What's on this weekend

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Photo / NZME.

Some of us are yet to taste our first mince pie. But the decorations are up and the countdown's begun. Twelve more sleeps.

1. Fizzing with Joy

C'mon, you know it's gonna be cheesey. You know you love it. After 21 years, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is the event we've all grown up with. Sort out public transport, grab a picnic, a blanket (maaaaybe an umbrella, who knows this summer?) and head to Auckland Domain. Ladi6, Broods and Tami Neilson, singers, dancers and musicians, that fat fella in a red suit. And the fireworks are always a cracker. Can't make it? A highlights show will broadcast tomorrow on TV3.

Details: Saturday, 7.30-10.30pm. Auckland Domain. Free.

2. Singalong

For a low-fi singalong there are Christmas Carols in Pt Chevalier and Glenfield on Saturday, Balmoral on Sunday. And stunning Christmas lights in Pukekohe. For a classier classical programme, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is celebrating with orchestral works, including Handel's Messiah, and carols by John Rutter with Teddy Tahu Rhodes and The Graduate Choir in the sublime acoustics of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Details: APO, Saturday 3pm. Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Point Chev, Saturday 5.30-6pm, Church of the Ascension; Glenfield, Saturday, 7-11pm. Marlborough Park, Chartwell Ave. Balmoral, Sunday, 5.30-7.30pm, Potters Park.
Christmas Lights House, until December 30, from 8.30pm. 25 Prospect Terrace.

3. Downtown groove

The Cloud on Queens Wharf hosts Block Party, a free art and music festival of vintage markets, live music, art everywhere, both exhibited and being made right before your eyes. There'll be dancing and workshops, games and lots and lots of delicious food. Or cross the road to Takutai Square, Britomart, for Westpac's Giving Tree: every time you make a donation it activates the tree with lights and music. There's an immersive soundscape of trees to walk through, you can even donate online for a virtual spin in a revolving tree, all to support the For Everyone Charitable Foundation. #GivingTreeNZ. The Fat Guy is also at the Sky Tower this weekend and next, with picture taking and a chocolatey treat.

Details: Until December 21. Takutai Square, Britomart, Auckland.
Sunday, 4-8pm. The Cloud, Queens Wharf, Auckland. Free. Sky Tower, this weekend 10 - 4pm, December 20 - 24. Admission fees.

4. Marching men

The New Zealand Navy is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of River Plate, the first naval battle of the Second World War. Four of the original veterans (in 1940s cars) will march, along with sailors, plus sea cadets, the pomp of the navy brass and pipes and drums bands. The 1956 movie, Battle of the River Plate, is on at Silo Park plus there's a pop-up container museum at Queens Wharf and another at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (all weekend, 10 - 5pm).

HMNZS Te Kaha frigate open to visitors at Queens Wharf (Sunday 10 - 4pm).
Parade, today from 11am - 12pm, Town Hall to Queens Wharf. Movie tonight, 9pm, Silo Park.

H.M.N.Z.S Achilles in action at the Battle of River Plate. A painting by W.W.Stewart of Auckland. Photo / NZ Herald Archive

- nzherald.co.nz