December Events in New Zealand
There are some great events being held in and around the merry month of December in New Zealand, which are perfect for all the family to enjoy including: wine and food festivals, sports events, concerts and of course, Christmas! We've picked out just a few to give you an idea of just how varied these can be – from soap boxes to Santas, from cricket to carolling – December is a great month to enjoy the best of New Zealand entertainment.
Christmas and December Events
- Christmas in the Park – The annual Coca Cola Christmas in the Park events are once again being held in Christchurch (27th November) and Auckland (11th December). These free outdoor concerts feature top class entertainment and attract big crowds. Fun, free and great for the family – pack a picnic!
- 7in7 Challenge – This seven day trail-running event (28th November to 4th December) is recreational rather than competitive, although participants need to be able to keep up. The seven trails run through the beautiful Southern Lakes District, home to three 'Great Walks' including the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks...(more)
- Pohutukawa Festival – Named for New Zealand's beautiful red-bloomed trees, this festival (19th November - 5th December) on the Coromandel Peninsula includes The Whangamata Jazz, Arts and Blues Festival, the Coromandel Dive Festival, the Thames Heritage Homes Trail and the Pohutukawa Wearable Arts.
- Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra – Christmas concerts on 10th and 12th December at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell (Auckland) include the specially assembled children's choir and end with a candlelit rendition of Silent Night.
- Soap Box Derby – A great fun day for all the family in Gisborne as over 100 soap boxes karts take on the 1.5-kilometre route. Will they make it? Find out on Sunday 19th December...(more)
- Fiesta of Lights – If you're in Hastings, between the 19th December and 8th January, tune in to the radio and take a lakeside drive at the Hawke's Bay A & P Showgrounds to watch thousands of fairy lights displays animated to music. You'll see displays of diving penguins, jumping fish, spurting whales and a host of colourful sea creatures.
- Concerts for Conservation – From the 28th December onwards, a series of concerts combining passion for great causes and great music is being held in North Island beauty spots where concert-goers can enjoy beaches, walks, swimming and water-based activities before the concert begins.
New Zealand Christmas – 25th December
Unlike Christmas in the northern hemisphere, celebrating Christmas in New Zealand is all about being outdoors, whether it's for a Santa parade, beach barbecue, outdoor carol concert or Christmas party. There are loads of fun, free and family Christmas-themed events held throughout New Zealand's suburbs, districts, towns and cities during December. To find out what, where and when, simply check the listings in local newspapers, look out for street notices and fliers or visit local libraries and information sites.
Find out more about New Zealand Christmas traditions.
