to get creative with a costume for the evening. Whether you come as a reindeer, elf, snowflake or Spiderman, we’re keen to see your get up. If you don’t have much in the way of dress ups at home, you can get your face painted for free on the night to liven up your smile. And did we mention there will be prizes for the best dressed?
3. Hang out with your neighbours
This is a great chance to come together as a community and meet some new people. Ōrākei is full of friendly faces, and there’s no better way to connect than on a sunny evening, singing songs and enjoying a picnic!
4. Meet Santa
Perhaps meeting the big guy in red isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we’re sure for some of the younger crew it’ll be the highlight of their night. Come and shake his hand, tell him what you want for Christmas, and snap a photo.
5. Celebrate the festive season
The year is starting to wind down and summer is finally shining bright. Carols on the Green is the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit. Tamariki from St Heliers School’s cheer squad, Kindercare Learning Centre Kohimarama and Stageworks Dance & Performing Arts are just a few of the groups who will be spreading the joy with their performance items.
Not everyone has the means to celebrate Christmas. For anyone who has a little bit more to give, you have the option to bring a brand new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to the Auckland City Mission to distribute to those less fortunate.
Parking around Vellenoweth Green is limited. Walk, cycle or use public transport if you can. Plan your journey on the Auckland Transport website.
Carols on the Green is on Saturday 6 December 2025, 5-7pm at Vellenoweth Green, 355 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers.
