Experience the charm of Christchurch during the holidays with our guide. From Christchurch regulars to first-time tourists, this guide highlights the season's top events.
Start your holiday excitement with the Christchurch Christmas Parade, where festive floats and marching bands create a magical experience for all ages. Then, enjoy a night of live music, fireworks, and family-friendly activities at Christmas at the Park. And don't forget the enchanting Santa's Grotto at Northlands, where kids can meet Santa and explore his wonder-filled workshop. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Christchurch
- Christchurch Christmas Parade
- Christmas at the Park
- Santa's Grotto at Northlands
- New Brighton Christmas Twilight Market
- Carols in Victoria Square
- Festival of Lights (Akaroa)
- Lincoln Christmas Parade (Lincoln)
- Christmas Lights at Riccarton House
- A Very Retro Christmas Fair
- Banks Peninsula Solstice Event (Banks Peninsula)
See these and even more events listed below!
Christchurch Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
French-inspired light festival in a historic town
Description:
The Festival of Lights illuminates the charming town of Akaroa with a French-inspired celebration. This unique event pays homage to the town's French heritage, blending European traditions with Kiwi innovation. Visitors can stroll through the streets, admiring intricate light installations that transform the historic architecture. The festival includes performances of traditional French Christmas songs and displays of local artwork. Akaroa's picturesque harbor reflects the lights, creating a stunning visual spectacle that captures the essence of this cultural melting pot.
Where: Akaroa | More Info: Festival of Lights
Christmas Lights at Riccarton House
What to Expect:
Historic mansion transformed by light displays
Description:
Christmas Lights at Riccarton House breathes new life into one of Christchurch's most significant historic sites. The Victorian-era mansion and its surrounding gardens are adorned with thousands of lights, creating a stunning contrast between old and new. Visitors can explore the illuminated grounds, discovering hidden light sculptures and interactive displays. Inside the house, rooms are decorated to reflect Christmas celebrations from different periods in New Zealand's history. This event offers a unique glimpse into the past while embracing modern light technology.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christmas Lights at Riccarton House
Christchurch Holiday Markets and Shopping
New Brighton Christmas Twilight Market
What to Expect:
Beachside holiday market with local artisans
Description:
The New Brighton Christmas Twilight Market brings holiday cheer to the seaside. This unique event combines the relaxed atmosphere of a beach town with the excitement of a holiday market. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares, offering one-of-a-kind gifts with a distinctly Kiwi flair. The sound of waves provides a soothing backdrop as visitors browse the stalls. This market celebrates New Brighton's community spirit and supports local businesses, continuing a tradition that began in the early 2000s.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: New Brighton Christmas Twilight Market
A Very Retro Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Vintage-themed Christmas market celebrating mid-20th century nostalgia
Description:
A Very Retro Christmas Fair transports visitors back to the 1950s and 60s with a nostalgic celebration of mid-century holiday cheer. This unique market features vendors selling vintage and vintage-inspired gifts, clothing, and decorations. Rockabilly bands perform classic Christmas tunes, while classic cars decked out in holiday finery line the streets. Visitors can participate in retro-themed photo booths or learn swing dancing. The fair pays homage to Christchurch's post-war era, when the city experienced significant growth and cultural change.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: A Very Retro Christmas Fair
Christchurch Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christchurch Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade in the South Island
Description:
The Christchurch Christmas Parade transforms the city center into a vibrant spectacle of holiday cheer. As the largest Christmas parade in the South Island, it features an impressive array of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters. Children can wave to Santa as he passes by on his elaborately decorated sleigh. This beloved tradition dates back to 1947, making it a cherished part of Christchurch's holiday heritage. The parade's route winds through the historic streets, showcasing the city's resilience and community spirit.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christchurch Christmas Parade
Christmas at the Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor concert and fireworks display
Description:
Christmas at the Park ignites the holiday spirit with a dazzling outdoor concert and fireworks extravaganza. Set against the backdrop of Christchurch's lush parklands, this event brings together local and national performers for an evening of music and celebration. Families can spread out picnic blankets and enjoy the festive atmosphere under the stars. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the night sky. Christmas at the Park has become a modern tradition, uniting the community in a shared experience of joy and music.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christmas at the Park
Carols in Victoria Square
What to Expect:
Community carol singing in a historic square
Description:
Carols in Victoria Square revives a cherished Christchurch tradition in the heart of the city. The event brings together choirs, musicians, and community members for an evening of harmonious celebration. Victoria Square, with its rich history dating back to the city's founding, provides a picturesque setting for this gathering. Participants can join in singing beloved carols, their voices echoing through the square. This event embodies the spirit of community and continuity, connecting present-day Christchurch with its past.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Carols in Victoria Square
Lincoln Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Rural community Christmas parade with agricultural themes
Description:
The Lincoln Christmas Parade showcases the spirit of rural Canterbury with a unique agricultural twist. Tractors adorned with twinkling lights replace traditional floats, while local farmers and community groups create inventive displays celebrating the region's agricultural heritage. Children can marvel at the sight of Santa arriving on a combine harvester. This parade, which began in the 1950s, reflects Lincoln's strong ties to the land and its farming community. The event concludes with a community picnic, featuring locally grown produce and homemade treats.
Where: Lincoln | More Info: Lincoln Christmas Parade
Candlelight Carols in Blockhouse Bay
What to Expect:
Intimate candlelit carol service in a historic bay
Description:
Candlelight Carols in Blockhouse Bay offers an intimate and reflective holiday experience. Set in the historic bay that once housed a colonial-era blockhouse, this event creates a serene atmosphere with hundreds of candles illuminating the shoreline. A small choir leads traditional carols, their voices carrying across the calm waters. Participants can join in the singing or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. This event connects modern-day Christchurch with its colonial past, while fostering a sense of community and shared tradition.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Candlelight Carols in Blockhouse Bay
Christchurch Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Grotto at Northlands
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in a shopping center
Description:
Santa's Grotto at Northlands offers a unique twist on the traditional mall Santa visit. This immersive experience transports visitors to a whimsical North Pole setting within the shopping center. Children can engage in craft activities, write letters to Santa, and even help the elves in their workshop. The grotto's design incorporates elements of New Zealand's natural beauty, blending local flora with classic Christmas decor. This event provides a welcome respite from the bustle of holiday shopping, allowing families to create lasting memories.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Northlands
Banks Peninsula Solstice Event
What to Expect:
Maori and European solstice traditions blended in a coastal setting
Description:
The Banks Peninsula Solstice Event honors both Maori and European solstice traditions in a unique coastal celebration. Held at a significant Maori site, the event begins with a traditional dawn ceremony welcoming the sun. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in workshops on Maori astronomy and European solstice customs. The peninsula's dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop for storytelling, music, and dance performances. This event highlights the cultural diversity of the region and its deep connection to the natural world.