Modeled off the idea of a Glass House this contemporary yet casual eating and drinking space is a true garden like oasis.
Part of Christmas in the City Centre
More detailsThe Christmas countdown is on and the city centre is bustling with festive activity building up to the big day! With free festive film screenings, sparkling light shows, atmospheric Christmas concerts, festive feasting and so much more happening all over the city, merry-making has never been easier! Check out our guide to making the most of the run up to Christmas this year & bask all the festive spirit the city centre has to offer.
Friday 13th December
Image via Basementtheatre.co.nz
Jingle Bull Rush | Basement Theatre | 10PM
Check out this festive twist on improv for the silly season. Grab your gladrags and gather your mates for two nights of never-before-seen, totally made-up, improvised comedy! It’s your last chance to see this herd of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best and brightest performers before the year is out. Bull Rush is always a bucking good time. Nominated as one of New Zealand’s best improv comedy groups, this festive silliness is not to be missed!
A Broadway Musical Christmas | Aotea Square | 6PM
The tamariki are taking over the Square! Love musical theatre and want to give it a go with some exceptional rising stars? Get ready to strut your stuff and learn some new moves with the National Youth Theatre followed by a series of performance of Christmas-themed musical numbers in A Broadway Musical Christmas! Alongside musical favourites, will be crowd-pleasing Christmas Classics such as O Holy Night, Santa Clause is Coming to Town and All I Want for Christmas Is You. Come along and have fun with acting, singing and dancing - living your best Broadway fantasy.
Sunday 15th December
Bivacco Sunday Feast | Bivacco | 12PM
Bivacco are hosting Sunday feasts for Christmas throughout November and December. Celebrate the Christmas season with plenty of festive dishes, including a standout Maple Glazed Ham with Pineapple Mostarda, baked fillets of Big Glory Bay Salmon, crispy roast potatoes and pigs in blankets, while the dessert station will be loaded with all of your Christmas favourites; Pavlova loaded with fresh berries, layered boozy trifle, traditional mince pies and Christmas mince pies. See more here.
Monday 16th December
Festive songs in the Atrium | SkyCity| 5-7PM
Throughout December on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm to 7pm, the Atrium will come alive with the sounds of the festive season with Michael Murphy & Friends, DJ Entertainment & a Christmas Choir. Be delighted by the festive tunes and of course, get ready to sing along! See the full timetable here
Dinner & Drinks Nearby?
The Empire Tavern is one of Auckland's leading entertainment venues, with one of the best garden bars in Auckland located at...
1947 eatery presents you with some of the city's most contemporary yet authentic Indian cuisine as well as delicious...
As Auckland’s oldest restaurant, The Original Tony’s in Wellesley Street has been serving great steaks for over 58 years.
This century-old establishment on Albert Street will make you feel like you have settled in a proper English pub.
Michael Meredith is joining the SkyCity dining precinct with a new Pacific inspired restaurant, opening this October!
The Grill serves exceptional New Zealand steak and seafood with a classic, modern approach.
With warm welcoming staff, live music every Friday & Saturday, free pool on Sundays, an upstairs balcony and a vast selection...
The Brewers Co-operative is a freehouse promoting beer brewed by New Zealand craft brewers.
Tuesday 17th December
Sky Tower Christmas Light Show | 12 - 25 December from sundown
Every hour on the same days from 7pm – 11pm, you’ll see the Sky Tower dance in a magical Christmas light show! Pro tip: Wynyard Quarter has the best vantage point (and you can nab a classic fish and chips from the Fish Market while you're there!)
You can also watch the brand-new light show on Auckland Harbour Bridge every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight this festive season! Some of the best spots to watch are Silo Park, the end of Halsey Wharf (just out from the Viaduct Events Centre), the end of Princes Wharf (outside the Hilton Auckland hotel) and the end of Queens Wharf (in front of The Cloud and The Lighthouse)
Be sure to check out some of these eateries below when you're there!
While You're There...
Mark Wahlberg's family restaurant chain is bringing its first New Zealand restaurant to the waterfront later this year!
This Italian restaurant is a sophisticated casual dining in Wynyard Quarter. Rated Metro Peugeot's Restaurant of the Year...
North Park offers an excellent dining experience in the heart of beautiful North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter.
The Conservatory at North Wharf is a wine bar, cocktail bar and restaurant with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with areas...
Feriza's Kitchen, Gozleme & Bar bring the charm and unique flavours of Ottoman dining to the waterfront.
Wednesday 18th December
Visit the Giant Christmas Tree and the festive trail | Te Komititanga | Daily
Standing at a majestic 18.4 meters tall, decorated with over 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 Pōhutukawa flower decorations and over 200 giant baubles, it marks the start of an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland. A 5-minute light show will run every 10 mins, each evening until 4 January from 5pm to 10pm.
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! Our Festive Trail map can help you can see it all with ease, from Te Manaaki all the way up to SkyCity! Follow it here!
Stops Along the Way
Thursday 19th December
Live Music | Takutai Square | 12PM
What better way to spread cheer, than by singing loud for all to hear? Britomart has lined up some of Aotearoa's rising musical stars to serenade you & yours this festive season
Friday 20th December
Park Hyatt Festive High Tea | Park Hyatt | Every day until Jan 26th
Toast to the festive season in style at the Park Hyatt this Christmas and New Year with their Festive High Tea offering, specially curated to give you that silly-season feeling! Perfectly put-together little sweets, eats and treats have been created by executive Pastry Chef, Callum Liddicoat and his team, as they bring the spirit of Christmas to the Park Hyatt's beautiful Living Room, the perfect place to unwind and relax or catch up with friends with picturesque views, where nostalgia and modern merge.
Saturday 21st December
Sunday 22nd December
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.
The World's Highest Postbox | 22 Nov - 24 Dec
Make a trip to send away any last-minute wishes to the North Pole! Make one-of-a-kind holiday memories and soar to the top of Tamaki Makaurau to post wishlists to Santa from the world’s highest letterbox. From sparkling views to hands-on holiday fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Sky Tower this jolly season.
Monday 23rd December
Merry Merry Makers | Ellen Melville Centre | 10AM - 4PM
Drop in & join the fun on this free, Whānau-friendly day, packed with Christmas cheer, creativity and connection!
This event focuses on the joy of handmade gift-giving while highlighting eco-friendly practices like reusing and upcycling materials. It’s designed to bring all ages together in a safe, engaging space where you will feel encouraged and inspired. Check out what’s achievable with simple tools and materials, you will leave with unique designs, feeling ready for Christmas with table-toppers, collaged Xmas cards, gift tags and stamped wrapping paper.
Enjoy live Music at Midday with Khushi, a talented singer-songwriter and multiple activity stations with tricks tips and hands-on guidance from experienced artist and facilitator, Alex.
Tuesday 24th December
Christmas Eve Dining | Multiple Locations
Make a night of it with these festive special menus popping up around the city, specially curated to get you in the spirit of the season - without the washing up! Visit DeBretts Kitchen to start your festive day right with their delicious Christmas breakfast menu for just $45 per person! If you're looking for sparkling waterfront views, the Harbourside Ocean Bar & Grill are offering an exceptional Christmas Eve menu to celebrate the season, which includes all the classics - Raisin & Apple Stuffed Turkey Breast - and of course, Berry Pavlova. FISH Restaurant are embracing the decadence of Christmas with a 3 or 4-course sharing menu. From crispy tempura oysters to beef wellington and herb crusted lamb - drool-worthy!