Police say many people take their eye off the ball over Christmas, giving crooks an open invite to their presents.

Nosh chefs James Paterson and Anthony Joseph serve up their summery Christmas fare with an eye to using the best ingredients.

The number of hazardous Christmas lights in New Zealand is on the decrease, but consumers still need to exercise care, according to Energy Safety Services.

Many lights designed to adorn Christmas trees could cause serious injury or death, according to secret tests revealed today.

Festive bread and butter pudding

About a quarter of a million people lined the streets of downtown Auckland yesterday to welcome Santa.

Countless thousand spectators jammed Auckland's inner-city streets this afternoon for the 76th annual Santa Parade.

Retailers hope to persuade shoppers to spend at least $250 million more than during last year's festive season.

After weeks of speculation, the wraps over Santa's face have come off to reveal a younger, motionless, jolly fat man.

As the Christmas season approaches, now is a good time to consider the glories of Champagne.

This festive season will see the 12 days of Christmas take on a new twist for a dozen deserving charities.

If you are, say, sitting at home alone, maybe doing your GST ... and you hear ... the sounds of people having a good time, you should be legally allowed to wander over and join in the fun.