1 OCT - 30 NOV, 2025
SkyCity Auckland is celebrating their award-winning eateries and chefs with Served! Get ready to embark on a round-the-world...
The festive season is here, and there’s no better place to make magical family memories than in the heart of the city! With joyful activities for everyone—from tiny tots to treasured grandparents—there’s something to delight the whole whānau.
Keep reading for our top picks of Christmas fun for families in the city centre.
Tree lights, mailboxes & outdoor movie night
Te Manaaki - The giant Christmas tree
21 NOV - 4 JAN | Te Komititanga
The giant Christmas tree 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.
3 - 20 DEC | Commercial Bay
Little dreamers can post their wish lists into one of two enchanting Magic Mailboxes—one tucked into One Queen Courtyard, the other by the Concierge on Level One—for a chance to win a $1000 Commercial Bay voucher.
Outdoor Movie Night: Arthur Christmas
13 DEC | Aotea Square
Enjoy a free screening of the feel-good Christmas film Arthur Christmas on the giant outdoor screen in Aotea Square. Bring a picnic mat, enjoy games and face painting, plus FREE popcorn. First come, first served until the popcorn runs out!
Magic tricks, fairies & Scotty Sky Tower
15 - 14 DEC | 4-7pm | SkyCity Atrium
Sparkle Spell the Elf and Ari Phillips | 15 NOV - 13 DEC: This dynamic duo brings Christmas cheer to life through mesmerising tricks and delightful illusions.
Brendan Dooley | 16 NOV - 14 DEC: From playful illusions to witty banter, Brendan’s close-up performances are packed with surprises – perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Every Wednesday | 19 NOV - 24 DEC | 4 - 7pm | Atrium
Strike a pose, don’t be shy – a Christmas wish might flutter by! Head to SkyCity for a photo and whimsical cheer with their towering Christmas Fairy.
Scotty's Christmas Spectacular
20 & 21 DEC | 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm
Don’t miss the big finale! You’re invited to a dazzling 25-minute live Christmas spectacular starring Scotty Sky Tower and his merry crew of Gingerbreads, Pixies, and friends. Enjoy festive music, dancing, games, and giveaways—including hits like “Sleigh Bells” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Stick around for photos and meet-and-greets!
More family-friendly fun
Meet the jolly man himself!
15 NOV - 24 DEC | SkyCity
For $35, enjoy a dazzling Christmas landscape filled with interactive fun, a visit with Santa, and special keepsakes including a photo and gift for every child.
30 NOV | Queen Street
Celebrate the festive season as the Farmers Santa Parade marks its 92nd year with spectacular floats, vibrant bands, and beloved characters. This magical event features The Enchanted Woodland float and a special appearance by Bluey — but the true star of the show is Santa Claus himself, bringing holiday cheer to all!
1 - 24 DEC | 10am - 6pm | until 8pm on Thurs | One Queen Courtyard
A modern winter wonderland where festive charm meets stylish design. For $30, enjoy a magical photo session with Santa in his custom suit, receive a framed portrait and a $30 Commercial Bay voucher to shop or dine.
Fresh flowers, artisan food & unique gifts
13 DEC | 8am - 3pm at Takutai Square | 10am - 3pm at Te Komititanga
A festive collaboration between General Collective and the Britomart Market, explore beautifully curated stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, summer fashion, homewares, art, toys, and gourmet delights. Adding to the festive atmosphere, MESSIE will bring live music to the main laneway of Commercial Bay.
29 NOV | 8am - 2pm | Takutai Square & Te Ara Tahuhu
Start your weekend with Britomart’s lively weekly market, a hub for artisan food, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Wander through stalls brimming with flowers, sip locally roasted coffee, and sample everything from vegan bites to buttery pastries, sweet buns, crepes, juices, and savoury snacks.
Karanga Plaza Christmas Market
6 - 7 DEC | 10am - 4pm | Karanga Plaza
Join in a weekend filled with festive fun as Auckland Council and Park Hyatt Auckland bring you a delightful artisan market experience. Feel the joy of the season with family-friendly activities, including festive craft workshops, pet photography, and a stroll through our enticing market stalls, perfect for finding those special holiday treasures.
Recharge with flavour
NOV - DEC, 2025
Make SkyCity Auckland your festive tradition this Christmas.
A go-to dining and hospitality destination in the heart of Commercial Bay.
The iconic Auckland Fish Market has recently been refurbished with eight new eateries, courtyard bar and a world class...
Social gatherings are great fun at Elliott Stables'. The Elliott Stables Epicurean Village philosophy is "Come in and sit...
SKYCITY offers a deliciously Americana burger menu.
Located on Chancery Square, Mighty Hotdog serves super delicious and creative Korean-style deep-fried hotdogs.
Stunning harmonies by young talents
Auckland Youth Choir
10 DEC | Wednesday | 6 - 6.30pm
The Auckland Youth Choir (AYC) is a mixed‑voice ensemble of singers aged 16–27. Their projects range from ANZAC commemorations and premieres of Aotearoa works to international collaborations. Highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall (2016), winning at the Sydney Opera House (2019), and earning gold at the World Choir Games in Auckland (2024).
Unspoken from Manurewa High School
26 NOV | Wednesday | 6 - 6.30pm
Unspoken, Manurewa High School’s newly formed choir, has already made a big impact in just months. Finalists in The Big Sing 2025, Gala Performance Award winners, and recipients of the school’s first‑ever Tui (Gold) Award, these young talents embody “Piki atu ki te Rangi — Aim High, Strive for Excellence.”
Auckland Pacific Secondary Schools Choir
16 DEC | Wednesday | 6 - 6.30pm
The Auckland Pacific Secondary Schools Choir (APSSC), led by Nainz of Adeaze, unites talented students from schools across Tāmaki Makaurau. Their performances celebrate Pacific excellence and unity, with standout appearances at national events including All Blacks vs Springboks, Black Ferns vs USA and Kiwis vs Toa Samoa.
Festive fun across the city
Your insider's guide
From giant baubles to light forest and magical window displays, the city centre is all dressed up for Christmas!
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Gather the tamariki and explore the city centre to catch Santa before he heads back to the North Pole.
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From the water's edge to inner-city arcades, lively markets are filling the city streets with festive cheer this Christmas.
...See more Christmas 2025 festivities here.
Your guide to accessing the city centre
With lots to do and see in the city, it’s helpful to know how best to get in and travel around.
We have guides on the best ways to get in, out and around on public transport - it's cheaper and easier than you think!
If you're driving in, here is a guide on which car parking buildings to use when visiting different areas of the city centre - whether it be Downtown, the waterfront or Midtown
