Auckland Christmas 2025
Discover Auckland’s best Christmas lights and outdoor events this December. Stay close to the festivities at Parkside Hotel.
This December, Auckland’s city centre lights up in true Kiwi-Christmas style and staying at Parkside Hotel puts you right in the heart of the action. From giant advent columns on Queen Street to festive markets and sparkling bridge lights, here are the best outdoor experiences to enjoy, and why your stay at Parkside is the perfect base.
What’s on This Christmas in Auckland
Giant Advent Columns on Queen Street
Starting 1 December 2025, five interactive neon columns will line Queen Street (from Aotea Square toward the waterfront). Created by artist Angus Muir, each column has a different theme: Santa’s Workshop, Festive Forest, Under the Sea, Kiwi Christmas, and Christmas Feast. Kids (and adults) can press buttons, turn knobs, discover lights and sounds, plus there’s a “juke box” in the Feast column, elf phone booths, and more. A QR code helps guide visitors to explore the interactive features.
Sparkle Hour on the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Vector Lights returns with a spectacular light-and-sound show. From 12 December to 25 December, there’s a “Kiwi Christmas” show on the bridge, playing every 15 minutes from 9pm to 11:45pm. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights (outside of the Kiwi Christmas window), there’s a new twinkling “Sparkle Hour” at the start of every hour between 9pm and midnight. Great viewing spots include Little Shoal Bay, Westhaven Marina, and Silo Park.
Auckland’s Giant Christmas Tree
The 18.4 metre Christmas tree (“Te Manaaki”) returns to Te Komititanga, lower Queen Street. With 10,000 sparkling LED lights, 4,000 pōhutukawa flowers and 200 giant baubles, the giant tree is truly something to experience in person. It’s lit daily from 6pm until 4 January, with a five-minute projection show every 10 minutes.
Te Manaaki – Auckland’s Giant Christmas Tree
Downtown Christmas Market & Card-Making
On 13 December 2025, there is a free Christmas Market at Te Komititanga and Takutai Square. Local artisans, makers, and retailers bring handcrafted gifts, with food and festive goods also available. Also on Queens Wharf, there will be a free Christmas card-making workshop for kids (materials provided).
Christmas Pavilion
As part of Christmas in Aotea Square, there will be 24 days (28 Nov – 21 Dec) of free live music, circus, visual arts, karaoke, and family fun. The iconic “Pavilion” (nicknamed The Pav) will be in Aotea Square, creating a glowing structure for performances and gathering.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Catch the festive magic of The Nutcracker with the 2025 production in Auckland from 4-13 December 2025. This seasonal ballet is perfect for families and holiday-goers looking for a classic Christmas performance in the city. It’s an elegant, festive experience and a great alternative for a memorable holiday outing.
The Nutcracker – RNZB
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
On 31 December 2025, fireworks will be launched from the Sky Tower at midnight; a highly anticipated display. Watching the fireworks can be a magical way to ring in the New Year.
Auckland Sky Tower – New Year's Eve Fireworks Display
Stay at Parkside Hotel and Apartments this Christmas
Unbeatable Location: You’re just a short walk away from Queen Street’s lights, Aotea Square, and the waterfront.
Evening Access: After Sparkle Hour or the Christmas tree show, walk back easily for a relaxing night in.
Festive Comfort: Use Parkside as your home base to explore, shop, and enjoy Christmas in Auckland without worrying about transport.
Celebrate your Christmas with us and book your stay with us today!
