Get excited, Tauranga! Our holiday guide is here to show you all the top festive happenings.
One event that shouldn't be missed this season is "Christmas in the Park," where the community gathers for a joyful celebration filled with live music, delicious food, and festive activities. Experience the dazzling wonder of "A Night Before Christmas," known for its enchanting performances and magical ambiance. And don't forget to explore the "Tauranga Christmas Light Trail," a spectacular display of twinkling lights that brings holiday cheer to every corner of the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Tauranga
- Christmas in the Park
- Tauranga Christmas Light Trail
- Tauranga Farmers Market Christmas Edition
- Carols on the Waterfront
- Christmas at the Races
- Tauranga Christmas Carols
Tauranga Holiday Light Displays
Tauranga Christmas Light Trail
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborate residential light displays
Description:
Tauranga's Christmas Light Trail illuminates the city with a dazzling array of residential displays. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace, marveling at the creativity of local homeowners. The trail has grown from a small neighborhood initiative to a city-wide phenomenon over the past decade. Grab a map and embark on a journey through twinkling neighborhoods, each with its own unique theme and style.
Website:
Tauranga Christmas Light Trail
Tauranga Holiday Markets and Shopping
Tauranga Farmers Market Christmas Edition
What to Expect:
Locally-sourced holiday ingredients and artisanal gifts
Description:
The Tauranga Farmers Market Christmas Edition showcases the best of local produce and artisanal crafts. Vendors offer specially curated holiday ingredients, perfect for creating traditional New Zealand Christmas feasts. The market's roots trace back to the early settlers who established Tauranga's agricultural heritage. Visitors can sample seasonal delicacies while browsing handcrafted gifts. The aroma of freshly baked goods and locally roasted coffee fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Website:
Tauranga Farmers Market Christmas Edition
Tauranga Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor concert featuring local and national performers
Description:
Tauranga's Christmas in the Park transforms the city's green space into a lively outdoor concert venue. Local and national performers take the stage, filling the air with joyous melodies. Families can spread out picnic blankets and enjoy an evening of music under the stars. This event has been a cherished tradition since 1996, bringing the community together for a night of celebration. You'll find food stalls offering seasonal treats to complement the entertainment.
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Carols on the Waterfront
What to Expect:
Community sing-along with harbor backdrop
Description:
Carols on the Waterfront unites Tauranga's residents in a harmonious celebration along the picturesque harbor. This community sing-along features a mix of traditional and contemporary carols, accompanied by a local orchestra. The event honors Tauranga's maritime heritage, with decorated boats often joining the festivities from the water. Participants can join in the singing or simply soak in the atmosphere as the sun sets over the bay.
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Tauranga Christmas Carols
What to Expect:
Multi-cultural carol performances
Description:
Tauranga Christmas Carols celebrates the city's diverse community through a multi-cultural musical extravaganza. Choirs and performers from various ethnic backgrounds share their unique holiday traditions through song. This event highlights Tauranga's rich cultural tapestry, which has been shaped by waves of immigration over the centuries. Attendees can experience carols in different languages and styles, from Māori waiata to Pacific Island hymns. The performances take place in a centrally located venue, accessible to all members of the community.
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Tauranga Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Races
What to Expect:
Horse racing combined with holiday festivities
Description:
Christmas at the Races in Tauranga offers an exhilarating blend of horse racing and holiday cheer. This unique event combines the thrill of the track with seasonal celebrations, creating a day of excitement and merriment. The racecourse, established in 1874, comes alive with holiday decorations and festive attire. Spectators can place bets on their favorite horses or participate in Christmas-themed contests between races. The thundering hooves provide a thrilling backdrop to the day's festivities.
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Nearby Events
A Night Before Christmas (Bethlehem)
What to Expect:
Immersive recreation of Bethlehem village
Description:
Step back in time at Bethlehem's "A Night Before Christmas" event. This immersive experience recreates a first-century village, complete with period-accurate costumes and activities. Visitors can try their hand at ancient crafts or sample traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The event pays homage to the town's namesake, offering a unique blend of New Zealand hospitality and biblical history. Wander through the bustling marketplace and interact with characters from the nativity story.
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The Little Big Markets Christmas Edition (Mount Maunganui)
What to Expect:
Beachside market featuring local designers and makers
Description:
Mount Maunganui's Little Big Markets Christmas Edition brings together the region's most talented designers and makers in a beachside setting. This curated market emphasizes sustainable and locally-made products, reflecting the area's commitment to eco-friendly living. Shoppers can find unique gifts while enjoying live music from up-and-coming artists. The event has become a launchpad for many successful local businesses since its inception. Browse through stalls offering everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal food products.
Website:
The Little Big Markets Christmas Edition
Papamoa Christmas Parade (Papamoa)
What to Expect:
Beach-themed Christmas parade
Description:
Papamoa's Christmas Parade brings a unique Kiwi twist to holiday celebrations with its beach-themed procession. Floats adorned with surfboards and palm trees roll down the main street, blending traditional Christmas elements with coastal culture. The parade reflects Papamoa's evolution from a small beach settlement to a thriving community. Children can wave to Santa as he trades his sleigh for a lifeguard boat, embodying the laid-back spirit of a New Zealand summer Christmas.
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Mount Maunganui Santa Parade (Mount Maunganui)
What to Expect:
Beachfront Santa parade with surfing theme
Description:
Mount Maunganui's Santa Parade embraces its coastal location with a surf-inspired procession along the beachfront. Floats featuring surfing Santas and beach-loving elves capture the essence of a Kiwi summer Christmas. This event has been a local tradition for over 50 years, evolving with the community's growth. Spectators line the palm-fringed parade route, cheering as creative displays showcase the town's laid-back beach culture merged with holiday spirit.