From our public squares to the laneways and beyond, Christmas festivities are all around in the city centre this year - over 20 to be exact! Planning a visit to embrace the magic? Let us help you with our trail map so you can see it all with ease. This trail can be reversed too, depending on where you want to start!
Start downtown
Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree in Te Komititanga | Lower Queen Street
Standing at over 18m tall and decorated with over 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 Pōhutukawa flower decorations and over 200 giant baubles, Te Manaaki is new in 2024 and will bring festive magic for all to enjoy.
Te Manaaki is a gift to the city in partnership between Heart of The City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate.
The Giant Baubles | Te Komititanga, Lower Queen Street
While you are there, make sure you check out the iconic giant baubles, with the tallest reaching 6m in height!
Santa's Mail Machine | Commercial Bay
If you've got kids in tow, be sure to visit Santa's special Mail Machine located on both level 1 & 2 of Commercial Bay. Write a wish list, pop it in the machine and watch as it shoot off to the North Pole! You may even win your wish list! See more, here.
Head further up Queen Street
Neon shapes, Christmas doves and a neon star | Queen St, Vulcan Lane and Freyberg Place
As you make your way up Queen St, look up to see neon lights in festive shapes and spot Christmas dove decorations in Vulcan Lane. Take a quick turn off Queen Street and into Freyberg Place to spot a giant neon Christmas star on the steps - perfect for a festive 'gram.
Christmas on Queen Street
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 28 November until 21 December between 11am-6pm, you'll find Queen Street humming with all the Christmas feels. Be delighted by free pop-up performances from carnival bands to community choirs, DJs and more. Plus, try out the art stations, get crafty making cards or look out for lunch time giveaways and prizes each Saturday. See more here.
Christmas on Queen Street is brought to you by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
Festive windows | Smith & Caughey's
This iconic Christmas window display needs no introduction! This year's delightful Christmas animation is based on the fabulous children's picture book "The Adventures of Hutu & Kawa" by Avis Acres. A bestselling classic children's book from the 1950s, it follows the story of two Pōhutukawa babies, Hutu and Kawa, who live in New Zealand’s very own Christmas tree, the pōhutukawa, and set out on a canoe adventure making many forest friends along the way.! See more here.
Enchanted forest at Smith & Caughey's
Santa has made his way to Smith & Caughey's to meet all the little ones. This magical experience is a festive event not to be missed, especially as this will be its last year! Bookings essential - book here.
Check out what's on at Aotea Square
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square | 29 Nov - 22 Dec
Auckland Live are bringing Christmas cheer to Aotea Square this December, filling the space with a programme of free and whānau-friendly activities, artists and performers to enjoy the Christmas spirit in full swing! See more here.
Christmas Pavilion & The Illuminating Light Forest
Be sure to check out the much beloved Christmas Pavilion while you're there! Plus discover the awesome Illuminating Light Forest, created by Angus Muir, nestled in front of The Christmas Pavilion in Aotea Square - be sure to snap a pic of this festive installation!
Then jingle all the way to SkyCity
Scotty's Christmas Spectacular Show | Every Saturday & Sunday from 7-22 Dec | 4pm, 5pm & 6pm
Join SkyCity for an interactive show starring Scotty Sky Tower, his best gingerbread friends and dancers. A beloved tradition on Auckland's Christmas calendar, this unforgettable show promises festive fun for families & entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Plus win Scotty's Christmas Giveaway which is running from 18 Nov to 16 Dec. Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt at SkyCity and enter the draw to win - check out details here
Photos with Santa & friends | Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-22 | 12pm-7pm
Celebrate Christmas at SkyCity with photos with Santa and Friends! This holiday season, the SkyCity atrium transforms into a festive wonderland, bringing the enchantment of the North Pole right to the heart of Auckland.
Hop into Santa’s sleigh and capture the perfect holiday photo with Santa, his playful pixie friends, and a magical fairy creature. Donate a gold coin in support of one of SkyCity’s hero charity partners and receive a printed photo in a special SkyCity-branded photo wallet. It's a chance to create unforgettable memories while giving back to the community.
Christmas Decorations | 13 November - 27 December
Check out the 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.
Christmas Light Show | 12 - 25 December from sundown
The biggest Christmas tree in Auckland this festive season will be lit up in green and red in the 12 days to Christmas, and every hour on the same days from 7 pm – 11 pm, you’ll see the Sky Tower dance in a magical Christmas light show.
The World's Highest Postbox | 22 Nov - 24 Dec
Make a one-of-a-kind holiday memories by going up to the top of Tamaki Makaurau to post a letter full of wishes to Santa from the world’s highest letterbox. While you’re there, join the Gingerbread Scotty weekend workshops from 1-22 December 12-3pm where you can decorate your own festive treat to take home or share. From sparkling views to hands-on holiday fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Sky Tower this jolly season.
Festive songs in the Atrium | 29 November - 22 December
Throughout December, the Atrium will come alive with the sounds of the festive season with Michael Murphy & Friends, DJ Entertainment & Christmas Choir. Be delighted by the festive tunes and of course, get ready to sing along! See the full timetable here
