Lights, Santa, action
If your Christmas tree just isn't doing it for you, then get thee to a Christmas light display. There are hundreds of homes that have gone all-out with the LEDs and icicle lights, and these are some of the biggest - and best - around the city.
Motat Nights
Sparkling lights, live entertainment, tram rides, and wonderful displays set the scene for a magical family evening.
8pm-11pm. Motat, 805 Great North Rd. Entry is a $2 donation.
Franklin Rd
Perhaps the best-known community light display in Auckland.
Wander up and down this entertaining Ponsonby street and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Lights on until 11pm. Franklin Rd, Ponsonby. Free entry. On Facebook.
Howick Village
A spectacular Christmas lighting extravaganza and Santa will be there too.
7.30pm-9.30pm. Fencible Walkway and Picton St, Howick. $2 for over-12s.
Karaka Lakes
Last year more than 9000 people took a look at this wonderful display.
Be sure to take a ride on Santa's sleigh, too.
9pm-11pm and tomorrow, 9pm-10.30pm. Karaka Lakes. Free entry. On Facebook.
Prospect Terrace
Everything in this private home is decorated, from the roof to the lawn.
Santa and a coffee cart are on site each night, weather permitting.
8.30pm-11pm. 25 Prospect Terrace, Pukekohe. Free entry.
Titirangi village
This West Auckland village is all lit up, with Christmas lights decorating the shops of the main strip, and a variety of festive displays along the town's rooftops.
Titirangi village. Free entry.
West Auckland Hospice
Hospice House will be shining bright all week long, decorated with hundreds of stunning lights.
52 Beach Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula. Free entry.
Mistletoe Place
The aptly named Mistletoe Place, is dressing up this year.
The 10-house cul-de-sac looks mighty impressive once the sun goes down.
Mistletoe Pl, Browns Bay. Free entry.
Upper Harbour Drive
A 7m tree that lights up in time to music, a snow machine, and reindeer on the
roof - this is a great place to take the kids.
188 Upper Harbour Drive, Greenhithe. Free entry.
West Harbour
The couple who live in this festive wonderland have decorated this house for the last six years.
Make sure you visit and enjoy their hard work.
15 Lagoon Way, West Harbour. Free entry.
*All above locations are lit up until Thursday, December 24.
Play ball
SkyCity Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks
Join Breaker Nation. The Kiwi team will take on the Hawks in this epic battle. The two teams are level on the table, so it is sure to be a great night for the whole family.
Tomorrow, from 5pm. Vector Arena. Tickets from $20.
Sand between your toes
Coca-Cola Urban Beach
Queen's Wharf becomes an urban beach with more than 100 tonnes of sand being shipped to the CBD. Look out for sports competitions, live music and giveaways. Grab a drink from the beach bar and chill out in summer style.
Today and tomorrow, 11am-7pm. Queen's Wharf. Free entry. On Facebook.
Laugh out loud
Karma Snort
Snort, the late-night improv team, are back - and they want your ideas. The cast uses audience inspiration to create hilarious - and naughty - performances. No scripts, no rehearsals. No performance is the same.
Just leave the kids at home.
Tonight, 9.30pm-10.30pm. Q Theatre, Queen St. Tickets $15 on the door.
Less than a week to go
Christmas in the Vines with Sol3 Mio
Those cheeky lads are at it again. The operatic trio are taking their wonderful show to a winery and add a splash of Christmas cheer. Laughter, song and special guests, guaranteed.
Tomorrow, from 5pm. Villa Maria Estate Winery, Mangere. Tickets from $85.
Christmas Craft and Sewing Workshops
Make something for a loved one - and help the environment this Christmas as Sew Love Tea Do help turn trash into treasure.
Today and tomorrow, 11am-3pm. New Zealand Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour. Entry is free.
Christmas Jazz in the Park
Grab the picnic basket and the family for this festive jazz performance complete with plenty of space to spread out and relax.
Tonight, 5pm-8pm. Cornwall Park, below the Memorial steps. Free entry.
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
The historic Alberton revisits its early days, with Jennie Khan, Amanda Kirk, George Henare and Cathie Harrop performing Victorian stories, songs and music - just as Christmas was celebrated in this very house many years ago.
Tomorrow, from 6.30pm. Alberton Historic House, Mt Albert. Tickets $49.
Feel the Magic
Jump into an amazing augmented reality experience and be transported to another Christmas world. Choose from four playtime scenarios and, once the fun is over, take home a free photo to remember the experience.
Today and tomorrow, at Sylvia Park and Lynn Mall in Auckland, and Centre Place Shopping in Hamilton. Free entry.