From our public squares to the laneways and beyond, Christmas festivities are all around in the city centre this year! Planning on a visit to embrace the magic? Let us help you with our trail map so you can see it all with ease. This trail can be reversed too, depending on where you want to start!
✨ Click here to use our interactive map! ✨
Start downtown
Christmas in Te Komititanga | Lower Queen Street
Don't miss pop-up festive performances in and around an incredible Christmas pavilion in the heart of Te Komititanga every week from November 24 until Christmas Eve. While there, be sure to get your picture in front of three giant baubles and a fabulous light forest too! See more, here.
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.
Commercial Bay Christmas Market | Lower Queen Street
Taking place on the first two Thursdays and Saturdays (2, 7, 9 & 14) of December, Commercial Bay's Christmas market will feature giveaways, face painting, Santa visits, gift wrapping and more. Find out more here.
Santa's Mail Machine | Commercial Bay
If you've got kids in tow, be sure to visit Santa's special Mail Machine located on both level 1 & 2 of Commercial Bay. Write a wish list, pop it in the machine and watch as it shoot off to the North Pole! You may even win your wish list! See more, here.
Head further up Queen Street
Neon shapes, Christmas doves and a neon star | Queen St, Vulcan Lane and Freyberg Place
As you make your way up Queen St, look up to see neon lights in festive shapes and spot Christmas dove decorations in Vulcan Lane. Take a quick turn off Queen Street and into Freyberg Place to spot a giant neon Christmas star on the steps - perfect for a festive 'gram.
Christmas on Queen Street
Every Saturday in December between 11am-3pm, you'll find Queen Street humming with all the Christmas feels. Be delighted by free pop-up performances from carnival bands to community choirs, DJs and more. Plus, join interactive workshops and chance upon tinsel monsters giving away free ice creams and doughnuts! See more here.
Christmas on Queen Street is brought to you by Auckland Council and Heart of the City and is supported by the city centre targeted rate.
Festive windows | Smith & Caughey's
This iconic Christmas window display needs no introduction! This year's display is based on the fabulous children's picture book 'The Twelve Elves of Christmas' - count and sing along through the twelve days of Christmas as more and more of Santa's little helpers assemble to get all the jobs done in time! See more here.
Enchanted forest at Smith & Caughey's
Santa has made his way to Smith & Caughey's to meet all the little ones. This magical experience is a festive event not to be missed. Bookings essential - book here.
Check out what's on at Aotea Square
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square | 9-21 Dec
Auckland Live are bringing Christmas cheer to Aotea Square this December with a festive programme of free whānau-friendly performances and experiences. From brass bands and choirs to Christmas karaoke, an outdoor screening of Home Alone and an imagination playground, there's so much to warm even the Grinch's festive spirit. See more here.
Then jingle all the way to SkyCity
Scotty's Christmas Spectacular Show | Base of the Sky Tower
SkyCity's very own Scotty Sky Tower, his two best gingerbread friends and dancers are putting on a special Christmas show this holiday season. Join in on the fun every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas Eve!
A large-scale Christmas tree and nutcrackers
Don't miss large-scale decorations around the SkyCity area this festive season, perfect for photo opportunities with the kids. Plus, meet Santa for a free photo every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-7pm.
World's Highest Post Box | Sky Tower, included with admission
Write a letter to Santa, take it 220 metres up, and post it from the world’s highest letterbox! Plus, don't forget to visit the WONKA workshop where the little ones imaginations will run wild!
See all of SkyCity's Christmas activations, here.
