Archived: 12 things to do before Christmas

10 days to go 

Friday, 15 December | Festive Films Under the Stars
Take a comfy set up down to Silo Park and settle in with tasty treats from Lord of the Fries and Tip Top as you watch a free screening of Love Actually under the night sky. Can't make the Friday? No worries! A different Christmas film will run on 16, 17, 22 & 23 December too - think The Grinch, Home Alone, A Christmas Story and Elf! 

Friday, 15 December | Christ! What a Night!
Written by and starring internet and comedy superstars Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury, 'Christ! What a Night!' is set to be a festive treat that blends kitsch comedy style with the joy and wonder of a Christmas tale. Book tickets here. 

9 days to go 

Friday, 15 December | Love Actually in Concert 
Following sold out performances last year, Love Actually in Concert featuring a live orchestra is bringing the magic back to Auckland city centre this year just in time for Christmas! Join the fun as stories of love around Christmas unfold. Come dressed in your favourite Christmas outfit and make Billy Mack proud. You’ll laugh, sing, and maybe even shed a tear as you experience the emotion of the ultimate romantic comedy Love Actually in Concert.

Saturday, 16 December | Christmas on Queen Street & Midtown Christmas Market 
Every Saturday in December between 11am and 3pm, you’ll find Queen Street humming with all the Christmas feels. Be delighted by free pop-up performances, interactive workshops and be treated to free ice cream and doughnuts from roaming tinsel monsters. Plus, enjoy delicious food and browse vintage goods, artisan crafts and more at the Midtown Christmas Market in Queen Street's iconic Strand Arcade.

8 days to go 

Sunday, 17 December | Christmas Sailing with Mrs Claus 
Mrs Claus is stopping by the NZ Maritime Museum for just one day for a special Christmas sail aboard Ted Ashby. Tamariki will get a chance to talk to Mrs Claus as she sings and entertains with Christmas cheer! Book to meet her here. 
 

7 days to go 

Monday, 18 December | Aotea Square Bounce Scape 
Find this fantastic augmented reality experience in Aotea Square and immerse yourself in a world of Kiwiana charm! Challenge your friends and whānau to a bit of friendly competition and get ready to play the classic summer game of 'keep ups'.

6 days to go 

Tuesday, 19 December | free ice cream at Britomart
Head down to Takutai Square at 12pm and grab yourself a free ice cream, courtesy of Lewis Road Creamery. What a way to spend a lunch break! See more of what's on at Britomart in the lead up to Christmas here. 

5 days to go 

Wednesday, 20 December | Santa's Enchanted Forest
Is Christmas really complete without a visit to Smith & Caughey's? Take the kids along to Santa's Enchanted Forest where a little magic makes for big memories. Bookings are essential - book here. 

4 days to go 

Thursday, 21 December | Valrhona Chocolate high tea
Available throughout December and January, this extra special high tea experience is a must-try. Come hungry and immerse yourself in a world of decadent Valrhona chocolate while experiencing the festive charm at Park Hyatt. 

3 days to go 

Friday, 22 December | Enjoy festive tunes at SkyCity
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until Christmas, the Artium at SkyCity comes alive with the sounds of your favourite holiday songs. Be delighted by the festive tunes and of course, get ready to sing along. See all that's on at SkyCity for Christmas here. 

2 days to go 

Saturday, 23 December | Christmas in Te Komititanga 
Head down to Te Komititanga, for a month of free open air Christmas performances under the colourful Christmas pavilion - from jazz bands and Irish dancers to a trio of Santas, the Grinch on a unicycle, magicians and more. See the performance schedule here. 

1 day to go 

Sunday, 24 December | Sunday Christmas feast at Bivacco 
What better way to lead into Christmas day than with Bivacco's spectacular festive lunch. Revel in the holiday spirit with a mouthwatering feast, featuring delights like maple glazed ham, Big Glory Bay salmon, crispy roast potatoes and honey roasted carrots, to name a few. Book a table here.