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With so much festive entertainment on in the Auckland region over the next few weeks, we've done the research for you and come up with ten must-dos to complete your Christmas countdown.
1. Christmas at the Zoo
The Penguins of Madagascar, Santa's grotto and carolling elves are only some of what will make this year's Christmas at the Zoo an extra special one.
Join the fun at Auckland Zoo on Saturday 6 December from 5pm-8pm, and you could win one of many prizes up for grabs.
Enjoy the festivities, check out the summer fun, waddle to the Penguins of Madagascar interactive activity centre or have your photo taken with Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private.
There will also be the hugely popular Singing Santa show and the guest of honour, Santa Claus, will once again arrive in style for his starring role.
Along with the Christmas concert, there are special scheduled animal encounters and surprise up-close encounters with the animals.
2. Christmas Parades
Heralding the start of the Christmas season, Farmers Santa Parade will head down Queen Street in the CBD on November 30.
If it rains the parade will be held the week after on December 7.
The parade will start on Mayoral Drive then head along Queen Street, Customs Street West and Albert Street.
The Christmas cheer continues straight after the parade at Santa's Party - a party for everyone.
There will be a whole line-up of family entertainment with singing, dancing, character costumes and Santa himself.
When: Sunday 30 November (rain date: 7 December)
Parade: 2pm
Santa's Party: 3.15pm-5.30pm, Aotea Square
Where: Parade route: Mayoral Drive, Queen Street, Customs Street West and Albert Street
Cost:Free
there are plenty of other parads around the region, along with Christmas carols and fairs. For a full comprehensive list, head here.
3. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
Gather your friends and family for a magical night under the stars and enjoy star-studded entertainment and fabulous fireworks on the happiest night of the year!
This year, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is celebrating 21 years and proudly supporting Youthline - developing and supporting young people across New Zealand.
When: Saturday 13 December, 7.30pm
Where: Auckland Domain
Cost: Free
4. MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights
Celebrate Christmas magic every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the two week lead up to Christmas with the annual 'MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights' event.
Sparkling lights, live entertainment, tram rides, Christmas displays and Christmas treats, provide the scene for a truly magical evening with your family in the lead up to Christmas. Entry is only a $2 gold coin donation with all proceeds going towards children's gifts for charity.
Bring along the family to experience the festivities and take a night time tram ride and support those in need at Christmas.
When: 8pm - 11pm 12 - 14 December and 19 - 24 December
Where: MOTAT, Western Springs
5. Wynyard Christmas Quarter
From Friday 5 December, children of all ages will be able to visit Santa's incredible customised bach (built into Silo 7); helping Santa and his team get ready for the big delivery night on 24 December.
ASB Santa's Bach embraces the true spirit of Christmas by asking families to bring a gold coin donation or a present for Santa to gift to Auckland City Mission.
Silo Cinema returns in December where you can catch all your favourite Christmas classics every Friday night. Alongside the Cinema, pop by the Christmas-themed Silo Markets and collect gifts and goodies especially for the festive season.
The Wynyard Christmas Quarter will host fun-filled family events, with a myriad of food vendors, Christmas Markets, music and surprises.
When: 5-24 December, times vary
Where: Silo Park, Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter
Cost: Free
6. Stardome Great Christmas Giveback
See a show this December and get $5 entry by bringing along a donated item for the Auckland City Mission or Auckland SPCA.
Bookings are essential so call 09 624 1246 or email info@stardome.org.nz to book a space and mention that you'll be giving back this Christmas.
Further details including a list of items that are useful for the charities can be found on Stardome's website.
When: Planetarium shows from 1-24 December 2014 (conditions apply)
Where: Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
One Tree Hill Domain, 670 Manukau Road
Cost: $5 entry with a donated item
Booking details:Bookings essential - call 09 6241246 or email info@stardome.org.nz
7. Twilight Magic - A Christmas Fayre
When the ambiance of a Victorian village and the bonhomie of its villagers combines with candlelight and carols, a magical twilight is inevitable.
Bring your friends and family to Howick Historical Village and indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping at our craft stalls.
Enjoy some delicious tasty treats, such as our ever popular plumb pudding, sing some carols and feast your eyes on the cottages as they will be decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations.
When:Saturday 6 December, 6pm-9pm
Where: Howick Historical Village, Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga
Cost: Special admission fee applies
Booking details: village@fencible.org.nz
8. Festive Family fun day
Get ready for the Christmas holidays with a Festive Family Fun Day at the Maritime Museum to keep the whole family entertained.
You can try your hand at kite flying, make a Christmas craft, dress up in a costume, have a go at the rubbings table, and say hello to the big man himself - Santa Claus.
With lots more activities on and off the water, as well as the chance to go kayaking, it's a great way to celebrate the start of the silly season.
When: Saturday 13 December, 10am-5pm
Where: New Zealand Maritime Museum, Corner Quay and Hobson streets, Viaduct Harbour
Cost: Gold coin donation
Sailings priced separately
9. APO Celebrate Christmas
An enchanting performance of your favourite Christmas music with special guest opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes performing Vaughan Williams's haunting Fantasia on Christmas Carols.
Enjoy the beauty and joy of the full orchestra and The Graduate Choir in the acoustics of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Share the magic with friends, family and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra this Christmas.
When: Friday 12 December, 7.30pm and Saturday 13 December, 3pm
Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Corner St Stephens Ave and Parnell Road, Parnell
Cost: $26-$59
Booking details: Book online http://apo.co.nz/ or call 09 623 1052
10. Santa at Smith and Caugheys
Santa returns to Smith and Caugheys, but children will have to walk through an enchanted forest to find him.
He'll be in store from 26 November to 24 December.
For full times head here
The ticketing booth and queue to visit Santa's Enchanted Forest is by the lifts on the ground floor of our Queen Street store.
Prices from $8 per person.
Even in our biggest city, there are still ways to get away from it all.