Don’t miss this! The city centre is sparkling with one of the most fantastical, fabulous, extraordinary line-ups of festiveness ever seen in this urban square mile!
Bring the kids on the bus, ferry, train, bicycles, scooters, by foot or in the car and make the journey part of the fun.
Head to Auckland’s traditional corner of Christmas – the Smith & Caughey’s building in Queen Street – and see the full programme in the windows, brimming with festive choices.
And online, go to Christmas in the city centre | Heart of the City
A taste of December:
Virtual advent calendars
Five giant neon columns shine in a magical festive pathway of light along Queen Street from now until Christmas.
In a first for New Zealand if not the world, you’ll see your children find curious doors and windows to open, play festive tunes, dial an elf and marvel at the undersea world through interactive portholes. A must-visit this Christmas.
Credit: Jay Farnworth.
Our kiwi summers are captured inside, with themes of a Kiwi Christmas, Santa’s Workshop, Under the Sea, Festive Forest and Christmas Feast, reminding us what makes this season so delightful in Tāmaki Makaurau.
A map on the side of each column helps parents guide the kids as they uncover what’s hidden inside:
- Christmas Feast – push the gingerbread man’s buttons to change the lights and music. Find a jukebox and choose a kiwi Christmas track to play.
- Kiwi Christmas – push the seagull’s buttons and hear her squawk or try the selfie booth and see your face shining on the sun for 10 seconds.
- Festive Forest – touch the screen tree and add baubles and tinsel or change the anthers of pōhutukawa flowers and trigger the sounds of nature.
- Under the Sea – touch the porthole and set off little under sea reactions. Make a fish swim, open a treasure chest, or trigger a surprising light and sound response.
- Santa’s workshop - open the door to reveal a glimpse into Santa’s toy factory. Find a special elf-size phone booth, call an elf or make a wish.
Credit: Jay Farnworth.
Read more at OurAuckland.
A Christmas Carol plays at the Civic
Auckland Live welcomes the acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co production of A Christmas Carol to The Civic from 2–7 December, bringing Dickens’ timeless tale to the stage in Auckland.
In the spirit of the season, Auckland Live is partnering with Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai, encouraging audiences to support the Mission’s Christmas Appeal, which provides festive meals and gifts for people experiencing hardship. Supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate.
24 days of joyful fun in Aotea Square
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is back for 2025, bringing a joyful line-up of free live music, visual arts, karaoke, circus and family fun to the heart of the city.
Across 24 days and 22 events, Aotea Square will come alive with performances from musicians Paige, Holly Arrowsmith, MOHI, Lou’ana, Ella Monnery and more. Highlights include Meet the Artists and Friends featuring a taste of Art Battle in the Square, Arthur Christmas on the big screen, Christmas karaoke, and The Elves Are AWOL by The Dust Palace. Plus, see The Pavilion and the four-metre-tall light installation The Neon Star by Angus Muir in its new home.
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate. Friday, 28 November – Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Sparkle Hour twinkles for summer
Add some sparkle to your weekends! Vector Lights illuminates the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with a new twinkling display this summer.
Sparkle Hour plays at the beginning of every hour from 9pm until midnight, and Celebrating Auckland the regular dynamic light and sound show will continue to play every 15 minutes thereafter. Get together with friends and whānau to watch Sparkle Hour from your favourite viewing spots around Tāmaki Makaurau.
Sparkle Hour will take a break from 12 to 25 December whilst Vector Lights for a Kiwi Christmas is on display (plays every 15 mins from sunset to midnight).
Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector, Auckland Council group and NZTA Waka Kotahi.
Christmas markets and card-making
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Downtown Christmas Market, taking place at Te Komititanga and Takutai Square on Saturday 13 December.
This free, family-friendly event brings together some of Auckland’s finest local artisans, makers, and retailers, with beautifully curated stalls perfect for holiday gifting. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse handcrafted goods, grab a bite to eat, and soak up the Christmas cheer.
Children can also swing by Queens Wharf for a free Christmas card-making workshop (all materials provided). Proudly delivered by Interesting Things, General Collective, and Britomart Saturday Market, with support from the Auckland Council whānau and the city centre targeted rate. Come by public transport and make a day of it! Takutai Square — 8.00am–3.00pm; Te Komititanga — 10.00am–3.00pm.
Poolside festive market at Karanga Plaza
Get ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas at our Karanga Plaza Christmas Market, poolside on the shimmering waterfront of Wynyard Quarter.
Join us for a weekend filled with festive fun as Auckland Council Events and Park Hyatt Auckland bring you a delightful artisan market experience. From unique, handcrafted gifts to mouth-watering treats, feel the joy of the season with family-friendly activities, including festive craft workshops, pet photography, and a stroll through our enticing market stalls.
Gather your loved ones and head to Karanga Plaza for a weekend of Christmas magic, swims, seaside sparkle, and holiday cheer! Karanga Plaza Christmas Market, 6 and 7 December, 10am – 4pm Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter.
Mrs Claus, the famous tree and more festive fun
The city centre is celebrating in style with a month of festive experiences including now-famous Te Manaaki – Auckland’s giant Christmas tree - on display in Te Komititanga from now until 4 January. This spectacular tree is a gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties supported by Auckland Council’s city centre targeted rate.
Also on offer - Mrs Claus Christmas Sailing from the New Zealand Maritime Museum; Santa’s Magical Wonderland at SkyCity, Santa’s Studio by Commercial Bay and much more.
Viaduct Harbour Christmas Wonder Lane
This Christmas season, Viaduct Harbour presents the Christmas Wonder Lane, a charming festive lane of discovery, light, and playful interaction. Visitors can wander through illuminated trees, an immersive laneway, and small discovery moments that celebrate the joy of the season at the waterfront. Find out more at viaduct.co.nz.
Friday 21 Nov - end of Dec at Market Square, Viaduct Harbour. FREE
Many festive activations are proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate including Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square, Te Manaaki the giant Christmas tree, and the annual Farmers Santa Parade.
Your festive pathway map:
