The Farmers Santa Parade will bring joy to the Auckland CBD on November 30. Photo / Hannah Rolfe
The Farmers Santa Parade will bring joy to the Auckland CBD on November 30. Photo / Hannah Rolfe
See Santa in Auckland
Start the Christmas season with a meet-up with Santa as the Farmers Santa Parade returns to Auckland on Sunday November 30. At 1pm, Auckland’s streets will burst into festive colour as grand floats, lively performers, marching bands, and treasured characters fill the city with Christmas spirit.This year’s highlight is the Enchanted Woodland float, joined by children’s favourite Bluey and, of course, Santa himself.
After the parade, families can head to Santa’s Party in Aotea Square where radio hosts Jono, Ben, and Megan run an afternoon of live entertainment, amusement rides, great food, and festive activities. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, the Farmers Santa Parade remains one of New Zealand’s most cherished Christmas traditions, offering Kiwi travellers a joyful way to celebrate the season. santaparade.co.nz
The annual Famers Santa Parade returns to central Auckland on November 30. Photo / Darryl Morgan Photography
Parnell’s festive spirit is set to shine once again as the Cathedral Christmas Market returns to the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, December 9. Following a successful debut, this free, family-friendly event will fill the evening with food, music, and Christmas cheer from 5pm. Visitors can browse festive craft stalls curated by the Village Square Trust, featuring handmade gifts and artisanal treasures, while sampling bites and beverages from the Food Truck Collective.
Live performances by the Auckland City Brass will set a joyful tone, and Santa and Mrs Claus will make a special appearance for the little ones. With its warm, community atmosphere, pet-friendly vibe, and charming setting on Parnell’s leafy fringe, the market offers a perfect way for Kiwis to embrace the season of giving. parnell.net.nz/parnell-food-truck-nites
Orbit 360° Dining is inviting Kiwis to celebrate Christmas in one of the most magical settings in the country. Perched at the top of the Sky Tower, the rotating restaurant offers sweeping 360-degree views of Auckland and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. Families can gather above the city bustle to enjoy a four-course Christmas Day menu that blends seasonal flavours with a truly unforgettable setting.
The restaurant’s slow rotation brings the holiday lights of the harbour, skyline, and Hauraki Gulf into view, creating a celebration that feels both warm and wondrous. This year, guests can enjoy a special four-course Christmas Day menu, priced at $199 per adult and $99 per child, designed to bring families together over beautiful seasonal dishes. heartofthecity.co.nz/dining/dinner-auckland/orbit-360o-dining
Orbit 360° Dining serves a four-course Christmas Day feast for $199 per adult. Photo / Orbit 360° Dining
Check out Christmas in the Park
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park lights up the festive season once again as New Zealand’s biggest free Christmas celebration returns to Christchurch on November 29 and Auckland on December 13. Families and friends gather every year for this spectacular open-air concert, and 2025 promises another magical night filled with world-class performances, dazzling lights, and a grand fireworks finale.
This year’s lineup features award-winning young talents, powerhouse vocalists, and special guest performers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. For Kiwi travellers seeking a unique way to celebrate Christmas, this event provides the perfect blend of tradition, community, and excitement. coca-cola.com/nz/en/offerings/christmas-in-the-park
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park last year. Photo / Supplied
Enchanted holiday garden
Newmarket is about to sparkle brighter as Enchanted Christmas opens its doors on Teed Street from October 25 to December 24. Created by Christmas experts with twenty years of experience, this new attraction transforms a 1,000sqm space into a dreamy festive world filled with more than 200 themed trees, 150,000 lights and over 100,000 decorations. Visitors can take their time wandering through the enchanted forest, pause for photos, and enjoy a personal visit with Santa, who is on-site daily with a keepsake bauble for every child.
Visit an enchanting garden of Christmas trees. Photo / 123rf
A major highlight is the European-inspired Christmas market, open every day and packed with more than 20 artisan stalls offering unique gifts and treats. Families can also join festive workshops, paint decorations, and browse Auckland’s premium Christmas store with thousands of items. enchantedchristmas.co.nz
