Last updated: 11 November 2024
Here's your perfect guide to the holidays in Otara! Find all the top festive events and attractions. Whether you're rediscovering Otara or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide maximizes your holiday experience.
Popular Events: Kick off the celebrations at the Farmers Santa Parade, where the streets are alive with colourful floats and cheerful performances, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life. Following that, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, where local entertainment and festive lights create an unforgettable evening. And the Takapuna Christmas Festival and Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a delightful array of artisan stalls and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Otara Holiday Markets and Shopping
Takapuna Christmas Festival and Market
- What to Expect
- Free community event with Santa's visit and boutique market stalls.
- Description
- The Takapuna Christmas Festival and Market is a free community event featuring performances, kids' entertainment, activities, games, and boutique market stalls. Santa will make a special appearance throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event is carefully curated by Sunshine Events NZ to offer a unique blend of craft, art, and local businesses.
- Where
- Takapuna | More Info : Takapuna Christmas Festival and Market
Browns Bay Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven event with live music and local artisan products.
- Description
- The Browns Bay Christmas Parade features live bands, festive carols, and colorful floats, along with arts and crafts market stalls selling artisan products. The parade starts at the northern end of Beach Front Lane and completes a loop through the town centre, attracting up to 10,000 visitors.
- Where
- Browns Bay | More Info : Browns Bay Christmas Parade
Britomart Saturday Market
- What to Expect
- Live music and artisan food stalls.
- Description
- The Britomart Saturday Market in Auckland's central business district offers a vibrant shopping experience every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. The market features a diverse range of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, coffee, vegan foods, pastries, sweet buns, crepes, juices, and savoury snacks. With both old favourites and new stallholders, this market is a great place to find unique local products.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : Britomart Saturday Market
Otara Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Farmers Santa Parade
- What to Expect
- Dazzling display of fantasy floats and entertainment groups.
- Description
- The Farmers Santa Parade is a 91-year-old tradition featuring fantasy floats, giant inflatables, musicians, and entertainment groups, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus. After the parade, enjoy stage entertainment, amusement rides, delicious food, and family activities at Santa’s Party in Aotea Square.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : Farmers Santa Parade
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- World-class entertainment and fireworks finale.
- Description
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is a free annual event featuring world-class entertainment, including performances by New Zealand's top singers, dancers, and musicians, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale. This beloved event has been a Kiwi Christmas tradition since 1994, showcasing both established and emerging talent.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
Otara Other Holiday Activities
Onehunga Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven festive parade with diverse participant options.
- Description
- The Onehunga Christmas Parade is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, bands, and walking groups. Participants can register their groups with details about their transportation and group size.
- Where
- Onehunga | More Info : Onehunga Christmas Parade
Santa's Enchanted Forest 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas forest with Santa's Cosy Cottage and North Pole Express.
- Description
- Explore a whimsical forest filled with twinkling plush green Christmas trees, meet Santa's Helpers and Fairies, and enjoy a keepsake family photo and collectible Christmas Tree Bauble.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : Santa's Enchanted Forest 2024
Omaha Half Marathon
- What to Expect
- Flat, fast coastal course with unique landscape.
- Description
- The Omaha Half Marathon is a flat, fast course that circumnavigates New Zealand's Omaha Peninsula, offering stunning coastal views and a unique running experience. The event includes various race options, from the half marathon to a 2k walk, and features a picturesque finish at the Rahui Te Kiri Reserve.
- Where
- Omaha | More Info : Omaha Half Marathon
Run the Point - Hobsonville
- What to Expect
- Traffic-free boardwalk and utility trail course.
- Description
- Run the Point - Hobsonville is a scenic run event taking place in Hobsonville, Auckland, featuring a mix of boardwalk, gravel, and concrete utility trails that are virtually traffic-free. The event includes 2km, 5km, 10km, and 15km runs, making it suitable for runners of all levels.
- Where
- Hobsonville | More Info : Run the Point - Hobsonville
Auckland FC versus Newcastle Jets
- What to Expect
- High-stakes football match with local and international teams.
- Description
- Auckland FC takes on Newcastle Jets FC at Go Media Stadium, promising an electrifying match with high-energy action and intense competition.
- Where
- Penrose | More Info : Auckland FC versus Newcastle Jets
End of year High Tea/Brunch
- What to Expect
- Jane Austen-themed High Brunch with diverse dietary options.
- Description
- Join the Jane Austen Society of Aotearoa New Zealand for an end-of-year celebration at Two Grey, featuring a High Brunch with a variety of savoury and sweet delicacies. Enjoy unreserved conversation and good company amidst a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : End of year High Tea/Brunch
EasyLife Health & Wellness Expo
- What to Expect
- Holistic wellness exploration with unique therapies and products.
- Description
- The EasyLife Health & Wellness Expo offers a holistic wellness experience with aura photos, crystal and wellness products, Cyclo-Ssage therapy, and connections with wellness experts.
- Where
- Auckland | More Info : EasyLife Health & Wellness Expo