NZ Herald Headlines | Thursday December 4, 2025.
Video / NZ Herald
Hastings and Napier are set to light up with Christmas parades, concerts, carols and markets this weekend.
With events taking place in Napier, Hastings, Taradale, and Havelock North there is sure to be something for those looking to kick start the summer festive season.
Friday’s festivities start with theNapier Night Fiesta, taking place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at Memorial Square.
Napier events will spread the joy of Christmas this weekend. Photo / Jack Riddell
Napier City Council said on social media “It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy week”.
“Find your spot under the palms in beautiful Memorial Square for a laidback evening of live music, delicious food and great company with friends and whānau.”
The cheer continues into the weekend with Christmas in Taradale on Saturday, from 9am to noon, offering selfies with Santa, bounces on inflatables, face painting, live music and competitions and free parking all day.
Christmas At The Park invites families to bring picnics and enjoy the show.
On Saturday the annual Christmas At The Park returns to Park Island, Napier, with gates to open at 3pm.
This year’s headliners The Narcs and Kim Willoughby, will be joined by a variety of local artists and musical talent, singing Christmas songs, covers and original tunes.
Also on offer is an array of food trucks, kids activities and a fireworks show.
The Napier Christmas Parade takes to the street on Sunday at 1pm followed by the Christmas Fiesta at Memorial Square, Lower Emerson St.
JR Automotive with the Gingerbread House float that won first prize at the 2024 Napier Christmas Parade.
Napier City Council suggested those out and about for the festivities keep an eye out for Santa’s Grotto, Bay Batucada, Funk n Soul Family, Giant Bubbles, street circus performances and aerialists, cheerleaders, dancers and food trucks.
The Wonder Christmas Market is on for those looking to do a bit of pre-Christmas shopping on Sunday at Waikoko Gardens, Kenilworth Rd, Hastings, from 9am to 3pm.
The market, with a $5 entry fee, offers a festive blend of local craftsmanship with over 90 creative stalls, food trucks, live music and a bar with cocktails.
For those looking to continue with the festivities, Carols on the Green returns to Havelock North Village Green, on the corner of Napier Rd and Karanema Drive, Havelock North from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday.
Organised by St Columba’s Presbyterian Church Havelock North, the celebration includes Santa, Christmas gifts for children and a free sausage sizzle.
This year’s musical programme will feature performances by the Men in Black jazz group, the Bay Cities’ Symphonic Band, opera singer Dianne Abraham, and Hawke’s Bay bagpiper Kieran Chisnall and a choir and ukulele group from Havelock North Primary School.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
