Part of Christmas in the City Centre
More detailsChristmas is coming early this year, with festive Saturdays filling Queen Street with cheer!
This festive season you'll find the city centre streets will be buzzing with street performers, live music, giveaways and more. Be sure to circle past Smith & Caughey’s windows as animatronics bring a new Christmas storybook to life and don’t miss a visit to Santa's Enchanted Forest. A little further south, Aotea Square will be filled with all the festive feels. And Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree is set to bring smiles to everyone's face as it lights up the heart of the city!
Must-see festivities on Queen Street
Christmas on Queen Street | Fridays & Saturdays 11am-6pm
From November 29 & until December 21, you’ll find Queen Street humming with the colours, sights and sounds of street performances, costumed characters, live music and neon-lit trees. Plus, chance upon costumed characters and you might event get lucky with giveaways and spot prizes. See more here.
Christmas on Queen Street is brought to you by Auckland Council and Heart of the City and are supported by the city centre targeted rate.
Christmas in Aotea Square| Nov 29 - Dec 22 11am-7pm
Auckland Live has got your Christmas entertainment sorted! Don't miss a month of free open air festive performances in and around a pop-up, decorated pavilion in Aotea Square. Running from November 29 to December 22. Held across several weekdays and weekends you can enjoy festive entertainment on from a range of times kicking off as early as 11am to as late as 7pm. See the schedule and more details here.
Smith & Caughey's Christmas windows and Santa's Enchanted Forest
Is Christmas really really complete without a visit to Smith & Caughey's? A little magic makes for big memories - and this year's window display is nothing short of magical! Marvel at animated hand-made characters and decorations amongst twinkling lights, see here for more on this year's nostalgic theme. Make sure you're booked in to meet Santa for his final visit to his Enchanted Forest wonderland - a must-do for families this year.
Christmas at Commercial Bay | December Weekends
On weekends in December, Commercial Bay will come alive with Christmas spirit. Expect festive market carts and entertainment for the whole family, with Santa and his helpers roaming around the centre offering free face painting (and a free hot drink at Kōkako for parents, after all it is the season for giving.) Plus, don't miss the festivities happening on Thursday evenings too! See more here.
And more around the city centre
Christmas at SkyCity | Nov 29 - Dec 22
Taking place every Friday, Saturday (and Sunday), don't miss a raft of family-friendly events and experiences at SkyCity, including Scotty’s Christmas Spectacular show - an interactive show starring SkyCity's very own Scotty Sky Tower, his two best gingerbread friends and dancers. There are large-scale decorations on display (a gold Christmas tree, a light forest and giant nutcrackers!), and kids can get their photo taken with Santa for free - plus so much more, see the full line-up here.
Artisan Christmas Market | Dec 7 & 8
Embrace the festive spirit with Park Hyatt Auckland and Eke Panuku as they present an enchanting Christmas Market on the first weekend of December! Enjoy the shimmering waterfront of Wynyard Quarter and delight in family-friendly activities, including craft workshops, the opportunity to meet Santa, and explore market stalls brimming with delightful artisan gift ideas and delectable food (perfect for finding special holiday treasures).
Park Hyatt Auckland is your hub for irresistible dining and drinking offers so be sure to stop by The Living Room and Onemata to really indulge! All Park Hyatt's Food and Beverages outlets will be in full swing, featuring additional grab-and-go options.
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 Victoria Street car park.
- $2 per hour on weekends (max of $12) at the Civic car park.
- $2 per hour on weekends and weekdays from 6pm (max of $12) at the Downtown car park.
- $7 a day on weekends at the Fanshawe Street car park
Get $2 parking per hour to a maximum of $15 on evenings and weekends at the Downtown car park. Find out more.
Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more.