Plan your ultimate holiday itinerary in Wellington! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday charm of Wellington.
Kick off your seasonal celebrations with the Wellington Christmas Market, where you can find unique gifts and delicious treats. Feel the excitement and joy at the Wellington Santa Parade, featuring beautifully decorated floats and cheerful performances. And Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with live music and entertainment for the entire family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Wellington
- Wellington Christmas Market
- Wellington Santa Parade
- Christmas in the Park
- Thorndon Fair
- Johnsonville Christmas Parade
Wellington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Wellington Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and sustainable gift options
Description:
Wellington's Christmas Market transforms the city's waterfront into a bustling hub of creativity and sustainability. Local artisans display their handcrafted wares, offering eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced gifts. The market's commitment to reducing waste reflects Wellington's progressive environmental policies. Visitors can participate in upcycling workshops, learning to create unique decorations from recycled materials. The aroma of locally-roasted coffee wafts through the air as you explore the diverse stalls. This market has been a platform for emerging artists since its inception in 2010, fostering a strong sense of community support for local talent.
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Thorndon Fair
What to Expect:
Celebrates the historic Thorndon neighborhood
Description:
The Thorndon Fair spotlights Wellington's oldest suburb, blending holiday cheer with historical charm. Stalls line the streets of this heritage-rich area, offering artisanal goods and local delicacies. The fair emphasizes the preservation of Thorndon's unique character and architecture. Visitors can join guided walks to discover the neighborhood's fascinating past. The scent of freshly baked goods fills the air as you explore. Established in 1977, the Thorndon Fair has become an integral part of Wellington's holiday calendar, supporting local schools and community projects.
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Wellington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Combines outdoor concert with interactive art installations
Description:
Christmas in the Park transforms Wellington's green spaces into an immersive celebration of music and art. Live performances from local and national acts fill the air with melodies, while interactive art installations invite exploration. The event highlights Wellington's thriving arts scene and commitment to public spaces. You can contribute to a community mural, adding your own artistic touch to the festivities. This free event began as a small community gathering in 1998 and has grown into one of Wellington's largest holiday celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
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Wellington Other Holiday Activities
Wellington Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Incorporates Maori cultural elements
Description:
Wellington's Santa Parade blends traditional holiday cheer with vibrant Maori culture. Colorful floats adorned with indigenous motifs glide through the streets, accompanied by performers in traditional dress. The parade showcases Wellington's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion. Children can wave to Santa as he passes by on a uniquely Kiwi sleigh. Listen for the rhythmic beats of Maori drums echoing through the city. This annual event has been a Wellington tradition since 1949, evolving to reflect the city's changing demographics and values over the decades.
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Johnsonville Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with strong local business involvement
Description:
Johnsonville's Christmas Parade embodies the spirit of community collaboration. Local businesses and organizations come together to create vibrant floats and performances, showcasing the suburb's tight-knit community. The parade highlights Johnsonville's recent urban renewal efforts and growing diversity. Spectators can enjoy performances by local school bands and dance troupes. Watch for the parade's signature giant kiwi float, a crowd favorite. This annual event has been uniting the Johnsonville community since the 1960s, adapting and growing alongside the suburb's development.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Grotto (Lower Hutt)
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience in a historic building
Description:
Lower Hutt's Christmas Grotto brings holiday tales to life in a beautifully preserved heritage building. Professional storytellers weave captivating narratives, immersing visitors in a world of imagination. The event celebrates the art of oral tradition and the importance of preserving local history. Children can participate in creating their own holiday stories, guided by experienced writers. The Grotto's location in a 19th-century homestead adds an authentic historical backdrop to the experience. This unique event began in 2015 as part of Lower Hutt's efforts to revitalize its cultural offerings.
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Petone Rotary Christmas Fair (Lower Hutt)
What to Expect:
Focuses on supporting local charities and community projects
Description:
The Petone Rotary Christmas Fair turns holiday shopping into a force for good. Every purchase contributes to local charities and community projects, embodying the spirit of giving. The fair showcases Petone's strong sense of social responsibility and community engagement. Visitors can learn about various local initiatives and how their support makes a difference. The fair buzzes with the energy of volunteers and community members coming together. Since its inception in 1992, this event has raised substantial funds for numerous causes, becoming a cornerstone of Petone's holiday season.
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Tawa Christmas Parade (Tawa)
What to Expect:
Incorporates elements of Tawa's railway history
Description:
Tawa's Christmas Parade pays homage to the suburb's rich railway heritage. Floats and performances creatively incorporate train themes, celebrating Tawa's development alongside the railway line. The parade route follows the historic rail corridor, now a popular walking and cycling path. Spectators can spot vintage railway memorabilia incorporated into the festive displays. Listen for the nostalgic sound of train whistles mixed with holiday tunes. This unique parade has been running since the 1950s, evolving alongside Tawa's transformation from a rural settlement to a thriving suburb.
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Carterton Christmas Parade (Carterton)
What to Expect:
Highlights Carterton's agricultural heritage
Description:
Carterton's Christmas Parade celebrates the town's agricultural roots with a festive twist. Farm machinery decked in holiday lights and decorations roll down the main street, alongside more traditional floats. The parade showcases Carterton's proud farming community and its importance to the region. Visitors can sample local produce and artisanal foods at stalls lining the parade route. Watch for the parade's grand finale featuring a giant, decorated hay bale Christmas tree. This annual event has been uniting Carterton's rural and urban communities since the early 1900s, reflecting the town's evolving identity.
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Greytown Country Market (Greytown)
What to Expect:
Combines Victorian-era charm with modern sustainability practices
Description:
Greytown's Country Market blends the town's Victorian heritage with contemporary eco-friendly initiatives. Held in the historic main street, vendors in period costumes sell locally-sourced and sustainable products. The market emphasizes Greytown's commitment to preserving its past while embracing a green future. Visitors can participate in workshops on traditional crafts using sustainable materials. The aroma of mulled wine made from local vineyards fills the air. Established in 2005, this market has played a significant role in Greytown's reputation as a premier holiday destination in the Wairarapa region.
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Martinborough Carols by Candlelight (Martinborough)
What to Expect:
Combines wine tasting with traditional caroling
Description:
Martinborough's Carols by Candlelight event offers a unique blend of holiday tradition and wine country charm. Local wineries host caroling sessions in their vineyards, pairing classic holiday tunes with award-winning wines. The event showcases Martinborough's renowned viticulture and community spirit. Participants can join in singing while strolling through candlelit rows of grapevines. The gentle glow of candles illuminates the faces of singers and wine enthusiasts alike. This distinctive celebration began in 2008, quickly becoming a beloved holiday tradition in New Zealand's wine country.
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Martinborough Carols by Candlelight
Featherston Christmas Market (Featherston)
What to Expect:
Focuses on locally-made, artisanal food products
Description:
Featherston's Christmas Market shines a spotlight on the region's culinary artisans. Local producers offer a wide array of gourmet foods, from artisanal cheeses to small-batch preserves. The market celebrates Featherston's growing reputation as a foodie destination in the Wairarapa. Visitors can watch live cooking demonstrations using locally-sourced ingredients. Savor the complex flavors of regional specialties as you browse the stalls. Launched in 2012, this market has played a crucial role in promoting Featherston's local food scene and supporting small-scale producers in the area.