18 - 19 DEC, 2026
December in Auckland is a wonderful time of year, filled with happy traditions – pōhutukawas, pine trees, presents, pavlova...
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.
Outdoor festivities
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.
2 - 28 DEC | Aotea Square
Add some festive flair to playtime with Swinging Bells, a playful interactive installation lighting up Aotea Square. Climb aboard one of the giant illuminated swings and watch as every movement sparks a magical mix of light, colour and festive sound.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Screening
12 DEC | Aotea Square
Enjoy a free screening of the iconic Christmas film The Nightmare Before Christmas on the giant outdoor screen in Aotea Square. Dress up as your favourite Tim Burton-inspired characters and accessorise your costume at the craft station before participating in the costume parade!
More family-friendly fun
28 NOV 2026 | 11AM & 11.30AM
Bring the whānau along for a lively hour of festive fun, filled with singing, dancing and holiday cheer and share the joy of...
1 - 6 DEC, 2026
This December, the award-winning stage spectacle – Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – arrives at The Civic to lift your...
20 DEC, 2026 | From 11am
Get creative this festive season with Lissy & Rudi at a joyful Christmas crafting session in Aotea Square. Learn how to make...
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.
13 DEC | Wynyard Pavilion
Gather the whole family for a festive afternoon at the Wynyard Pavilion. Featuring games, live entertainment, and visits from Santa throughout!
1 - 24 DEC | Commercial Bay | $30 per session (redeemable for a $30 Commercial Bay gift voucher)
Anchoring the season’s sparkle is Santa’s Studio, a beautifully styled portrait space nestled in the heart of the city. Have your photos taken with Santa in a contemporary winter wonderland studio set up. Before you leave, drop your letter to Santa in the Santa mailbox outside the studio - every letter is a chance to win a $1,000 Commercial Bay voucher!
Recharge with flavour
25 DEC, 2026
Make SkyCity Auckland your festive tradition this Christmas.
Article
Avoid the stress of entertaining this festive season and dine in the City Centre.
Festive fun across the city centre
21 NOV, 2026 | 7.30 - 8.30PM
Join the festive fun as Auckland’s favourite Christmas tradition kicks off with the annual tree-lighting event, featuring...
2 DEC - 28 DEC, 2026
Celebrate Christmas in Aotea Square with a free programme of festive experiences for tamariki, whānau and visitors throughout...
15 NOV - 24 DEC, 2026
Step into a world of enchantment where twinkling lights, playful characters, and interactive activities - Santa’s Magical...
Discover more Christmas 2026 highlights 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
