Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is back for 2025, bringing a vibrant mix of free live music, visual arts, karaoke, circus acts, and festive fun for all ages!
Enjoy Thursday and Friday evenings filled with summer sounds, standout performances from musicians, comedy, and lively line dancing. On weekends, dive into family-friendly workshops, creative play, and joyful entertainment.
Whether you're soaking up the sun with friends, sharing a festive day out with whānau, or simply embracing the Christmas spirit in Tāmaki Makaurau, this season promises something special for everyone.
Christmas in Aotea Square 2025
The Pavilion returns!
24 NOV, 2025 - 22 DEC, 2026 | Aotea Square
A bright, colourful lighting installation described as a festive chessboard and rainbow kaleidoscope. Co-created by award-winning designers Angus Muir and Matt Liggins, The Pavilion will light up Aotea Square and become the stage for all the performances throughout the season.
New to the event this year is Angus Muir’s The Neon Star - a four-metre-tall light installation which will shine from the Queen Street steps of Aotea Square.
Our top picks
Christmas Karaoke with Friends
29 NOV | 11am - 12pm (Waitākere Brass Band) | 1 - 2pm (The Madeleines)
Sing your favourite festive tunes (fa-la-la!) with a live pianist, plus performances from the Waitākere Brass Band and The Madeleines. Plus, unleash your creativity at the Christmas Craft Corner (10 - 11am, 12-1pm, 2-4pm). Click here for more information.
NYEGE: A Festive Wellness Carnival
6 DEC | 11am - 5pm
A joyful day of rhythm, movement and connection with Black Creatives Aotearoa. Experience live drumming, DJ sets, yoga and dance in this vibrant Afro-diasporic celebration of community and summer in the heart of the city. Click here for more information.
Meet the Artist & Friends featuring A Taste of Art Battle
13 DEC | 10 - 11.30am (meet artists) | 11.30am - 1pm (performance) | 1-4pm (Art Battle)
A full day of live painting and fun as top New Zealand artists compete in a speed painting-showdown. Enjoy DJs, colour and creativity. Click here for more information.
Outdoor Movie Night: Arthur Christmas
13 DEC | 6 - 7pm (games, face painting & free popcorn) | 7 - 8.40PM (movie)
A Christmas favourite on the outdoor big screen in Aotea Square. Enjoy face painting, games, free popcorn and ice cream. Click here for more information.
Yuletide Ukulele with The Nukes
14 DEC | Time TBA
Join Aotearoa’s favourite ukulele trio for a fun, family-friendly workshop and performance. Learn a few festive tunes and sing along! Click here for more information.
The Elves Are AWOL by The Dust Palace
20 DEC | 10am - 4pm
Try circus workshops as well as two performances of a 20-minute show of trapeze, aerials and comedy. Great for the whole whānau. Click here for more information.
21 DEC | Time TBA
Join one of New Zealand’s top K-pop crews for an unforgettable dance session. Learn the choreography from KPop Demon Hunter, then stick around as Elit-is opens the floor for a full K-pop dance party. Click here for more information.
Enjoy live performances from a vibrant lineup of contemporary artists including:
Image via aucklandlive.co.nz
Image via aucklandlive.co.nz
Image via aucklandlive.co.nz
Image via aucklandlive.co.nz
Click here to see the full programme.
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is an Auckland Council Event and proudly supported by the city centre targeted rate.
$2.50 per hour to a max of $12.50 on weekends and a $12.50 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more.