Last updated: December 01, 2024
Don't miss the must-see holiday events in Timaru! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. From locals to visitors, our guide showcases the best of Timaru's festive season.
One highlight this Christmas is the Harcourts Geraldine Festival, a charming celebration that features local crafts, food, and entertainment, creating a delightful atmosphere for all ages. Featuring stunning vehicles and a community spirit, the Rotary South Island Champs 2024 - Show and Shine Day showcases an array of classic cars that enthusiasts will appreciate. And definitely don't forget Christmas on the Bay 2024, where festive lights and live music enhance the seasonal cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Traditional wooden stalls with local artisanal products.
Christmas on the Bay 2024 is a vibrant holiday event in Timaru, featuring traditional wooden stalls, seasonal lighting, and local artisanal products. Enjoy live music, free children's programming, and a variety of local foods while exploring the beautifully decorated stalls.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Christmas on the Bay 2024
Boutique shopping and local art exhibitions in a charming country setting.
The Harcourts Geraldine Festival is a 35-year-old celebration in Geraldine, featuring unique boutique shopping, art and photography exhibitions, and beautiful local gardens. Enjoy a weekend of market stalls, food vendors, kids' entertainment, and live music.
Where: Geraldine | More Info: Harcourts Geraldine Festival
Unique local goods and seasonal treats in a charming community setting.
Temuka Market offers a delightful array of local goods, crafts, and seasonal treats in a charming community setting.
Where: Temuka | More Info: Temuka Market
Unique blend of fresh produce and handmade crafts.
The Timaru Artisan Farmers Market is a weekly Saturday morning event offering a diverse selection of fresh local produce, handmade artisan crafts, and a variety of food stalls. It features a mix of farmers' market products and local artisan crafts, making it a great place to shop and socialize with the locals.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Timaru Artisan Farmers Market
Unique shopping experience with over 200 artisan stalls.
The Geraldine Summer Fete is a premier event featuring 200 high-quality artisan stalls offering homewares, garden items, and lifestyle products. Held in the sprawling gardens of Stover Farm, it attracts visitors from across New Zealand with its curated wares showcasing talent and style. The event includes stunning Talbot Silver Jewellery, delicious food, and live music, making it an ideal opportunity to begin your Christmas shopping.
Where: Geraldine | More Info: Geraldine Summer Fete
Interactive storytelling session with a local author in a unique woolshed setting.
Join Glenn Colquhoun, author and GP from Horowhenua, for an interactive session of stories told through song in a charming working woolshed at Peel Forest. Learn about his recent writing and enjoy visual art by local artist Stephanie Postles.
Where: Geraldine | More Info: Waiata in the Woolshed: In Conversation with Glenn Colquhoun
Multi-talented ensemble blending various musical styles.
The Douce Ambiance Jazz Quartet features Cathy Irons on violin and viola, Dan Robertson on piano, Dougal Canard on double bass and guitar, and Doug Brush on drums. This ensemble explores a kaleidoscope of styles and eras, from haunting ancient melodies to pulsating Gypsy tunes and lively folk numbers. Their performance promises a rich sonic experience with deep viola and clear acoustic guitar brilliance.
Where: Geraldine | More Info: Douce Ambiance Jazz Quartet
Award-winning artist performing across her whole career.
Mel Parsons' Regional Sabotage Tour is a 20-date regional tour celebrating her new album Sabotage, featuring songs from her entire career, including singles like "Offer Down," "Little Sadness," and "5432."
Where: Timaru | More Info: Mel Parsons Regional Sabotage Tour
A diverse performance lineup celebrating local and national talent.
This annual showcase features an array of performances, including music, dance, and comedy, bringing together talented artists from various backgrounds. Families and friends gather to celebrate the spirit of the season while enjoying a memorable evening filled with entertainment. The community atmosphere enhances the enjoyment, with vibrant acts appealing to audiences of all ages.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Christmas Royal Variety Show
Unique blend of car shows and drifting demonstrations.
The 4 & Rotary South Island Champs 2024 - Show & Shine Day is an exciting event featuring an Indoor and Outdoor Show & Shine, Drift Demonstrations, Dyno, Unveils, Startups, RC Drifting, and various activations. It takes place at the Southern Trust Events Centre in Timaru, South Canterbury, on Saturday, 16 November 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Where: Timaru | More Info: 4 and Rotary South Island Champs 2024 - Show and Shine Day
Family-friendly community fair with fun games and entertainment.
The Barton Rural Spring Fair is a family-friendly event featuring fun games, delicious food, and entertaining activities for all ages. Enjoy a day filled with excitement and prizes galore at this popular community fair.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Barton Rural Spring Fair
Community-focused workshops on sustainable living.
The Sustainability Festival is a community-driven event celebrating local sustainability initiatives, featuring workshops on bike maintenance, native plant propagation, and non-chemical weed management, as well as activities like the Junk Funk costume competition and Quiz Night.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Sustainability Festival
Unique home and garden tour with special attractions.
Explore 9 unique homes and gardens in South Canterbury, featuring stunning properties, beautiful gardens, and special attractions like a Pimm's stall.
Where: Timaru | More Info: Hospice Harcourts Home and Garden
Unique blend of home improvement products and lifestyle offerings.
The South Canterbury Home & Garden Show 2024 offers a comprehensive showcase of home and garden products, featuring exclusive specials, giveaways, and expert advice. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitors, including builders, renovators, spas, landscaping services, and more. The event includes free activities for kids, a major prize draw, and delicious artisan foods and beverages.
Where: Timaru | More Info: South Canterbury Home & Garden Show 2024
Annual piping and drumming competitions showcasing local talent.
The South Canterbury Championships 2024 - Piping & Drumming is an annual event featuring competitions for Pipe Bands, Solo Piping, and Solo Drumming. The event is hosted by the South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band and offers free public entry.
Where: Timaru | More Info: South Canterbury Championships 2024 - Piping & Drumming
Fundraising golf tournament with scenic course views.
Join KPMG and The Y Central South Island for a fun-filled day of golf at the Pleasant Point Course. Enjoy free sausages and refreshments while playing through the beautiful course bordered by lush farmland, council reserves, and a newly created deer park. The event supports youth development and education in South Canterbury, with great prizes, raffles, and auctions.
Where: Pleasant Point | More Info: KPMG Golf Tournament Supporting The Y Central South Island