Get into the festive spirit this year with our list of the best free Christmas events all around the central city this year. From Santa to LEGO to magical decorations, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to experience a little Christmas magic in the heart of the city.
1. The LEGO Tree Build Event
Brand new to Auckland, the LEGO Christmas Tree in Aotea Square is made up of over half a million LEGO bricks. If you’d like to get building yourself, you can sign up for a Christmas LEGO Build Event and create your very own Christmas keepsake. The event is free, but places are limited so we recommend booking in quick!
It wouldn’t be an Auckland Christmas without a visit to see Santa above Farmers. Situated on the corner of Queen Street and Victoria Street East, Santa stands at an impressive 19 meters high. This year, he’s celebrating his 56th birthday.
3. Smith and Caughey’s Window Decorations
Another annual Christmas tradition, the unveiling of the Smith & Caughey’s Christmas window displays in November signals the beginning of the festive season in the city. This year, the storybook theme for the windows is ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ and each window is filled with magical, moving handcrafted puppets.
The Christmas film is a much loved part of Silo Cinema’s regular summer programme, and this year Silo Park is holding their Christmas extravaganza on Friday 23 December. Fans vote for their favourite and the most popular movie will screen at sundown. Head in early to check out the special Christmas markets and pick up any last minute gifts, just in time for Christmas day…
Speaking of Christmas presents, take your Christmas shopping list down to Britomart on Saturday 10 December and get ticking. Their stalls and boutiques will be brimming with unique gift ideas, and there will be heaps of Christmas entertainment for the kids, plus complimentary gift wrapping.
6. Christmas Decorations In The City
Make a night of it out on the town and check out all the magical Christmas decorations throughout the central city including the Elliott Street Angels, the Doves and Globes on Vulcan Lane, and an extensive collection of baubles and Resene's presents that are scattered throughout the city's laneways and corners.
Enjoy two hours of free parking or $5 evening and weekend rates. Find out more.
Ride on public transport from as little as $2 each way. Find out more.
Last updated:
21 August 2020
