VILLAGE CHRISTMAS
Mt Eden comes over all Christmassy today, with an annual family event including a Christmas Tree Decorating Fiesta and Christmas Fete. The street will come alive with carol singers and a band, roving performers, fairies, a craft market, and of course, Santa. At the Village Green, kids are welcomed to decorate their own mini Christmas trees.
Today, 11am-3pm, along Mt Eden Rd in the Village, Mt Eden. The tree decorating fiesta is from noon-1pm on the Village Green, Essex Rd Reserve, Mt Eden. It's a donation of $10 per tree, with materials provided. Trees can be reserved by emailing admin@mounteden.co.nz. See mounteden.co.nz for details.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Pakuranga Choral Society is welcoming the festive season with a programme of joyous music. The Christmas concert will be a mixture of New Zealand and international hits, with special guests Howick Primary School Choir under the direction of Christina Bevan. Soloists Christina Orjis (soprano) and Clinton Fung (baritone), and organist Michael Bell complete the line-up. Conducted by David Hamilton.
Tomorrow, 2pm, All Saints Church, Howick. Door sales: adults $25, seniors $20, students $10.
ANNO DOMINI
Inspired by rooftop events popular in New York and throughout Europe, Anno Domini proved in 2015/16 it could deliver on its promise of providing Aucklanders a purposefully curated yet relaxed afternoon event series, mixing together great music, food and drink. Held on the East Terrace of Auckland Art Gallery, Anno Domini quickly became one of most in-demand events in Auckland selling out all four events receiving rave reviews. UK DJ Ben UFO and Melbourne dance music heavyweight Tornado Wallace will kick off the first event of the 2016/17 season, Tomorrow, at the East Terrace of the Auckland Art Gallery.
It kicks off at 2pm and tickets are from www.justtheticketnz.com and Eventfinder.
ISLAND LIFE
Carols by candlelight are one thing, but carols by the sea sounds much more Kiwi to us. Get the experience at Waiheke Island this weekend, with Waiheke Carols by the Sea. The free event features music and singing by Pat Urlich and the V12 Men's choir, Sister Shout, the Children's Choir and the Waiheke Choral Society, vintage amusements and a colourful children's parade. Picnic blankets are encouraged.
Today, 5pm-7pm, Little Oneroa Beach, Waiheke Island. Then carry on the fun tomorrow with the Waiheke Santa Parade, 3pm-7pm, Oneroa, Waiheke Island.
NEXT FRIDAY
It will be the first Bollywood film to be shown at Silo Park, and is the third movie in the summer series at Wynyard Quarter. Bajirao Mastani is an epic historical romance that celebrates the visual brilliance of Hindi cinema. It will be accompanied by delicious Indian and Southern Asian food, henna, music, and activities from Humm FM, Indiance and Sikh Youth New Zealand.
December 16, 5pm-late, Silo Park, corner of Beaumont St and Jellicoe St, Auckland. Free. See silopark.co.nz for more info.
STARDOME
If you want to look higher than the top of the tree this Christmas, Stardome Observatory's Christmas Night Sky show could be for you. It features all the usual astronomical highlights, with added Christmas sugar and spice - including a talk about the significance of the Christmas star and the little-known Christmas tree in the sky. After the show you can peep through courtyard telescopes and the large Zeiss telescope.
Until December 24, Wed-Sun 8pm-9pm, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Rd, Auckland. Adults $15, children $12, family $40. See stardome.org.nz
NEXT WEEK
There's nothing worse than being trapped in a concrete jungle when you'd rather be at the beach - so Coca-Cola is bringing the beach to the city. Urban Beach is a space that aims to bring summer alive in the CBD - with live music and DJs, beach sports action, and room to chill. There will be live crosses from radio stations ZM, the Hits, Flava, and iheart Radio, and supporters include NZME and Ateed.
December 17-23, 11am-7pm, Queens Wharf. Free.
PUZZLES PAST
Remember a time when the family gathered together for board game fun? Well that sense of camaraderie can be felt every Sunday at Motat this month. Bring back those days of yore by exploring the antique games and puzzles on display, and learn about the evolution of the concept of "play" throughout history.
Today and tomorrow and every Saturday and Sunday in December, 10am-5pm, Motat: 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland. Normal Motat admission fees apply. See motat.org.nz
HOLIDAY READING
The school holidays are almost upon us and Auckland Libraries' Kia Maia Te Whai/Dare To Explore activity booklet is a fun way to keep kids reading. There are more than 60 activities to complete at home, on holiday, at the library, on the internet or with friends. Last year more than 12,000 kids took the programme, offered in English and Te Reo Maori.
Online registrations open on Monday at aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/daretoexplore
