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Christmas baubles 2022
totems-for-Christmas
Christmas-decorations
Christmas baubles 2022

Archived: The best Christmas decorations in Auckland city centre

Magical Christmas decorations in the city centre

The most magical time of the year has arrived in the city centre courtesy of some pretty spectacular decorations, so why not get into the spirit by visiting some of these spots for a fantastic photo opportunity? 
From whimsical lights to bold baubles and Smith & Caughey's internationally renowned window display, there's plenty of magic to discover in the city centre. So whether you're catching up with loved ones or browsing for that perfect gift, make sure you pause and snap a Christmas selfie next to these decorations. 
 

Launcha

Christmas Pavilion

You can't miss it! One of the highlights of this year's Christmas programme is a giant pop-up pavilion adorned with hundreds of LED lights and festive neon shapes. It's where over amazing performances will take place during December in the lead up to Christmas - check out the schedule here

Christmas in Te Komititanga is brought to you by Auckland Council and Heart of the City and is supported by the city centre targeted rate.

Illuminating Light Forest 

Head up to Te Komititanga to discover these awesome illuminating lights that are merry and bright during the day and the night. So no matter what time you visit, they'll make for great 'gram content. 

Giant Baubles 

With the tallest reaching six metres in height, it's hard to miss these baubles in Te Komititanga. Take a moment between shopping to grab a cute photo of the family. 

Tree lighting installation 

Neon shapes in trees along Queen Street will be illuminated with different colours. Look up to see them glow! 

Christaliers

Christmas plus chandeliers give us ‘Christaliers’! Look above you in Elliott and Darby Streets to see light changing neon works and insta twinkle your way into the festive season.

Christmas Pavilion image in Te Komititanga by Luke Foley-Martin @lukefmphotography
Christmas Light Forest at SkyCity
Christmas 2023 decorations - squiggled on Queen Street
Christmas Pavilion in Te Komititanga

Santa's Mail Machine 

Santa's special mail machine can be found on both level 1 & 2 of Commercial Bay so you can send your very own personalised letter to father Christmas! See more here

Neon Shapes 

These cool, colourful shapes look awesome during the day and even better at night. Perfect for a photo opportunity, you'll find the star in Freyberg Place and a Christmas tree on O'Connell Street and in Khartoum Place. 

Doves 

Enjoy the gorgeous and much loved dove and globe installations and check out the globes change colours throughout the day. You'll find them on Vulcan Lane and Durham Street East.

Christmas Angels

Look up as you’re wandering up upper Queen Street and see Christmas angels strung between the beautiful trees which line the street.  

Elliott Street Angels
Doves and globes
Commercial Bay magic mail machine

Smith & Caughey's window display

Each year, Smith and Caughey’s windows are filled with intricate, animated Christmas decorations. This year, the windows are based on the special Christmas storybook tale, The Chaos Before Christmas and feature a beautiful tableau of incredible handmade puppets.

Giant nutcrackers and an epic gold Christmas tree

At SkyCity, you'll find larger than life Christmas decorations, perfect to grab some pictures in front of! From giant nutcrackers standing over 4m tall to an epic gold Christmas tree.

Giant Christmas tree 

A huge Christmas tree is bringing all the festive cheer to Aotea Square this December! 

Christmas flags

Look up! City centre flagpoles have been adorned with fun and festive Christmas banners to celebrate the season, designed by artist Charlie Ratahi McFarland.

SkyCity Christmas
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square
Smith and Caughey's Christmas windows
Christmas at Te Komititanga 2022

It's easy to get in, out and around

Getting around the city centre is easier, and cheaper than some may think! Here are some parking and transport hacks to remember when you're coming in. 

  • Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. 
  • $2 per hour on weekends (max of $10) at the Victoria Street car park.
  • $2 per hour on weekends (max of $12) at the Civic car park.
  • $2 per hour on weekends (max of $15) at the Downtown Car Park 
  • $7 a day on weekends at the Fanshawe Street car park 
Parking and transport
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: 10 January 2024

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