The city centre is coming alive with Christmas activations and festivities this November and December, including a multitude of lighting displays worth a trip in to see when the sun sets. Pair these sites with a cocktail from a rooftop bar or a festive show, and you're in for an extra special night!
Christmas pavilion in Te Komititanga
Back for its second year, check out the fabulous pop-up pavilion in the heart of Te Komititanga, the public square at the bottom of Queen Street (outside Commercial Bay and the Chief Post Office building). It's home to festive performances across the festive season but also glows bright in the evenings, adorned with over 900 LED lights!
Christmas in Te Komititanga is brought to you by Auckland Council and Heart of the City and is supported by the city centre targeted rate.
Light Forest in Te Komititanga
This fun, illuminating light forest installation takes pride of place in Te Komititanga this year. Check it out while you're down admiring the epic pop-up Christmas pavilion!
Queen Street lights
In partnership with Auckland Council and Vector, the tree up-lights on Queen Street from Customs Street up to Victoria Street including Vulcan Lane bring more night time vibrancy to the city centre streets. The LED tree lights are turning red and green this festive season.
Neon shapes in Freyberg Place
A giant neon star adorns the Freyberg Steps this festive season, glowing extra bright at night! Stand or sit at its base for a great snap for your feeds!
Farmers building light display
Stroll up from Freyberg place to Farmers and check out the brightly-lit Farmers building bringing colour and light to Queen Street.
Smith & Caughey's Christmas windows
Awesome for viewing in the daytime too, this festive attraction is a must-see every year. Stand underneath the sparkling fairy lights after the sun sets to catch them in a new, dramatic light.
Light show on the Sky Tower
The biggest Christmas tree in Auckland this festive season will be lit up in green and red in the 12 days to Santa's arrival on Christmas day.
Vector Lights on the Harbour Bridge
Brighten up your nights this December with a spectacular light show on the Harbour Bridge. This festive season, count down the 12 days to Christmas with a uniquely Kiwi show that will ring out Christmas cheer and brighten the night sky to make sure Santa and his reindeer can make their way across Tāmaki Makaurau. The light and sound show plays every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. Starting on Wednesday December 13, it runs from 9pm until midnight every night to Christmas Eve. Each show is around 5 minutes long and will repeat every 15 minutes. See more, here.
Embark on a free trail to discover 20+ decorations and activations that have popped up around the city centre using our new interactive map - click the image below to get started!
