Christmas in Auckland

If you like to sing Christmas carols with friends and family then look out for the five free Christmas events provided by us and sponsored this year by New Zealand Community Trust.

With four in the city and one on Waiheke Island everyone should be able to exercise their vocal chords in the spirit of Christmas.

You can start celebrating Christmas early with the Farmers Santa Parade in November, or if you want something a little smaller or a bit different then try the local community parades.

If you want some summer sun, why not take a ferry to Waiheke or Great Barrier Islands and cheer on their Santa parades in the sun.

Family at Carols by Candle light Children singing Christmas carols

These free annual events give people the chance to celebrate Christmas in their local community with carols and candlelight.


Sunday 30 November 2008		Farmers Santa parade

Friday 5 December 2008		Onehunga Christmas Lights 7pm - 9pm Jellicoe Park, Onehunga A long-running popular event that has attracted huge growth in the last few years. The local school, church and community groups that are extremely well received by around 3,000 people provide a diverse programme of entertainment. The traditional lighting of the tree in the park is a much-anticipated finale to the evening.

Friday 12 December 2008		Carols by Candlelight at Western Park 7pm - 10pm Western Park, Ponsonby An upbeat concert celebrating Christmas Ponsonby-style, featuring local musicians, entertainers, church and school choirs. A new event in 2006 that was warmly received by the local community and attended by around 1,000 people.

Saturday 13 December 2008		Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park Otahuhu Christmas Celebrations 10am - noon Venue TBC Otahuhu Join in the Christmas festivities in the heart of Otahuhu with carol singing, face-painting, clowns and a special visit from Santa! Carols by candlelight - Waiheke 7pm - 10pm Little Oneroa Beach Reserve Waiheke Island Join us in an evening of song, including carols performed by a talented array of Waiheke musicians and the community sing-a-long, all on one of Waiheke's favourite beaches under a Waiheke starry sky! For transport options visit Sealink. View information about other Gulf islands events. Waiheke Santa parade Oneroa Village Waiheke Island Come along and be part of this creative and colourful community parade, combined with the friendly island atmosphere, making this unique event a special festive day in paradise! View information about other Gulf islands events.

Sunday 14 December 2008		Carols by candlelight - Three Kings Reserve 7pm - 9pm Three Kings Reserve A traditional event, which has incorporated a more contemporary feel over the past couple of years. It attracts around 1,500 people and is well patronised by the local politicians who distribute candles and song sheets. Glow-sticks are on sale. Carols by candlelight - St Heliers 6.45pm - 8.45pm St Heliers Primary School This event has been going now for over 30 years attracting around 1,000 people each year. Originally held in the Adventist hospital grounds, then Madills Farm and now in the grounds of St Heliers school. There is quite a traditional feel to this event and Santa is present of course. Carols by Spiderlight - Avondale 7pm - 9pm Town Square Come along to this unique multicultural Christmas celebration, join in the carols sing-a-long, enjoy local performances and a visit from Santa.

Sunday 21 December 2008		Carols by candlelight - Mt Eden 7pm - 9.30pm Potters Park, Balmoral This event has more of a contemporary feel than the other Carols by Candlelight, attracting around 2,500 people. Music is usually provided by the Queen City Big Band with some children's entertainers early on and Santa attends. Candles are distributed to adults and glow-sticks are on sale.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for Christmas events in Auckland 2008 is currently under review. Contact us for further information.

Updated October 2008