Christmas at Commercial Bay

Snap a festive portrait with Santa

Step into the sparkle this season at Santa’s Studio—where holiday magic meets picture-perfect moments. From 1–24 December, gather your crew for a $30 portrait session that includes a printed photo and a $30 Commercial Bay voucher to spend on festive treats. With Santa styled in a bespoke winter suit by Kylie Cooke and a chic snowy backdrop, it’s the ultimate way to sleigh your seasonal memories—plus, from 5–6pm, snap a Friends-mas photo without Santa, just the sparkle.

Candy Cane Lane

Let the kiddos embark on a festive scavenger hunt through Candy Cane Lane while you take your time browsing! Located in Harbour Eats, this dedicated kid-friendly zone will keep the young ones entertained with activity packs, complimentary face painting and scavenger hunt adventures while Santa’s fairies add some extra sparkle to their day.

Magic Mailboxes & festive rewards

Make the Season Magical with a Chance to Win! Little ones can post their wish lists into one of two enchanting Magic Mailboxes (found in One Queen Courtyard and by the Level One Concierge) for a chance to win a $1,000 Commercial Bay voucher. And for anyone embracing the festive vibes, snap a photo at Santa’s Studio, Te Manaaki (The Giant Christmas Tree), or beneath the sparkling laneway lights, then share it on Instagram with #ChristmasBay- your seasonal snap could turn into a $1,000 shopping spree!

New retailers & holiday highlights

While the festive programming is reason enough to visit, Commercial Bay continues to evolve, welcoming new retailers and seasonal offerings just in time for the holidays. Exciting openings include Zambesi, a Pure Fiji pop up, Devonport Chocolates and the Christmas Heirloom Company. Whether you’re after a statement outfit, a thoughtful gift, or a long lunch with friends, the precinct remains Auckland’s ultimate destination for style, beauty, dining, and entertainment. 

Downtown Christmas Market

Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Auckland at the Downtown Christmas Market on Saturday 13 December 2025. This festive collaboration between General Collective and Britomart Market fills Te Komititanga and Takutai Square with handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats, live music, and joyful energy- plus a live performance from MESSIE to set the seasonal vibe. With free entry and something for everyone, it’s the perfect way to shop local, savour the season, and soak up the sparkle of city lights.

Deck the halls with live music & lights

As twilight falls and the city glows, Deck the Halls transforms the laneways into a festive soundscape every Thursday to Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas—kicking off with a special Black Friday performance. With live sets from MESSIE, Poppa Jax, Groovy T, Beccie B, Hyan, Hamish Crocker, and Aunty El, the precinct pulses with energy and holiday spirit. It’s the perfect soundtrack for late-night shopping, impromptu meetups, or simply soaking in the season’s magic.

Schedule:

• Friday 28 NOV | 5pm – 8pm, Groovy T
• Thursday 4 DEC | 5pm – 8pm, Beccie B
• Saturday 6 DEC | 12pm – 4pm, Hamish Crocker
• Thursday 11 DEC | 5pm – 8pm, Poppa Jax
• Saturday 13 DEC | 12pm – 4pm, MESSIE
• Thursday 18 DEC | 5pm – 8pm, Poppa Jax
• Saturday 20 DEC | 12pm– 4pm, Hyan 
• Wednesday 24 DEC | 3pm – 6pm, Poppa Jax

The Giant Christmas Tree Is Lighting Up!

Te Manaaki Returns to Light Up the City! Rounding out the celebrations, Te Manaaki (Auckland’s 18.4-metre Christmas tree) returns to Te Komititanga on Saturday 22 November 2025, marking its second year as the city’s shining festive landmark.

Hosted by Sharyn Casey and headlined by Drax Project, the free, family-friendly event will feature live music, carols from the Auckland Youth Choir, and the official tree lighting at 8.15pm. A joint gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council, Te Manaaki continues to bring Aucklanders together in a shared moment of festive magic!