With over 90 street performances and over 150 stores open late, you won't want to miss out on Late Night Christmas in the city centre.
There are so many incredible performances happening on Thursday 19 December, and here are our top picks to check out, from dance groups to music, festive performances and more. We also have a handy map and performance schedule for you to download and print off for the night. Click here to download it.
Black Sunday Crew – African drumming
Performing: Outside R.M.Williams
With rhythms that will move your body, mind and soul, don't miss this memorable group that will be sure to draw in the crowds.
Allana Goldsmith Group – Te Reo Jazz
Performing: Outside Smith & Caughey’s – 253 Queen St
Allana Goldsmith has featured at many of the major festivals around the country, with an incredible Jazz repertoire sung in Te Reo Māori. Check her out singing throughout the night outside Smith & Caughey's.
Christmas Queens
Performing: Various locations across the city centre
Known for their high energy and ridiculous comedy, Kita and Anita have have been working as a dynamic drag queen duo since 2012 and will surely put a smile on your face as they spread the Christmas cheer this Late Night Christmas.
Blackbird Ensemble – Have a synthy little Christmas
Performing: Freyberg Square
**Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortuantely Blackbird Ensemble are unable to perform at this year's Late Night Christmas.**
This star-studded mini-ensemble band features top Auckland musicians and vocal talent. Groove out to the synthesizers and be on your merry way! You'll know who they are when you see them - look out for the poofy sleeves, lycra tights, gold, zigzag, double denim and more!
Freshmans Dance Crew
Freshmans Dance Crew
Performing: Fort St
Freshmans Dance Crew are a group of dancers and choreographers who are pushing to create a new vibe in the Street Dance scene in New Zealand. From competitions to theatre, Freshmans have a goal to explore uncharted territories in the Street Dance industry with a goal to create sustainable pathways for performers to get career opportunities.This is a performance on the night you'll be sure to remember.
White Chapel Jak
Performing: Freyberg Square
You’ve never seen anything quite like this high energy acoustic Kiwiana band.Winners of the RNZ Battle of the Covers Band 2018 and Outstanding Entertainment at the Wedding Industry Awards 2019, they bring a fresh and funky approach to songs everybody knows and loves.
Ha the Unclear
Performing: Outside BNZ – 80 Queen St
Don’t miss cult favourite alt-pop-rockers Ha the Unclear this Late Night Christmas. Ha The Unclear have joined both Courtney Barnett and The Dandy Warhols for national tours, and recently enjoyed a sold-out showcase at Paris’ famed La Cigale, sharing the stage with luminaries and label-mates Imany and Faada Freddy.
SKILAA
Performing: Outside BNZ – 80 Queen St
This Late Night Christmas, check SKILAA out for good beats with a healthy dose of neo soul, hip-hop, alternative folk and improvisation, in addition to some thick vocal harmonies that draw inspiration from both African-American/Rnb and Balkan singing traditions.
Tamashii Taiko - Japanese drumming
Performing: Opposite Little High St
Tamashii Taiko is known for their spirited, high energy performances which mixes martial arts movements into their performing styles - and last year huge crowds gathered to see the group perform.
Pictured: Libby Montgomery
Opera singers: Hannah Ashford-Beck & Libby Montgomery
Performing: Gaze Balcony, 35 High St
Opera comes alive on High St! This is a unique performance you won't want to miss. Head along High Street ticking your shopping list off with ease, but don't forget to stop, look up and be wowed by this captivating pair and their incredible operatic talents.
Caribbeanz Southern Stars Steelband – Steel drums originating from Trinidad and Tobago
Performing: Darby St
“When Steelpan playing, everybody smilin!” (Caribbean proverb). Wander down Darby Street and you'll hear this band before you see them! They're definitely worth a watch and a listen.