Create your holiday itinerary in Dunedin! Our guide features all the best festive events and activities.
One of the season's highlights is the Santa Parade, a lively event with floats, performers, and, of course, Santa Claus himself bringing joy to attendees. Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Santa's Grotto, where kids can meet Santa and revel in holiday magic. And Light Up Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, with spectacular light displays transforming the city into a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Dunedin
- Santa Parade
- Santa's Grotto
- Light Up Christmas
- Carols by Candlelight
- Christmas in the Octagon
- New Year's Eve Celebrations
- Dunedin Santa Run
- Christmas Jazz Night
- Holiday Story Time
- Christmas High Tea
Dunedin Holiday Light Displays
Light Up Christmas
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly light installations
Description:
Dunedin's Light Up Christmas event illuminates the city with cutting-edge, eco-friendly light installations. Stroll through a trail of energy-efficient LED displays that showcase local flora and fauna. The event highlights Dunedin's commitment to sustainability, featuring solar-powered exhibits and recycled materials in the designs. You can participate in a guided tour to learn about the technology behind the lights. This innovative approach to holiday lighting pays homage to Dunedin's reputation as a forward-thinking city, blending environmental consciousness with holiday cheer.
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Dunedin Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in the Octagon
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas market
Description:
Christmas in the Octagon transports visitors to a Victorian-era holiday celebration in the heart of Dunedin. The event showcases the city's Scottish heritage with bagpipe performances and traditional Scottish treats. Vendors in period costumes sell handcrafted goods reminiscent of 19th-century New Zealand. You can try your hand at Victorian-style games and activities. The Octagon's unique eight-sided layout, designed in 1846, provides a fitting backdrop for this historical holiday market. The event captures the essence of Dunedin's past while creating new memories for modern-day revelers.
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Dunedin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Kiwi-themed floats and performances
Description:
Dunedin's Santa Parade bursts with Kiwi flair, featuring unique floats that blend New Zealand culture with holiday cheer. Marvel at the sight of surfing elves and pohutukawa-adorned sleighs as they roll through the city streets. You can join the crowd in singing popular Kiwi Christmas carols during the procession. This beloved tradition dates back to 1948, making it one of the longest-running Santa parades in New Zealand. Local community groups and businesses contribute to the parade's distinctive Otago flavor, ensuring a true celebration of Dunedin's holiday spirit.
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Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional and Māori carols
Description:
Carols by Candlelight in Dunedin harmoniously blends traditional Christmas songs with Māori carols, creating a unique musical tapestry. The event takes place in the historic Dunedin Town Hall, where the acoustics amplify the beautiful melodies. Attendees can join in singing "Te Harinui," New Zealand's beloved Christmas carol. This musical celebration reflects Dunedin's rich cultural heritage, with performances by local choirs and musicians. The soft glow of candles illuminates the hall, creating an intimate atmosphere that connects the community through song and shared tradition.
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Christmas Jazz Night
What to Expect:
Fusion of Kiwi Christmas songs and jazz
Description:
Christmas Jazz Night in Dunedin swings with a unique fusion of Kiwi Christmas songs and jazz arrangements. Local musicians reimagine beloved New Zealand holiday tunes with improvised solos and syncopated rhythms. The event takes place in a converted wool store, paying homage to Dunedin's industrial past. You can savor locally-sourced wines and cheeses while enjoying the music. This innovative musical experience celebrates Dunedin's vibrant arts scene and adds a sophisticated twist to traditional holiday entertainment.
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Dunedin Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with a Kiwi Santa
Description:
Santa's Grotto in Dunedin transforms into a cozy Kiwi bach, complete with a BBQ and jandals by the door. Children delight in meeting the laid-back Kiwi Santa, who shares tales of his summer adventures around New Zealand. You'll have the chance to snap a photo with Santa in his casual beach attire. The grotto incorporates elements of Māori culture, with traditional decorations and greetings. This unique take on Santa's home reflects Dunedin's coastal heritage and adds a distinctly New Zealand twist to the classic Christmas experience.
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New Year's Eve Celebrations
What to Expect:
Synchronized fireworks display across multiple locations
Description:
Dunedin's New Year's Eve Celebrations dazzle with a synchronized fireworks display launched from multiple locations across the city. The coordinated show creates a panoramic spectacle visible from various vantage points. Local DJs and bands perform at different venues, offering a diverse range of music to suit all tastes. You can join a guided "First Footsteps" walk at midnight, a Scottish tradition brought to Dunedin by early settlers. This unique celebration combines modern pyrotechnics with cultural heritage, reflecting Dunedin's blend of innovation and tradition.
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Dunedin Santa Run
What to Expect:
Coastal route with stunning ocean views
Description:
The Dunedin Santa Run invigorates participants with a scenic coastal route offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Runners don Santa suits as they dash along the St. Clair Esplanade, creating a sea of red against the blue horizon. The event supports local charities, embodying the spirit of giving. You can cool off post-run with a dip in the St. Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, a historic landmark since 1884. This unique run combines fitness, philanthropy, and Dunedin's natural beauty, making it a standout holiday event for both locals and visitors.
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Holiday Story Time
What to Expect:
Bilingual storytelling in English and Te Reo Māori
Description:
Holiday Story Time in Dunedin engages young minds with bilingual storytelling in English and Te Reo Māori. Professional storytellers bring to life tales of Kiwi Christmas traditions and Māori legends. The event takes place in the Dunedin Public Library, which houses a significant collection of New Zealand literature. Children can participate in interactive elements of the stories, fostering language skills and cultural understanding. This unique storytelling experience reflects Dunedin's commitment to preserving and promoting both English and Māori languages, offering an educational and entertaining holiday activity for families.
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Christmas High Tea
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional English and New Zealand flavors
Description:
Christmas High Tea in Dunedin delights taste buds with a fusion of traditional English and New Zealand flavors. The event takes place in Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, adding a touch of grandeur to the experience. Savor unique treats like pavlova-inspired scones and hokey pokey macarons alongside classic finger sandwiches. You can explore the castle's Victorian Christmas decorations between tea courses. This elegant affair pays homage to Dunedin's Scottish roots while celebrating New Zealand's culinary innovations, creating a truly distinctive holiday indulgence.
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Christmas Craft Workshop
What to Expect:
Upcycling workshop using local materials
Description:
The Christmas Craft Workshop in Dunedin emphasizes sustainability with an upcycling focus, using locally sourced and recycled materials. Participants create unique ornaments and decorations inspired by New Zealand's native flora and fauna. The workshop takes place in Dunedin's historic Gasworks Museum, surrounded by industrial heritage. You can learn traditional Māori weaving techniques to incorporate into your crafts. This hands-on experience combines creativity, environmental consciousness, and cultural education, offering a meaningful way to prepare for the holiday season while honoring Dunedin's natural and cultural resources.