Must-see Christmas lights in Auckland city centre

Unmissable light activations

Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree

21 NOV, 2025 - 4 JAN, 2026 | Te Komititanga Square

A dazzling 18.4metre Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, pōhutukawa flowers, and baubles, shines nightly from 6pm with a light show every ten minutes. Adding to the magic, cheerful Christmas music fills the air Thursday to Saturday, playing for three minutes at the top of each hour between 6 and 9pm.

Christmas Pavilion in Aotea Square

27 NOV - 22 DEC, 2025 | Aotea Square

Step into the dazzling pop-up pavilion illuminated by 900 sparkling LED lights at the center of Aotea Square! Auckland Live’s Christmas in Aotea Square is back for 2025, offering a joyful lineup of free live music, vibrant visual art, karaoke, circus performances, and holiday fun for the whole family.

Queen Street columns

30 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | Along Queen Street

Five towering Christmas Advent Columns by Angus Muir, light up Queen Street with interactive fun — from jukeboxes and touch screens to selfie cams and elf hotlines — bringing a festive playground to the heart of the city!

Shapes that shine

Festive lamp posts

5 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | Along Queen Street

The same festive shapes from Aotea Square’s Christmas pavilion pops up on lamp posts along Queen Street, casting a warm glow that transforms city streets into a magical wonderland. Perfect for evening strolls, they bring seasonal joy to every corner they illuminate.

Neon Star

24 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | Aotea Square

A giant neon star adorns Aotea Square this festive season, glowing extra bright at night! Stand or sit at its base for a great snap for your feed! 

Neon Tree

9 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | O'Connell Street

A neon tree lights up O’Connell Street with bold festive flair, blending modern design with Christmas spirit.  It’s a vibrant alternative for those looking to celebrate the season with a twist on tradition.

Look up and see the magic!

Doves & Globes

7 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | Vulcan Lane & Durham Lane

Enjoy the gorgeous and much-loved dove and globe installations and see how the globes change colours through the day. You'll find them on Vulcan Lane and Durham Street East.

Fairy lights

4 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | High Street & Vulcan Lane corners

In the early evening, sit outside at one of the great Vulcan Lane or High Street bars and eateries, and soak up the atmosphere beneath the gorgeous, glowing fairy lights.

Queen Street lights

The Queen Street Lights join in on the Christmas magic and illuminate the city with an extra festive glow. It’s a brilliant backdrop for an evening stroll or a joyful snap with friends and family.

Iconic landmarks with flair

Farmers building light display 

9 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026 | Queen Street

Stroll up to the historic Farmers building and check out the glowing lights, adding colour and warmth to Queen Street. The dazzling display wraps the building in festive cheer, making it a must-see stop on your city centre Christmas wander.

Light show on the Sky Tower 

The tallest tower in New Zealand joins the festive countdown, glowing red and green for the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day. Bring the whānau along to soak up the festive magic—it's the perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit together.

Vector Lights on the Harbour Bridge 

12 - 25 DEC, 2025 | Harbour Bridge

Brighten up your nights this December with a spectacular light show on the Harbour Bridge! Watch a light and sound show based on the classic children's Christmas book, We Wish You a Kiwi Christmas. And don't miss this summer's Sparkle Hour, Vector Light's stunning new twinkling display every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening (at the beginning of every hour) until 14 February 2026, either side of the Christmas show. Click here to see more information.